Reconnect With Nature Along The Gorgeous Eagle Rock Backpacking Trail In Arkansas
By Carol Ann Carson|Published February 23, 2021
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Carol Ann Carson
Author
Arkansas native, Carol Ann Carson, has written for OnlyInYourState for three years now. She resides in Western Arkansas' Mountain Frontier but calls NWA home as well. The graduate of University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, Carol Ann earned her B.A. in English and will soon be pursing her M.A. in Library Science. She loves exploring the trails around the Buffalo National River and has yet to find a waterfall that wasn't her favorite.
The Ozark Highlands Trail isn’t the only backpacking trail in Arkansas! One you need to explore is Eagle Rock Loop in the Ouachitas. This collection of paths creates a gorgeous tour through the forest, mountains, and even waterfalls. Spend a couple of nights trekking through trees or pick a trailhead for a shorter adventure. Let’s explore this beautiful route:
Why should you explore Eagle Rock Loop? Because sometimes you need more than just a walk in the park!
This beautiful trail is not only one of Arkansas' best trails - it's also the longest! Eagle Rock is the state's longest loop with chances to reconnect with nature around every turn.
The loop consists of three trails: Little Missouri, Athens-Big Fork, and a portion of Viles Branch Horse Trail.
The trail, if taken in its entirety, is best for experienced hikers. The path has a mix of easy to difficult sections that include rugged mountains and multiple stream crossings.
Portions of Eagle Rock were developed along wagon roads as well as the original postal route. Thank to local nature lovers including the Forest Service and conservation groups, the trail stays well-maintained throughout the year.
Instead of one defining feature, Eagle Rock has multiple areas of stunning beauty.
This is merely the beginning to your Eagle Rock adventures! Plan ahead by visiting the Forest Service website as well as investing in a weatherproof map. A GPS-friendly map of the trail can be found here.
We’d love to hear about your Eagle Rock Loop experience! Did you just take a portion of the trail or backpack the whole thing? Tell us in the comments below and feel free to add your photos in our Facebook group, Arkansas Nature Lovers. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why there’s nothing better than Arkansas’ stunning nature.
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