Help with trails in Arkansas.

**Trail Troll** · 11-25-2017, 15:59

Looking for a loop trail approximately 15_20 miles. We want something that's a well established trail, but not over traveled or overly populated.

We've been looking at the National forest so we don't have to be in designated camping spots. The only must is the area must have trees for hanging but I don't think that will be a problem.

Please any suggestions would be welcomed.

**Slack Packhiker** · 11-25-2017, 17:30

There’s a guy on HF from Arkansas who’s got lots of info about AR hiking. Check in the Arkansas hammock gathering threads, he and others who can help will be there. The guy I’m thinking of has a Scottie dog on his post.

Also Ken Click from AR who hikes and hammocks on Arkansas trails has nice videos and ideas.

https://m.youtube.com/channel/UC4bgbP1BW74_DE8loU45i6Q

**whistle_norvell** · 11-25-2017, 18:13

Most of the trails in Buffalo River National River area are point-to-point, but you should search them up in alltrails.com and see. There are some loops as well. Beautiful area if you have not been there before.

**UncleMJM** · 11-25-2017, 18:16

Smokehouse is in Arkansas and he is who I would ask. I'm sure he could answer that for you. For several years he hosted the annual Spring Arkansas hang at Kyle's Landing on the Buffalo River.

While not a loop, I loved hiking the Buffalo River Trail. Depending on your time and budget, one could rent canoes/kayaks and float down stream and hike back or hike one way and have an outfitter run a shuttle for you. We were very pleased with the outfitter service in Ponca.

**rhjanes** · 11-25-2017, 18:23

Eagle Rock Loop (ERL). 21.6 miles. Water is pretty much everywhere. The trail is three trails put together. The Athens-Big Fork (ABF) is 6 mountains in 8 something miles. Well know to "Kick butt". But a flowing creek at the bottom of each mountain. The Viles Branch trail, well, follows the Viles Branch creek. Then the Little Missouri Trail, which follows the Little Mo river. There are about 8 places to park along it. There are also ways to shorten the loop (some FS roads bi-sect it). Be VERY aware of water along the Little Mo. In 2010, there was a flood and 19 people were swept away. The Albert Pike campgrounds are now DAY USE ONLY. The parking area at the Little Mo Falls trail head is also "day use only". They chase you out and no overnight parking at those locations.
Here is a very nice web site on it.
http://www.duprephotography.com/ERL/index.html
Always check THIS web site for the USGS water gauge for the two Little Mo crossings. Anything over 4.5 feet at Langley, and crossing the Little Mo at the two crossings that are "down river" (one is where the Viles branch joins the little mo) is NOT recommended. https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv/?site_no=07360200

you can also browse/join us on BackPacking Arkansas (has a whole subforum for the ERL).

Also, download for free, the Guthook app. Then for $4.99 get the ERL maps. The Dupre link also has a link to waterproof maps.

**rweb82** · 11-25-2017, 19:05

Butterfield Hiking Trail is great! It's about 17 miles long.

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

**Peppy** · 11-25-2017, 19:12

Sylamore Trail just south of Mountain View is 15 miles one way and has beautiful scenery. You can start at either end, or two different points in the middle and it's a mix of easy, moderate, and a few hard spots as well. Devi steely should be on your list!

**rweb82** · 11-25-2017, 20:10

Originally Posted by Peppy

Sylamore Trail just south of Mountain View is 15 miles one way and has beautiful scenery. You can start at either end, or two different points in the middle and it's a mix of easy, moderate, and a few hard spots as well. Devi steely should be on your list!

I'm also a big fan of the North Sylamore trail! We started at the Cripple Turkey extension, and finished at Allison. The extension made it 26 miles.

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

**gunner76** · 11-25-2017, 21:43

I have been looking at hiking the Eagle Rock Loop the next time I visit my daughter in Arkansas.

**Trail Troll** · 11-25-2017, 21:45

Thank y'all for all the responses. I'm going to be having another little troll soon and wanna get some good time in before I have to take some time off to help momma. ERL is on my list and most likely will be what I do but since my partners wife said no to that ( and I was hoping to drag him along) we may have to change plans.

Butterfield was on my radar as well as Buffalo river trail. I didn't think about canoeing though, that would be a great trip to hold me over. I'll have to check into the others. Thank y'all very much.