Reconnect With Nature Along The Gorgeous Eagle Rock Backpacking Trail In Arkansas

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 can be split up for afternoon hikes or taken completely in 2-3 days. Altogether the loop is 26.8-miles long so be sure to pack accordingly!

Along the way you'll discover the true beauty of the Ouachita Mountains.

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.

Folks have been traveling this route for well over a century.

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.

Winding Stair scenic area, Little Missouri Falls, and Brush Heap Mountain vista are just some of the photo-worthy highlights!

No matter how long you stay or how much you hike, any part of Eagle Rock Loop is worth discovering.

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.