The Trail
Nearest Town with Accommodations: Glenwood
Location: Starting from Glenwood take Hwy. 70 west, watch for Hwy. 84 in Salem and take it going west. Stay on Hwy. 84 until you reach Langley then hang a right onto Hwy. 369, going north stay on Hwy. 369 until you come to the Albert Pike Recreation area.
Type: Single track / Loop.
Distance: About 26 miles.
Summary: I have ridden the Brush Heap Mountain loop a few times which is a loop that makes up part of this loop. I have also ridden the Little Missouri trail a few times which makes up yet another part of this loop. I have yet to ride the entire Eagle Rock loop but I am hoping to do so this year at the National Trails Day. From what I have ridden I can tell you that this is one of the more technical trails in the area. The loop itself actually is made up of three other trails in the area being Viles Branch trail, Athens Big Fork Trail and the Little Missouri Trail. The trail itself has a dozen or more major creek crossings some of which can be pretty tough. When we rode this trail I can remember one particular creek crossing that had a rope across it that you had to hang onto just to keep from getting swept away by the current of the creek. So expect to get your feet wet and if there has just been a big rain I think I would avoid these creek crossings or the trail all together. The trail will take you into some of the back woods of the Ouachita's following along the Little Missouri River most of the way. You will find mostly single track here that can go from being flat and smooth to rocky and technical. There are a few spots along the river that the trail just hangs on the side of the edge. As far as climbs go it has one of the steepest rideable climbs I have seen in these parts. I really enjoyed this trail and I am ready to go back some day soon. It's a shame that more people don't know about this trail or ride on it, but then again maybe that's not so bad after all. The trail is also very popular with hikers and you might even run into a few equestrians as well, so remember to share the trail. For topo information check out the Brush Heap Mountain Loop and the Little Missouri Trail for more information. If you only want to get in about 18 miles instead of the entire 26 then the Brush Heap Mountain Loop is an excellent alternative. If you want an out and back on a very scenic and not to long of a trail then try doing the Little Missouri. If you are looking for a good place to get ready for the Ouachita Challenge this would be the trail to do it on. Its not as long as the Ouachita Challenge but it will give you about the same workout.
Recommended Route: Start at Albert Pike Recreation Area and head for the RV camping area. Look to your right for the Viles Branch Trail and take it up the hill. Follow this trail across Forest Road 106 and all the way to Athens Big Fork Trail. Hang a right onto Athens Big Fork and take it to Forest Road 106. You will cross Forest Road 106 and get back on the trail again. Follow this for about 4.9 miles until you come to the Little Missouri Trail. Take a right onto Little Missouri and follow it back for about 10.5 miles to the Albert Pike Recreation Area.
When to ride: This trail is best during the Spring and Fall months. Winter is ok but the creek crossings can be bad. During the Summer months parts of this trail can be overgrown.
Rating: This is not a trail for a beginner. Some intermediate riders might find this trail daunting depending on their fitness and handling skills level. The advanced rider will probably do ok out here. This trail is all about endurance. There are really no bailout points on this trail other then Forest Road 106. Bring plenty of food, water and tubes as most of this trail is remote.
Other recommended trails in the area: Brush Heap Mountain Loop, Little Missouri, Athens Big Fork, Viles Branch, Shady Lake, Womble, Earthquake Ridge, Rocky Bottoms,