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Arkansas

Polk County

Long Creek Crossing – Brush Heap Mountain Junction loop from Leader Saddle

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

United States

Arkansas

Polk County

Long Creek Crossing – Brush Heap Mountain Junction loop from Leader Saddle

Hard

2.6

(24)

hikers

Long Creek Crossing – Brush Heap Mountain Junction loop from Leader Saddle

09:11

22.6km

980m

Hiking

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

Last updated: April 9, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Ouachita National Forest

Waypoints

Start point

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657 m

Mountain Pass

2.08 km

Long Creek Crossing

Highlight • River

Long Creek is a quiet, slow-moving stream that typically flows year-round. Depending on the season, the water can be ankle-deep or just low enough to rock-hop across, keeping your feet dry. It’s quiet and shaded, making it an ideal spot to take a break before the next steep ridge climb.

Tip by

2.96 km

McKinley Saddle

Mountain Pass

10.3 km

Brush Heap Mountain Junction

Highlight • Mountain Pass

Brush Heap Mountain marks one of the steepest climbs on the Athens-Big Fork Trail, with this junction sitting near the top of a long, rocky ascent. The trail levels briefly at the saddle, offering a chance to catch your breath before the descent. Views are limited at the junction itself, but if you’re feeling ambitious, you can take the short (0.2-mile) boot trail for a better vantage point to take in the scenery, but be prepared to do some bushwhacking.

Tip by

12.6 km

Eagle Rock Vista Junction

Highlight • Viewpoint

This spur trail junction leads to one of the best panoramic views on the Eagle Rock Loop. It’s easy to miss, especially when you’re focusing on the climb, so keep an eye out for a slight turnoff. The spur itself is gently graded and takes just a few minutes to reach the vista, making it a worthwhile detour for a snack break and a chance to take some memorable photos.

Tip by

12.7 km

Eagle Rock Vista

Highlight • Viewpoint

Great views over the forest just off the trail, and a good spot to take a break on this tough trail!

Tip by

14.0 km

Viles Branch Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Viles Branch Trail makes up the southeastern section of the Eagle Rock Loop, connecting Athens-Big Fork and Little Missouri Trails through pine forest and along the clear waters of Viles Branch Creek. You’ll cross the creek more than a dozen times, and the crossings are typically shallow but can be slick, so be aware of your footing. The route passes some impressive rock formations and quiet streambeds that offer some of the loop’s most peaceful views. Blazes along this trail are inconsistent, and some signage near junctions is faded, so stay alert and use your offline komoot map to confirm turns to stay on track while you enjoy this beautiful stretch.

Tip by

22.6 km

End point

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

21.4 km

1.18 km

Surfaces

22.6 km

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (530 m)

Lowest point (320 m)

Weather

Today

Sunday 17 May

26°C

20°C

68 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 20.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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Long Creek Crossing – Brush Heap Mountain Junction loop from Leader Saddle

09:11h

22.6km

980m

Hard

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Long Creek Crossing – Brush Heap Mountain Junction loop from Leader Saddle

Long Creek Crossing

Brush Heap Mountain Junction

Eagle Rock Vista Junction

Eagle Rock Vista

Viles Branch Trail

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