Eagle Rock Loop
~3 days · 26.3 mi · moderate · Loop
Quick facts
What the Eagle Rock Loop is known for
Arkansas's classic backpacking loop, stringing together the Little Missouri, Athens-Big Fork, and Viles Branch trails over steep ridgelines and repeated river crossings.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 856 ft to 1,801 ft over 26.3 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 7.9 mi · 30%
- Downhill 5.7 mi · 22%
- Flat 12.7 mi · 48%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Eagle Rock Loop?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Eagle Rock Loop scores 19/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Eagle Rock Loop take?
Most backpackers hike the Eagle Rock Loop in about 3 days (2 nights out) over its 26.3 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Eagle Rock Loop?
The Eagle Rock Loop climbs roughly 3,885 ft total — about 148 ft per mile, topping out near 1,824 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.