AR Eagle Rock Loop

**tdecell** · 09-30-2015, 17:54

any suggestions on backpacking the Eagle Rock Loop in AR? I'm planning a CCW hike in late Oct or early Nov, starting at the Albert Pike Trailhead. If anyone has done this trail recently and has any suggestions, helpful tips, etc, let me know. If anyone has an inclination to go, let me know, right now the dates are tentative. It's a 26.8 mile loop, here's a link to the website
http://www.duprephotography.com/ERL/index.html

**SGT Rock** · 09-30-2015, 18:27

I've not done it in over 10 years, but I loved it. We started at the northeastern part of the loop and hiked it around clockwise. I loved it, especially the Winding Staircase portion.

**Hambone** · 10-03-2015, 22:39

Not sure if you are aware but Albert Pike is closed to overnight parking. I always like to start at the Blaylock TH and go CCW. It splits the mountains on the Athens-Big Fork section so you don't have to tackle them all in one day.

**tdecell** · 10-03-2015, 23:21

I saw that Hambone, looking at the trail maps, there appears to be a parking area just north of Albert Pike at forest service road 512. It's says there is parking available there. Anybody have confirmation of this?

**rhjanes** · 10-04-2015, 12:59

There are some places to park along 512. But they are more the pull off type places. Also, you will have a hike over to the trail (get the maps). You could consider the Little Mo trail head. While that can't be used over night, there is also a "pasture" type lot right off it and you can park in there. The Winding Stair trail head is another place and also has parking and is just about 10 minutes driving from Albert Pike. If you don't have the water proof maps yet, get them.

**Hambone** · 10-04-2015, 21:00

Originally Posted by tdecell

I saw that Hambone, looking at the trail maps, there appears to be a parking area just north of Albert Pike at forest service road 512. It's says there is parking available there. Anybody have confirmation of this?

There is a small parking area just after you cross the bridge on FR 512 where the LMT crosses. It is just outside of Albert Pike which means it gets quite a bit of traffic through the area. I've never been too keen to leave a vehicle there overnight. Not that I know of there being any problems there, just my own worry.

**rhjanes** · 10-04-2015, 23:15

Also CLICK THIS for Backpacking Arkansas. There is an entire sub-forum just for the ERL. You also need to be aware of the river crossings over the Little Mo, at the Winding Stair area. There is a water gauge at "Langley" and the rule of thumb is, if it is over 4.5 feet, then it is too dangerous to be around the Little Mo where the two crossings are. All that information is in the Backpacking Arkansas link.

**tdecell** · 10-05-2015, 20:14

rhjanes, thanks for the info. I'll keep looking to find a parking area to start. I did find the backpackingarkansas.com site. A LOT of really good info there. I do plan to get the maps from Charlie Williams. Looking to be a nice hike. Just need to pick a good weekend with good weather. Thanks y'all!

**Snaggleroot** · 10-05-2015, 20:45

Like Hambone, I parked at the Blaylock trailhead except I went clockwise. I had no problems parking there. Your timing should be great for fall leaf color.

**rhjanes** · 10-05-2015, 21:40

I think Gimpy and I camped at the Blaylock parking area, but it was a weekday so we thought it would be OK as far as no drunks. There was an elderly gentleman camping who pointed out a nice camp area to us as we were thinking to camp in the woods a bit. That rock lot is nice. Good place to park. But is next to the creek and not as large as say Winding Stair (which also has a privy). Last I was in Winding Stair lot, there was like two horse trailers parked in there, my F250 Crew Cab, and maybe 8 other cars and plenty of room for more.