Eagle Rock Loop

Hike Name: Eagle Rock Loop Location: southwest AR Length: 26 Submitted by: Butch Berry Date Submitted: 0/0/00 Rating:	more Arkansas trail reviews Arkansas national parks Arkansas state parks
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Description
This is an excellent weekend loop hike that has a good combination of easy, moderate, and difficult trails. There are many trail access points but I like to start either at Albert Pike Campground or at the Little Missouri Falls. The loop combines the Little Missouri Trail, Viles Branch Trail, and the Athens-Big Fork Trail.
The Little Missouri Trail follows the Little Missouri river from about 4 miles above the Little Missouri Falls down to Albert Pike camprground and then on to a place called Winding Stairs Recreation Area. This is an easy and very scenic trail with a total distance of about 15 miles.
The Viles Branch Trail is actually a horse trail (watch your step) that follows the Viles Branch Creek. Our section for this hike is only about 5 miles long but the actual trail is much longer. Very easy deep woods hiking but be prepared for some wet crossings of the creek.
The Athens-Big Fork Trail is the one that makes this hike a challenge. It follows an old mail route and is very, very steep. The trail climbs up and over 6 different mountains in its 8 miles of the loop. These climbs and descents are very brutal and the summer heat and humidity could be very dangerous for those not in good shape. If you can make the climbs there are some spectacular views for you.
All of the trails have plenty of access to water if you can filter it yourself.
There is a very good guide book available called "Arkansas Hiking Trails" by Tim Ernst that has an excellent step by step guide of the Eagle Rock Loop plus the Little Missouri Trail and Athen-Big Fork Trail as well as many other trails in Arkansas.

Directions to Hike
From I-30 take U.S. Hwy 71 north to just past Locksburg, AR. Turn right on Hwy 70. Follow Hwy 70 to State Hwy 369 (just past the Little Missouri River bridge). Turn left on 369 and follow it to the Albert Pike Campground.

Contact Information
Caddo Ranger District
P.O. Box 369
Glenwood, Ar. 71943
501-356-4186

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