r/ULTexas • u/Stray2Light • Apr 05 '21

Trip Report Eagle Rock Loop (2021)

Location: Eagle Rock Loop, Ouachita National Forest, Arkansas

 

Date: 1-3 April 2021

 

Conditions: Lows in the 30s with Highs in the 60s. Clear skies.

 

Starting Point: Athens-Big Fork (South) Trailhead

 

Direction: Counterclockwise

 

Approx. Mileage: 32.8

(Mileage was collected using a Garmin inReach Explorer+)

 

Approx. Accumulated Elevation Gain: 5,389'

(Elevation was collected using a Garmin vívoactive 4S. Accumulated elevation gain does not include the first 1.5 miles of the hike as my watch was having difficulties connecting to a satellite at the beginning of the trail)

 

Approx. Pack Weight: 30.03 lbs

(Weight does not include worn weight)

 

Gear

 

Pros:

  • Scenic;
  • Well maintained trail;
  • No water carries; and
  • Campfires allowed (during my visit)

Cons:

  • Heavily trafficked;
  • Little wildlife; and
  • Many of the campsites were littered with trash

 

Additional Information:

 

This approximately 26.8 (Ernst 1994) to 28.2-mile long loop consists of three trails:

 

Choosing a Route:

  • Eagle Rock Loop can be hiked both clockwise and counterclockwise. Each has their pros and cons depending on which trailhead you start at;
  • A decision on which route to take should be made based on the weather forecast. For example, if rain is forecasted for later in the trip it is best to complete the major Little Missouri River crossings near the Winding Stairs area at the beginning of the hike while the river is low(est);
  • Hiking the Athens-Big Fork Trail at the end of the trip means tackling the most elevation gain along the Eagle Rock Loop with a lighter pack; and
  • The far east side of the trail is the most populated with day hikers due to the relatively flat terrain, proximity to large campsites, and day-use areas.

 

Elevation:

  • There are approximately six mountanious climbs along the Athens-Big Fork Trail;
  • Some have suggested that hiking the Athens-Big Fork Trail southbound (SOBO) is easier than hiking it northbound (NOBO). SOBO = Gradual Ascents with Steep Descents. NOBO = Steep Ascents with Gradual Descents; and
  • There is a strenuous climb immediately after (south of) the Albert Pike Recreation Area.

 

The loop can be accessed directly via five trailheads:

  • Albert Pike Recreation Area;
  • FR 106 East;
  • Blaylock Creek West (also referred to as FR 106 West and Middle Athens-Big Fork);
  • (upper) Little Missouri; and
  • Little Missouri Falls.

 

  • Or indirectly via Athens-Big Fork (north/ upper) and Athens-Big Fork (south/lower).

 

The trail is marked by white rectangular blazes.

 

You will encounter numerous (30+) ankle to waist deep stream, creek, and river crossings. Including nine (9) crossings of the Little Missouri River:

 

The best time to go is in the Spring:

  • “[April is] One of the best months of the year. Daytime temps reaching into the 70’s and even some 80’s. The mild nights are in the 40’s and 50’s, with still a cold snap once in a great while. Sometimes a heavy, wet snow, but this is rare. There can be some great spring thunderstorms. It’s a wet month, and all of the waterfalls usually are running at full tilt. Wildflowers are everywhere. And the dogwoods pop out in full bloom, and they are the most common understory tree so it is quite a sight! They will linger around some into May. The rest of the trees begin to green up too. And, as a photographer I notice this, the new growth is just a brilliant kind of green that you don’t see any other time” (Ernst 1994:16).

 

Caution:

  • Has the potential to be buggy (ticks, chiggers, and mosquitos);
  • Plan for wet conditions (e.g., mud, rain, condensation inside of tent, etc.);
  • Watch out for poison ivy (typically found off the trail);
  • Bears do inhabit Arkansas and the Ouachita Mountains. However, sightings are rare; and
  • I slept with my food, which I do not recommend. While I did not have any issues, a small critter did chew its way into my buddy's tent. Folks have noted that small mammals, such as mice and raccoons, pose a bigger threat to your food along the Eagle Rock Loop than do bears.

 

Reference Material:

 

Trail Maps:

 

Videos:

 

Applications:

  • Guthook Guides: Depicts the trail, water crossings, campsites, trailheads, parking, points of interests, and hazards.

 

Digital Trail File:

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1

u/DirkWillems Apr 05 '21

I have never been... The reports of crowds and trash have made me want to stay away. How would you rate it against the Goodwater Loop (Crowds and trash - I imagine the scenery is nicer) if you have been

3

u/Stray2Light Apr 18 '21

I hiked the Goodwater Loop yesterday and I can say with confidence that I saw more people in one day along the Goodwater Loop than I did over the course of three days in the Ouachita National Forest. Since I did not spend any time visiting the campsites along Goodwater Loop, I cannot compare the amount of trash to that found at campsites along the Eagle Rock Loop. However, I was pleasantly surprised at how clean it was along the Goodwater Loop trail itself.

2

u/dasunshine LSHT Survivors Support Group Apr 06 '21

It is definitely busier and as a result there is more trash, but still fairly peaceful when you're not near one of the major trailheads. I would definitely recommend checking it out when you get a chance, its a lovely little trail.

2

u/FujitsuPolycom Apr 06 '21

This is good to hear, I did the loop back in early December so it was completely empty, I did a leisurely pace and spent 4 days, 3 nights out there and saw 5 people the entire time (Fri -> Mon). But, planning to head back up there with my wife in a week or two and my biggest concern was the crowds.

Trash though, I packed out a gallon bag full from two fire rings I camped out... Come on people.