Five Minute Video Guide to Hiking the Eagle Rock Loop

One of our favorite hikes in Arkansas so far is the Eagle Rock Loop, a 30 mile loop trail hike in the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas. The Eagle Rock Loop is not a single trail, but is made up  of a combination of several trails including the Little Missouri, the Athens-Big Fork, and part of the Viles Branch Horse Trails.

Five Minute Guide to Hiking the Eagle Rock Loop

The Eagle Rock Loop is located in the southwestern portion of the Ouachita National Forest. Along the way, the Eagle Rock Loop has numerous river, stream and creek crossings and travels over nine mountains and ridges. Some of the water crossings on the Eagle Rock Loop can be difficult, if not impossible at higher water levels, so it's important to check those before beginning your hike. The most difficult crossings involve the Little Missouri River near the junction of the Viles Branch and Little Missouri Trails.

We hiked the 30 mile Eagle Rock Loop in 2 1/2 days. We began late (5pm) on a Sunday evening at the Winding Stairs Trailhead, hiked in a few miles to a campsite just past the Albert Pike Recreation Area (heading in a counter clockwise direction on the Eagle Rock Loop). The next day was roughly 14 miles to a campsite alongside Long Creek. The last day was another 14 or so miles back to our truck at the Winding Stairs Trailhead.

For experienced hikers, we could see this hike easily being a two day hike (if you’re able to get an early start). For even more experienced hikers, it would be possible to do the Eagle Rock Loop as a single long day. We’d suggest not in the summer though - that’s what really made us slow down and take it somewhat easy for the backpacking trip.

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For More Information

• We have a more in-depth written guide and video for the Eagle Rock Loop hike.

• The National Forest Service maintains a really good web page for the Eagle Rock Loop that includes trail descriptions and maps.

• For our hike of the Eagle Rock Loop, we utilized the FarOut app, has an Eagle Rock Loop map as a paid trail download.

• AllTrails also included info on the Eagle Rock Loop.

• You'll notice no one seems to agree on the total distance. We had a touch over 30 miles, but that included the side trips that we took to view points and swimming spots.

• A heads up that the water crossings on the Eagle Rock Loop can be difficult, if not impossible at higher water levels, so it's important to check those before beginning your hike

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Backpacking Gear We Used on the Eagle Rock Loop Hike

• Goodr Sunglasses

• Osprey Levity Backpack

• Gregory Zulu Backpack

• Black Diamond Trail Back Trekking Poles

• Revelation APEX | Lightweight Synthetic Quilt

• REI Co-op Magma Trail Quilt 30

• Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL MtnGLO Tent

• ENO Hammock

• Featherstone El Cordion Sleeping Pad

• NEMO Tensor Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad

• MSR PocketRocket 2 Stove

• Snow Peak 450ml Titanium Mug

• Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter

• CNOC Vecto Water Container

• Bearvault BV500 Bear Resistant Food Canister

• Altra Lone Peak 5 Shoes

• Deliberate Life Designs Sandals

• Darn Tough Midweight Hiking Socks

• Patagonia Nine Trails Shorts

• EMS Techwick Essentials Sleeveless Tee

• prAna Slope Shorts

• Energizer LED Headlamp

• Garmin Instinct Watch

• Garmin InReach Explorer+ GPS

Hydration and nutrition for the Eagle Rock Loop hike:

• The Complete Cookie

• Gatorade Endurance Carb Energy Chews

• GU Energy Roctane Ultra Endurance Energy Drink

• Jelly Belly Sport Beans - Energizing Jelly Beans

• GU Energy Roctane Ultra Endurance Energy Drink Mix

• NUUN Sport + Hydration Tablets

• Knorr Rice Sides (various flavors)

• StarKist Premium White Chicken

• StarKist Tuna

• Spam Singles

• Instant Oatmeal

• Starbucks Via Instant Coffee

Some product links are affiliate links and we earn from qualifying purchases. Others are links through the Amazon Influencer program and as an Amazon Influencer, we earn from qualifying purchases. Still others, we just want you to know about some good gear we enjoy!

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Important Hiking Considerations:

• Weather: Check the weather forecast before your hike and be prepared for changes in conditions. 

• Safety: Some sections of the trail can be steep and rocky, so use caution and watch your footing.

• Leave No Trace: As with any outdoor activity, remember to follow the principles of Leave No Trace. Pack out any trash, stay on the trail, and be respectful of the natural environment.