Trip Report Eagle Rock Vista

Maurine, Rocky the pooch and I had another great day hiking in the Ouachita National Forest. We hiked the Athens- Big Fork Trail from B23F, the southern trailhead, to Eagle Rock Vista. About two years ago, my friend Dan, who is a pilot took me over the Athens-Big Fork Trail in a Cessna 152 two seat airplane during leafoff. We spotted Shady Lake, Albert Pike Campground, Little Missouri Falls and all the large landmarks we could find. Then we followed up from B23F and spotted Big Tom Mt, Eagle Rock Vista and Brush Heap Mt. I have since hiked to Spirit Rock and Brush Heap and have tried to hike to Eagle Rock four times in the past. The first time I was not prepared for how steep the trail is, tennis shoes and not enough water for Rocky and me. We made it to Big Tom Mt and turned around. The second time the gnats were so bad I didn't make it 1/4 mile in. The third time I was with a friend who did not realize how steep the trail was even though I had warned him. The fourth time I took a left at Viles Branch Creek instead of a right and spent the day hiking the creek, which turned out fine because the day heated up and Rocky enjoyed cooling off in the creek. Saturday we headed out of Little Rock for Ouachita Outdoor Outfitters to pick up some paddling gear I ordered and visit with Travis and Sam. Travis is out of school for the summer and will be working at the store. We stopped Cajun Boilers for some lunch and headed for Bard Springs for the night, which was closed, so we grabbed a spot off 38. We got to the trailhead about 11:00am, changed clothes and hit the trail. The first part of the trail runs along side a creek with some nice small waterfalls and ferns, about 1/4 mile, next you cross the creek, switchback and head up at a fairly steep rate. You top off at Big Tom Mt at about 1/2 mile, nice view and you can see Eagle Rock Vista to the north through the trees, and head down to Viles Branch creek, just as steep. When you get to Viles Branch Trail go right to the Eagle Rock Loop sign go left and head up again.Follow this up, steep again past a nice outcrop on your right to the top of Brushy Mt and take the spur to your left to the Eagle Rock outcrop. We took 3 hours to get to Eagle Rock including a break at Big Tom, a long lunch break and foot soak at Viles Branch and quite a few breaks on the steep inclines, it was worth every step, I want to go back during leaf off. We spent an hour at Eagle Rock and took an hour and a half to get back to the truck. This trail is steep and strenous but it is beautiful and diverse.

David:
I did the loop in December and saw some incredible vistas and views because of the leaf-off. It was a great 2-day trip and one that I am looking forward to doing again soon.
UL

Yes indeed, That is one of my favorite hiking areas. Between the Athens-Big Fork, Little Missouri, Buckeye and Caney Creek Trails there are some really beautiful vistas and creeks. I think the hike into Winding Stair will be our next venture in that end of the Ouachitas.

I think the vista at Eagle Rock is awesome. I was blessed to be there one time when a thunderstorm rolled in from the valley and actually blew in below us. It was an incredible experience.

Great trip report David! Thanks for sharing.

Trip reports always remind me that all those around the house projects can wait: I need to be in the woods!

That is one of my favorite hiking areas. Between the Athens-Big Fork, Little Missouri, Buckeye and Caney Creek Trails there are some really beautiful vistas and creeks.
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greece
lamper