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TIL the Eagle Rock loop in Arkansas is way better clockwise and everyone on the trail forums disagrees with me
I hiked the Eagle Rock Loop near Athens, Arkansas two weeks ago and did it clockwise on a hunch, and now I can't figure out why the common advice says counterclockwise. Going clockwise you hit the steep climb up Brush Heap early when your legs are fresh, and you get the water crossings done before the afternoon storms roll in, which happened to me on a past trip in 2022 when I did it the other way and got caught at the Little Missouri crossing in a downpour. The views down the valley on day two are behind you the whole time if you go counterclockwise, which makes no sense to me. I passed six hikers in the first mile who all looked at me like I was lost, and one guy in a green Osprey pack laughed and asked if I missed a turn. I get that counterclockwise is the guidebook way, but I think people just copy it without thinking. If you've done this loop both directions, which one actually felt easier to you, and did the creek levels change your mind?
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