Eagle Rock Loop

    Eagle Rock Loop

Our most challenging hike to date, eagle Rock loop offers so many beautiful locations. Took us 3 days 2 nights at a steady pace. We started at the northwestern point at Little Missouri trail head and worked our way across the mountain peaks headed south on the first day. It was quite a challenge because there we're numerous mountains to climb. We wanted to get the worst out of the way on the first day.

There were many beautiful campsites in every valley And every mountain we climbed presented a beautiful view. Brush Heap Mt. Being the toughest and steepest will forever remain in memory. The trail nearly summits the peak. And at long last we made it to the top of the last peak which presented an absolutely stunning view at eagle Rock Vista.

We made our way down from Eagle rock vista to Viles branch trail. We set up camp no more then a quarter mile into the trail to avoid any more water crossings till morning. Not to mention day one was exhausting.

We set out day two on beautiful Viles Branch trail headed east through winding stairs toward Albert Pike Recreation area. 

Several water crossings today on our way including the first crossing of the Little Missouri river.

We made our way turning north on the little Missouri trail leading to the Winding Stairs section of the trail. This trail presented some of the most beautiful scenery in Arkansas.

There we're several nice campsites along the way that we would have loved to camp at but we still had a long day ahead of us. we continued on in the direction of Albert pike recreation area.

 AS we approached Albert pike we had a nice climb up to a beautiful spot overlooking the recreation area.

 We made our way through to where the  trail continued. 

It was getting late in the day and needed to set up camp within an hour or so. We ended up walking a few more miles before finding a decent campsite past Albert pike.

 Day 3 we woke up to a beautiful day. With around 6 miles of the Little Missouri trail left today we would have an easy day with most of the day being flat and along the river.

Today presented beautiful views, warm sunlight and cool waters. Was a perfect day.

 Made our way to the beautiful Little Missouri Falls. 
a popular swimming hole in summertime.

 LM Falls had a nice recreation area with restrooms.

 We had done it! Our first big hike. Three days, two nights and almost 30 miles.

It was almost heartbreaking to leave but somehow I know we will be back.

 Eagle Rock Loop! Best challenge yet!