Ditto what everyone else has said! I don’t sit through 30+ minute videos very often, but man, I just couldn’t put my phone down. Hitting this next weekend with three friends. I consider myself “well researched” when I have the opportunity to make a plan, and this was by far the most helpful resource. Thank you for your time!
I've watched dozens of videos on this trail. This is by far the informative video I have seen. Your video does justice. Thank you. My gf and I just did this for the 1st time 3 weeks ago and I'm eager to go to it again counterclockwise like you did.
Man thanks a lot! Hearing that is awesome as that was my goal in doing this video. It’s an amazing trail! And you’ll love doing it counterclockwise....knock out all of that climbing early!
I’d like to create an update or add on to this video. Can you reach out to me? We just finished this Loop last week and I think the combination of what we were able to learn from your video plus the ideas I have for mine will make the 2 THE ultimate guides for this hike. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-J_XjQUL4JZY.html
My husband and me just watched this all the way. Three of our adult grandsons & one great grandson are hiking & camping this trail in a couple of weeks and our oldest grandson shared this with us. Really enjoyed. Wish we were not so old and decrepit or we would be planning a trip for ourselves. Getting to watch this video was next best thing. Thanks.
Oh awesome! So glad you guys enjoyed it. Hope your trip goes great! Maybe you guys can get out and explore some of the trail...it doesn’t have to be the whole thing!
Thank you! I've hiked this trail 2x and wanted am infromative video to show my friends... this is perfect and you are the ONLY ONE... the best one :). informative, easy to follow, great maps.
Eagle Rock Loop was my very first backpacking trip, about a year and a half ago, and it was challenging! I loved it though. And I really enjoyed seeing it through your eyes. Now I’m planning a trip to go back this year. Thanks for sharing!
Amazing that Arkansas has some fantastic options. I need to explore my Midwest region more! Very well made video and I love the little map to show where you're located.
I miss backpacking in the Ouachita Mountains! I used to spend a lot of time around the upper Buffalo River, and it’s amazing, but the Ouachita’s have their own charm for me. The forest is much more open, with more scenic, easily accessible views. Much of the Boston Mountains more spectacular scenery is hidden to those who can’t get down into the hollows. The geology of the Ouachitas is very interesting as well. I’m going to be in Hot Springs for a few days this Christmas, and hope to get into the mountains a bit while there!
@@TheNotLostNomad No, I’m not from Boston. The Buffalo National River runs through the Boston Mountains. The Boston Mountains are actually part of the Ozark Mountains.
6:33 this is the main thing you'll remember! My wife and I have done this twice in this same direction. This weekend we're going clockwise. Great video!
@@TheNotLostNomad I more then likley seen you and didn't recognize you. I did see your truck parked at the Blaylock trailhead! I tell you what the weather couldn't have been better! And I've never seen it that dry
Great work both filming & in post production! One of, if not the best, videos for preparing to hike the Eagle Rock. Especially like the map references throughout the video. Very helpful. Also like that the focus is mostly the view of the trail. I can relate to the difficult choice of hiking side trails to a summit for a view when you are exhausted after a long climb. If you don't mind, please tell me the days, month, & year you hiked the loop. I can then use the historical river data at the Langley gage to get a better idea of what to expect at the river crossings! I too have a RU-vid channel with hikes in Arkansas along with some other places. You've got a new subscriber here that appreciates what it takes to create videos like this. Keep up the good work! Mark (McKinney, TX)
Thank you very much for the compliment! I’m glad it was helpful. I did this trip in late March of 2021. I’ll have to check out your channel..I need do some more exploring up there in Arkansas.
This was so so helpful! My son and I are hiking this in three weeks! We are starting at LM Falls TH and going same direction as you did. Great to see the parking area there and all the water crossings. I wonder how much time it took you to stop, change shoes, cross and put shoes back on. Worried about how much time it will take us. Thanks again.
Thank you very much! It’s always nice to hear that it was helpful! This is a great trail and you guys will have a great experience out there. And as for the water crossings…it. Is a minor setback to stop and change footwear…but to me it’s totally worth it. It gives you a short break and ensures that your feet will be comfortable. My feet don’t do well with moisture. Also most of the water crossings can be done by using the rock footpaths…just make sure you keep your balance! There are only a handful of crossings that you will definitely get wet on…but that’s what makes this trail so fun. Hope you have a great trip out there and let me know how it goes!
I got the fortunate opportunity to backpack this whole trail last summer and its an amazing trail. My profile picture is actually from the first off trail vista point you showed that went to the right. I only spent one night on trail and actually spent the night at the Albert hike recreation area at 24:21 . I did not do much research on the trail before doing it and did not know anything about the flash flood deaths. I actually woke up that morning to poring down rain that I had to hike through the whole next day. Great video it was really cool to “do” the hike again. That 4 mountain was deadly hard will never forget it.
Glad to enjoy the video! And congrats on completing this trail...it’s amazing! And you are right...Brush Heap Mountain is a tough climb! There aren’t many switchbacks and the trail just climbs straight up for the most part. And as for the flood...it’s such a sad story. It’s crazy to see a place so beautiful have such a devastating story.
20:35 I believe that is the road that comes out from Albert Pike. If so, it's Forest Road (FR) 106. It cuts all the way across the loop to the West Blaylock trailhead. If you ever needed to cut your trip short because trail was impassible or whatever, you could use that road as a shortcut.
I thought for a minute you might have stayed the same spot I did on Viles Branch. But I think it was a nearby site. Good job on your editing. Looked like a crazy amount of people on trail. It's amazing how different an experience it can be depending on weather and timing. It was nice to see what all the views actually looked like.
Hey thanks a lot! Man I hit a perfect stretch of weather...I guess 3rd time is a charm! And it was busy in some place but still so secluded and quiet in other areas. A lot of the people that are seen in this video were the same two groups that I ran into over and over again. And man I don’t know how you did that while trail without taking your shoes off on the crossings...so much water
Question: I’ve hiked sections of the loop but never all at once. My son (13) and I are getting in shape to tackle his hiking merit badge. We’re taking 5 mile sections of the loop to hike in and back for 4 separate 10 mile hikes. Here’s the question, we were thinking of hiking a 20 mile stretch in one day, which is required. I was thinking of hiking from the Winding Stairs trailhead counter clockwise to Braylock Creek, just prior to Eagle Rock Vista. Then finish the up and over the next morning, hiking back to Winding Stairs trailhead. Your thoughts? Is the Eagle Rock Vista section the most difficult section? Thanks, and great video.
Thanks for reaching out and sorry for the late response…here is what I’d suggest. I have another video where we started at the trailhead that is just North of Brush Heap Mountain( the biggest peak) hike north going counter clockwise….this will have you knock out the majority of the ridgeline while you are fresh on the trail…after that it’s pretty mild for most of the way until you get to Albert Pike Recreation Area. I’m not exactly sure where 20 miles will put you but your first day will get easier the further you go. Then on your second day you’ll have Eagle Rock vista as a climb and then it’s an easy stretch over the brush heap and you’ll have the toughest section of the trail as a long downhill. I hope all of that makes sense…I’ll see if o can share the link for that video for reference.
What time of year did you take this video? Thinking spring break trip or mid march. I’m guessing it would be fine but check the water levels first. Thanks for that tip
Thank you! I did this trail in mid March…the trees were just starting to bud. Early spring is one of the best times to do this loop..weather is great and the leaves aren’t so thick that it blacks all of the views.
Cool, thanks for this video. I live in Fort Worth and this looks like the trail I’ve been looking for. Reasonably nearby, challenging and the level I want. Thanks again!
great informative video! we are hiking this trail in a few weeks. 1) Did you park at the eagle rock loop parking lot? Is that easy to access? I have an AWD vehicle. I hiked the Athens Big Fork trail 4 years ago and we ran into unexpected issues with the road getting to the south trailhead. 2) What are your thoughts on river crossing this time of year. We are thinking of the Little Missouri trail to Winding Stairs. I am concerned about the amount of rain we have had lately. thank you!
Thank you! So I parked at the most northwestern trailhead(upper little Missouri) but there are 5 available…no official Eagle Rock Loop Trailhead though…they all go by a different name based on location. The only once that can be trick to get yo is the one you were referring to. The others can all be accessed by any vehicle. And as for water levels…make sure you check the website that I shared to see how high the water is. With all of the rain it is probably on the higher end which I actually prefer. The water makes the trail so much prettier. We hiked this again recently in September and it was very dry…and not as interesting IMO. Just take every precaution on the high sections and you should be fine as long as it’s within the safe range specified on the website. The one thing I’d remind you is to un button your pack when crossing…if you were to slip you want to be able to bake from your pack quickly. As long as you are careful you should be fine…you can always turn back if it’s too much. If you are planning on only doing the Winding Stairs section then you will only have one higher water crossing just before you get to the winding stairs area. Enjoy your trip and thank you for watching!
Have you done this area in the summer? June time frame? Getting ready for a June trip and curious about the climate and insects, mosquitoes specifically
So this is my first time to do the whole loop but I have done the Winding Stairs section in late September before. And if I do recall we had some bouts with gnats and mosquitos but nothing out of the ordinary. I’ve heard that you have to keep a close watch on ticks though.
Your video was great and inspiring. This is the best hiking video that I have seen . Thanks for the tips! I think this is a place for us to take our hiking to the next level out of Texas!
Thank you! That means a lot! My goal was to put out something that was entertaining and helpful...it’s a tricky loop if you’ve never been there so I tried to cover everything I could. You’ll love it out there, good luck!
Thank you! My fear of this trail being overcrowded caused me to put it off for years. Don’t hesitate, even on a busy day you’ll have large periods of solitude...especially since this is such a long trail. It was busy on this trip but I still loved every part of it. You’ll end up seeing the same group of people as you take turns passing each other, so you’ll probably end up making friends.
What trail head did you start on? I'm trying to locate on Google maps. We are heading down in 3 weeks to do this and I'm studying your fantastic video and taking notes. The only thing I'm lacking is start point. Thank you and happy trails 👣
Thank you! I’m glad it’s helpful! So I started this hike in the Northwest corner of the loop at the Upper Little Missouri Trailhead...just about a mile or two west of the Little Missouri Falls. Good luck on your hike!
Would you recommend this for a very new backpacker? Maybe do it in three nights? I’m looking for places to start this hobby in the nw Arkansas area. I have zero experience
Honestly,I would not suggest this loop for your first trip as it is very challenging. The distance, elevation change, and numerous water crossings make this a very difficult route. I’d suggest the Buckeye Mountains -Caney Creek Loop located only 5 miles to the west of the ERL. It’s like a mini version of the ERL and can be done in a single overnight. You can find an older video of it here on my channel called the The Best Alternative to the Eagle Rock Loop. Hope this helps! Good luck!
In these areas are there designated camping areas, or can you just set up camp anywhere along the trail? I want to camp and hike in Arkansas but I'd like to keep away from folks while camping if possible.
You can camp anywhere along the trail outside of the Albert Pike section. Even on a busy day you should be able to find some privacy out there. It’s a great trail, you’ll love it!
Honestly…I really don’t know! Crazy right!? I started backpacking about 12 years ago. Everything was crazy heavy at first…then every year I’d upgrade 1-2 pieces of equipment and eventually everything was light. I go by comfort and convenience. I pack only the things that I know I definitely want with me and nothing more.
That surprising, off-map vista is super easy to access from Albert Pike, you'll find a trail leading up the hill just behind the recreation area. Wind up that past the hand rails and large concrete tank and you'll see a split near, keep going up instead of following the trail (look for the big rocky outcrops up high on the right!)
I usually just type in directions for Little Missouri Falls which usually brings you in on the east side. Then I just keep driving west past the falls until I reach the lot.
What time of year did you do this hike or what month would you recomend doing it? Sorry if you have already answered this question, I couldn't find it anywhere.
I did this hike during the first week in March. It was before spring break so it wasn’t too busy…the trees were starting to bud but not enough to block the views. I’d highly recommend early spring! Although I do want to do this in the fall to see the fall colors. I think you’d be better off to avoid the extremes of winter or summer.
That last 4 mile section you did was the first hike I ever did,just backwards from the way you went. We came out at the little Missouri falls parking lot. I fell in love with the area because of that hike!
Thank you SO much for this video! Such a well done job, I appreciate all the effort put into it. I will be doing this trip in 2 weeks with a friend. I’m used to hiking in Colorado where a bear canister is required. Did you do anything special to deter bears? Use a bear bag?
Thank you! I’m glad it was helpful! So you won’t have any issues with bears out there and I’d avoid using a bear canister so you can stay light…I hate carrying those things! I just brought a stuff sack and hung it in a tree overnight. Although bears are out there they are much smaller and less threatening than what you get out west. Count yourself lucky if you see one out there. Hope you have a great trip!
I had a similar question - I’m heading there with some friends for my first backpacking trip and the thought of bears has me a bit spooked. I’d love to see more about what you do to hang your food, though you might cover that later in the video.
I used the website in the description...you can download and print the map before your trip. It takes up six full pages and I just taped them all together.
Best video on the ERL I've seen so far. I camped near Winding Stairs on April 8, 2021 and recon the loop by driving to all of the trailheads the next day. I plan on solo hiking the loop this April. So do you think the Upper Missouri Trailhead and hiking counterclockwise is the best option, or would you do it different next time?
Thank you! That means a lot...that was my goal when I set out on this trail. It’s not an easy trip to plan for if you’ve never done it before. As for direction...,I really liked starting at the Upper Missouri Trailhead. You get the toughest section over with on the first day...then you are fresh in your day for the Winding Stairs section... and then the last day is mostly flat. I may do it in reverse the next time just for a change...but we will see! Thanks for watching!
Thanks great video!, I live in Texas. It’s a 9 hour drive for me from San Antonio. Definitely would like to get up that way. I usually head west from where I’m at. Do a lot of hiking in Gila in New Mexico. Lots of river crossings there. Thanks again man. Cheers
Hey thanks! Yep I know the feeling of having a huge drive to get out to some decent hikes in Texas. Definitely give this area some attention. It’s beautiful up there...and more challenging than you’d think! It’s a beast of a loop!
I can’t remember the number...but I drove in past Albert Pike Rec Area and then turned left towards Little Missouri Falls. It’s just past the falls if you are driving west.
Oh yeah, you bet. The one I used on this trip is the Flash… it’s easy and quick with an igniter in the base. Although it’s not the lightest it’s always been a great option. Today I use the JetBoil Stash…it’s a little more basic and lightweight…closer to the traditional stove and pot options.
So I started at 8:00am Friday and finished around 12:00 on Sunday... It’s probably possible but you’d need to hike in the dark on that first night...and then your days will be long. It’s totally worth it but I’d definitely try to start early on your first day.
Awesome video! Can’t wait to do this loop. I think you started at the upper little Missouri trail head ( top left corner of map), is it difficult by car to reach this trail head? Are directions to this trail head accurate online? Thanks for any info.
Hey thank you! And yes, you are correct. This trailhead is very easy to get to. I plugged in directions to Little Missouri Falls and just continued past there to the trailhead. And this road is in good condition so you shouldn’t have any issue. Hope your trip goes well! Let me know how it goes!
You bet! That’s exactly why I did this video...I love to hear when people plan their own trips from this video. That’s the best compliment! Hope you guys have a great trip and make great memories!
Planning my hike as well, Anthony; this video is great to prep! (thanks, The NotLostNomad!) Going right before Christmas and hoping for good weather. I did a quick section 3 of the Ouachita Trail over Thanksgiving--just love the AR wilderness areas. Happy hiking!!!
UPDATE: My son (age 7) and I completed the loop May 6-8, 2022. We started at Little Missouri falls headed counter clockwise. Water level on Friday was 6ft on day 2 when we crossed the Little Missouri water was around 4.5ft ish was deep but ok just have something to put your pack in if you do it when it is this deep. Would do this hike again right now so fun.
Great vid. Can you give any more details where the trail that leads to the Albert Pike overlook is located? Plan on hiking the ERL in October and definitely want to hit that spot.
Thank you! And you bet…so depending on which way you are going will determine how you find this place…but it’s pretty easy to find. When you climb up and out of the Albert Pike Rec area you will reach a high point before it turns back down the hill. Just look for a trail that continues up the mountain… it climbs up and up and then keeps going some more. Just keep climbing and it eventually tapers off and you will be overlooking the bluff over the Little Missouri River. Best view on the trail in my opinion.
@@TheNotLostNomad Thanks for the reply. I'll be heading CCW and I'll be looking for it for sure. I think someone else commented that a cave is near there too so I'll be looking for that also.
These are from the brand “Willet” I found d them on Amazon for $17 a piece…a bargain! I think they were the “Amazon Choice” at the time. Since then I’ve switched over to the “Kuhl” sun hoodie and I absolutely love it…I want to get another one soon but the are $80 a piece.
I'm thinking about driving from San Antonio, TX on Thanksgiving Day as I'll have 7 days off work and would like to hike this. I see the average temps of November are 59/41. How difficult are the water crossings at that time of year?
You’ll love it and that is a perfect time to go. The fall colors will be amazing out there. As for the water crossings it all depends on the recent rainfall. There are three crossings of the little Missouri River that tend to be the sketchiest when the water is high. The biggest one is just south of the Winding Stairs section before the little Missouri trains joins with the Viles Branch Trail. That one you want to be careful on and always undo your pack when crossing. The other two are also on the little Missouri section north of the Albert Pike Recreational Area. But I really wouldn’t be too concerned as they are relatively safe most of the time… you should be fine. Enjoy your trip and let me know if you have any more questions!
We have watched this video several times. One of my sons and his friends are going on his third trip there. Do you have an email you give out for people who watch your videos? Do you ever meet up with fellow hikers? Have a Wonderful day
That’s great! I always love to hear when the videos help others to get out and do things…so cool! And as for meeting up I haven’t really met up with anyone from RU-vid yet really just got the sake of time…life has been very full lately and sometimes it’s hard to keep up with life in general. My email is in my about info on my channel, so feel free to reach out although it’d be easier to communicate through Instagram…mainly because many emails get lost in the mix. Thanks for watching and I’ll do my best keep in touch!
Man I absolutely love the Exos...it’s a perfect combo of large pack and Ultralight. It holds a ton of stuff but weighs very little compared to my other packs.
Thanks for this brother! I remember when the flood happened, my highschool science teacher lost his wife in the flood, it was a tragedy. Not sure what happened to him afterword, but drive the point. BE WEATHER AWARE AND WATER AWARE. Pray for the McMaster family please.
You bet! So glad you enjoyed it! And you are correct…pay attention to the water as it can kill. That was such a sad day. Also, I recently heard that they are working on reopening Albert Pike Recreation Area soon…hopefully they will do something to ensure that a tragedy doesn’t happen again!
@@TheNotLostNomad hope so. I heard the guy sued them for not warning people, no idea how that worked out but hopefully they ramped up the safety and awareness
I noticed you had two pair of shoes. One on your pack and one on your feet. I could only imagine how important that is walking through the streams of water. I'm new to backpacking. Been camping several times. Currently educating myself in preparation for my first backpacking trip!
Yes! I like to keep my feet as dry as possible when I’m putting in some distance. I always carry Crocs with me for water crossings…they’re durable, dry quickly, and they double as camp shoes in camp. And even though they can be cumbersome hanging from my pack…they really don’t weigh much. Good luck with your first trip and let me know if you have any questions!
This is a great video! Thank you for posting! I am thinking of doing this trail soon and thinking of parking in the same place you did to start. Is there a parking fee for that parking lot?
Hey thanks man! March is the perfect time for this hike...everything is starting to turn green but it’s still light enough to see all of the views. This hike was done the first weekend in March. Enjoy your trip!
Great video, I'm venturing out there in a few weeks. See any Bears? Did you bother with hanging or anything? So much good info in your video! Bout time I start backpacking outside of Texas =)
Hey thanks man! I’m glad you enjoyed it. I didn’t see any bears and I hear it’s pretty rare...and if you did they are pretty small on the Ouachitas. I just hung my food in a dry bag from a tree limb at arms length...no rope or cord. I had no issues. Enjoy the hike, it’s a beautiful trail!
😂 there are toilets at the Albert Pike Recreation Area and the Little Missouri Falls Trailhead....but learn to 💩 in the woods...it’s inevitable that it will happen!
Yea, that’s correct...up on the north west side of the loop. I’m not sure what the rules are but I know there are places to camp close by...you’d probably be fine right by your vehicle...but maybe call and see if there are any rules against doing so.
Thanks man. Ranger station at Womble said we could camp there as long as we’re off in the woods and 150 feet from trail. There is shady lake campground about 45 minutes away but it doesn’t open til mid April. Figured this info might be useful to someone in the future
@@TheNotLostNomad Going to hike this trail starting tomorrow. After watching this video, I believe we will arrive at the Upper Missouri Trailhead as you did and camp close by our vehicle the first night and then head counterclockwise as you did. Thank you so much for this video!! It helped put the pieces together.
Thanks Clint for the great videos I'm showing my wife and her family here in Vietnam I will be bringing her to live with me in Jasper Arkansas where I bought a small home and 5 acres land last year just two miles south on highway 7 from the great canyon over look ,,have not lived there only was there a couple months before I went back to Southeast Asia with her, went to Jasper a few times growing up I'm looking forward to bring her there and enjoying life in the Ozarks 😄
You bet! And Oh wow. That’s incredible! You picked a great place to buy some property! I hope she loves it up there. You guys will have some beautiful scenery!
I'm planning on doing the loop this fall. I'm giving myself 4-5 days just to take it easy and enjoy this loop going counter-clockwise. My question is: It appears from your description and map that you started at what the forest service calls the little Missouri/ Athens-Big Fork Junction Trailhead. Was there plenty of overnight parking at this trailhead? I found this info... www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fsm9_039482.pdf
I was there on a pretty busy weekend during the spring and I had no issue with parking...so you should be good. You’ll love it. I did it in two nights...3 nights/4 days is plenty if you want a leisurely pace...5 would be too much IMO. And yes...that website is where I found the map I used. I printed each section and taped it together. It wasn’t perfect but it worked. Enjoy your trip!
