BACKPACKING PARADISE in the SOUTH | Eagle Rock Loop Arkansas | Ouachita National Forest

Join me on my first ever backpacking trip in the South! This is a 3 night/4 day trip on the Eagle Rock Loop in Arkansas Ouachita National Forest. Prior to this I have only backpacked in the Western USA. Let me say, this trip far exceeded my expectations in terms of beauty. I am joined by my friend's Coach and his yellow lab Buddy and Bryan DeLay. Links to their channel's are below. We ford the Little Missouri River multiple times and cross numerous creeks. On the final day we traverse 5 ridges. The scenery is stunning!
I have embarked on a road trip from Southern California to Florida (then back west) with lots of stops for adventure along the way. From the Southwest to the Southeast the plan is to seek warmer climates during the winter while living full time in my truck camper. This trip will be full of firsts as it is all new territory for me along my entire route. Come along for the ride!
Find the first episode here: • ARIZONA or BUST! Sagua...
Find the second episode here: • HIKING Among ANCIENT V...
Find the third episode here: • WHITE SANDS National P...
Find the fourth episode here: • The SPOOKIEST National...
Bryan's Channel: / @bryandelay
Coach's Channel: / defcoord
Music used in this video all found on EpidemicSound.Com:
1) The Lonely Sailor - Adriel Fair
2) Ivory - Infinity Ripple
3) Wolfpack - Johannes Bornlof
4) Stories They'll Tell When You're Gone - Francis Wells
5) In the Park - Ecovillage
6) Evening Imagery - Trevor Kowalski
7) Soaring Heights - Francis Wells
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• Backpacking Utah | Low...
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• BACKPACKING PARADISE i...

[@BryanDeLay]

Everyone from Arkansas will be proud of this video; excellent work! What a great loop made even better with the company of you, Coach and Buddy.

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thanks so much Bryan! It was an awesome trip!

[@lmon734]

Just me or do you love how she captures the beauty of it all?

[@fredstratton555]

Darn good camera work. I enjoyed it as usual.

[@elainemcelroy8829]

I live in southern Missouri and have done quite a bit of hiking in southern Missouri and northern Arkansas, but they have all been only day hikes. I am 65 years young, and didn’t start hiking much, to speak of, until about 3 years ago. I was surprised at how much I would enjoy hiking during the winter months, although I have to say, I avoid water crossings when the temps are cold. When the leaves are off the trees in the winter, you can see views and rock formations that you might not see during other seasons. You also don’t have to deal with bugs and snakes, which is a big plus! You were very lucky to enjoy the more milder winter temps during your hike. On Feb 16, the low was around -11° in that part of Arkansas. At my house, on Feb 15, we had 0° for a high and -13 for a low. Thank goodness, those types of temps are not averages! I am guessing the temps you had on your hike were probably close to averages. So glad that you enjoyed spending time in my part of the world.

[@Galiuros]

It takes Cat's skills to make a cold, wet and mostly cloudy backpacking trip look appealing to even this desert dweller. So much water! Once again she has introduced me to new places. A perfect reason to get up at 7 on a Sunday morning.

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thank you so much 🙏!

[@DavidJohnson-zs5qg]

Perhaps some day she will hike the Catskills, and document them with Cat skills!

[@lynettepatten904]

Great time to hike Arkansas with no foliage to appreciate the geology of the Ozarks, but there is nothing more magic than the redbuds and dogwoods of an early Arkansas spring forest.

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

I’ll have to come back! ❤️

[@kennethsaukas7971]

This video is just fabulous. The 🎵 music sets the mood perfectly.

[@mountainman4987]

WOW! I had no idea Arkansas was so beautiful! I was born and raised here in California next to the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the beauty I see in Arkansas is comparable on many levels to what I've seen here. 🤙

[@DownsizingMakesCents]

Love all the water scenes with the sound of the water carefully added to the audio track. You have gotten so good at editing these hiking videos. Great mix of music, ambient sound, voice over, with beautiful images, all telling your hiking story. Very entertaining. Larry

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thank you so much Larry!

[@sonyalargo6439]

Aww luv the sound of river flowing 🙏

[@beneditocrispim9554]

It's incredibly well made. I feel a mix of emotions. The shots are astonishing with picturesque landscapes so gorgeous that makes us to feel to present while you walking. Thanks God for so beautiful places yet to exist here on earth. 👏👏👏👏

[@debasishchakravorty3874]

hi, greetings from India. i am an avid hiker and trekker and in my country we have the mighty Himalayan terrain which is even more challenging in terms of altitude. but i cant express in words how awesome this entire hike was, truly a feast for the eyes, the natural beauty....so soothing for the mind....thanks for sharing this vid, i subscribed your channel and look forward to more videos from you, as i will never be able to do those hikes myself. once again, love and respect from India.

[@mercyshaver5264]

Thank you for the opportunity to travel with you. Love all your videos. ❤❤❤

[@FirstSuiGeneris]

_Your production of the vlogs is outstanding. I put it on the big screen and surround for the music, well-done Cat! I had my coffee in hand too! : )_

[@blue-eyed-tiger]

I cast to the big screen as well. Great way to watch these awesome videos.

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thank you so much!

[@paulskystoneadventures]

Great vidio Catherine thanks for your hard work 👍👍🌟🌟🌟🌟👍👍

[@alexanderweaver4838]

What an awesome and beautiful hike! The azure color of the water, especially at 20:20, was spectacular. I think Arkansas is one of the gems of our nation. There's a gas station on I-40 that serves the best catfish in the world. I actually turned off the Super Bowl to watch this video and glad I did. As a member of a huge overland camping group, Arkansas is one of our favorite states to explore. Thank you, Catherine, for sharing such an incredible journey.

[@raktoda707]

All I can say is WOW, STUNNING

[@timmccaskiol5485]

You are a photographer! I am so happy for you,living the way you want to! Good luck!

[@dontfearthereaper9528]

You had the right kind of music and just the right amount without overdoing it. You captured the essence of Arkansas in a magnificent way! Thoroughly enjoyed and thank you

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thank you so much!

[@leecheever903]

What a beautiful place.

[@gringo3009]

Beautiful country! Love the flag at the peak!

[@Patriot-American]

Cat... One of the loveliest videos you've done. Spectacular scenery and background music. A wonderful hike with great company. Look forward to the next and don't skip Texas!! 👍🍺❤😎

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thank you so much! I plan on shooting a video in Texas on my way back. Things didn’t go as expected when I passed through due to weather and other factors. I did stay with Coach and his wife in Plano for a couple nights. :)

[@Patriot-American]

@@CatherineGregoryAdventures Yea... The Texas weather can change quickly and always good to keen an eye on it. Glad you are planning to visit ... 👍👌👍

[@wshaw4527]

Great videography as usual. You have spoiled us, we now compare all scenery, style, and stories to yours. We may be biased with this particular episode because Arkansas is our home state. Safe travels, and we look forward to seeing your next video.

[@Melinda_B62]

Beautiful hike! Give me a hike in the woods any day over mountains, I love beautiful lush greenery. Hopefully you’ll get a Tennessee Smoky Mountains trip under your belt someday in the future - one of my favorites. 🙂

[@hikewithmike4673]

I love lush greenery too I love my hiking in the swamps!

[@texashikeaholicsadventures]

@@hikewithmike4673 same here Mike and Melinda!! I love the mountains, but I love my forest!!

[@stout_tossme7541]

Wow. Your camera work is amazing.

[@maxamus]

Beautiful music. Beautiful scenery and an amazing creator. Thank you Catherine.

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thank you!

[@RebeccaMezoffTapestry]

Thank you Catherine. This is a beautiful, calming video. I love your style and photography.

[@MRHEAT20]

Great trip thanks for taking us along - and it was nice you had friends with you 🍻

[@jeffreyrule8143]

Great trip. Thanks for having us along.

[@glennisperry8740]

Another beautiful and relaxing video I can not wait until next Sunday thanks making great videos

[@mikeswisher7987]

Wow! Didn't know Arkansas was that pretty. Thanks for sharing, I really enjoy the longer videos and music choice is great.

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thank you!

[@ronbucchino7167]

Perfect time of year to hike Arkansas -- the insects in warm weather are unbelievable!!! Thanks for bringing me back and along.

[@jatraveler1277]

So happy you showed what a delight it is to hike in Arkansas. Hiking in January is perfect in Arkansas..no bugs and no stitcky humidity. Yes, spring and the dogwoods are beautiful, but those bugs. Arkansas was my home state until recently. Buffalo River is terrific also. Safe travels... Another fabulous Sunday morning view. 😊 🙏

[@augustcalderaro3797]

You are a true artist with the camera. I do not get out much so via your videos I am able to travel our beautiful countryside, thank you for sharing much appreciated!

[@davidkimmet5790]

Great Day Catherine,, I see you are enjoying the great beauty of America and our planet. As an adventurer you know how unbelievable everything is around us. Have a great time always ,, be careful and gain great memories . Dave in Ohio

[@inkjob12]

beautiful scenery. Seeing all that water makes me think.....fishing ! Thanks for taking us along on your trip. LOL to you

[@lyndaphillips9064]

Perfect hike. So beautiful. Give me trees, mountain,shoreline or deserts. Happy just too out in nature.

[@calsurflance5598]

Simply awesome!

[@gunnyd2008]

Thanks for hiking my back yard, 👍👍😁😁

[@pamelamikel7967]

Beautiful. Amazing water crossings. Thank you...

[@larrycarroll7371]

Another work of art. Thanks for taking me along a different path this morning. And thanks for teaming up with two fine fellows. It makes me feel more comfortable when you have a safety net.

[@michaelpatterson9897]

Another awesome and inspiring video! :)

[@joycejam9198]

What a stunning landscape.. Wow!.. And your videos and the background music.. Therapeutic..

[@seansinger2558]

Ive never seen such amazing and beautiful palaces. Thanks for being good humans and sharing.

[@TimIrvin]

WHAT! WHAAAAT?? Catherine Gregory is hiking right outside my back door and I didn't get to run out and say, "HI!" #ArkansasIsANatural - NEXT TIME... let me know when ya'll are near Conway, Arkansas and I will make a big pot of beans n ham and cornbread! This is very cool!

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

That sounds so good!!

[@sonyalargo6439]

Awesome view, beautiful

[@abovemsa4123]

So great to see you’re doing what makes you happy! Great video’s, music and photography. Thank you! 👍🏻

[@rythmicwarrior]

Well, I think I just found my next backpacking destination. Thank you for that!

[@drunkmike6364]

Very nice. Excellent cinematography and music choice. Well done.

[@DixonHikes]

Cat - I was so pumped when Bryan told me the ‘Dream Team’ was coming to the Ouachita’s. Hope my home state treated y’all well. Thanks for showcasing The Natural State, in all her glory! Safe travels ✌🏼

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Your state is beautiful Chris!

[@annward7021]

Arkansas is my home state. I enjoyed watching your videos and photos.

[@donalddunn5442]

So glad you enjoyed my home state. Great vlog as usual and wonderful cinematography.

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thank you 🙏!

[@doingitwithnothing]

Quit a pace ... but I’m happy someone now showing what out South has to offer... be safe and continue to study the South but most of all enjoy the journey.... I sure do

[@stevenrecio3341]

Everywhere you go I want to visit it's so beautiful,,, thank you Catherine for the videos !!!

[@woongtv-naturehealing273]

You're so good at editing videos. The scenery of nature is so beautiful. Have a wonderful day. 👍👍🤙🤙🤙👌💯

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thank you so much!

[@wildwindjersey]

It’s fun to be able to see parts of the country I’ll never make it to. All beautiful. You’re blessed! Thanks for sharing.

[@catfishnet]

Loved it ❤️. And less than two hours from me. I didn't even know it was there.

[@aaronshall9258]

Great video:) Thanks for sharing:) The doggie was Enjoying it so much!:) Hope all of you have safe travels:)

[@TrayHere]

Fantastic as usual. Love that dog. So sweet.

[@marianfrances4959]

Beautiful! Thank you for the tour...👍😉🇨🇦👌🌲🔥 gotta love that pointing stick👌

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

😂😂

[@texashikeaholicsadventures]

I was so excited to see this pop up!! One of our favorite loops! This was the first big backpacking trip I took in 2015, so it will always have a special place in my heart. We just did it again this past October. We always start at the same trailhead you did, but we go counter clockwise spending 2 nights on trail. Taking an extra night would probably make it even more pleasant!! You captured it well and yes, Arkansas has a lot to offer. The Buffalo River Valley is some beautiful hiking as well. Maybe one day you will get a chance to do the the Buffalo River Trail. As always...fantastic video!! Thanks for sharing with us!!

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thanks so much guys! I did view your video!! It was very helpful letting me know what to expect. ❤️

[@texashikeaholicsadventures]

@@CatherineGregoryAdventures Thanks Cat!!! Glad it was helpful!!

[@Hikewithsammich]

It was also my first backpacking trip. Lots of good memories and lots of newbie mistakes made here. We went over Thanksgiving and had pretty high water crossings. Such a lovely loop.

[@websterbarstone]

Such a great hike, Catherine! It's always exciting to explore a completely new region -- to have your senses bombarded with new geology and species of plants, trees, and wildlife totally different from what you're accustomed. The more you travel, the more you appreciate the incredible variety of nature. You had excellent companionship -- and of course I'm including Buddy. What a good boy.

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

I completely concur with your comment. Including the part about Buddy. :)

[@rgnewlife6622]

You have truly been a blessing to me in the places you have been!!! Lord's willing i will get to see all the places you have shown. Many happy travels to you and yours knowing you are a wonderful person ❤!!!!

[@Mtnsunshine]

Thank you for this, Catherine.🙏. What a pretty state. 😍. And it is great to see Coach and Buddy again.👍

[@Allthingsnicey]

Beautiful Arkansas. Love this state

[@danielkutcher5704]

Beautiful trail scenery! The color of the water, the falls, the campfire, and great piano & cello music. I could imagine hiking with the group. It worked to get me out of my own head for a while. Thanks so much! 👍☺

[@bettyjorodgers8552]

You did so good. I know it was cold and your feet were wet and probably freezing. Great, great video. Thank you so much. Blessings

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thank you Betty Jo!

[@MrBoxer1200]

So true, I like your AT hat, as I am a thru-hiker GA-ME 94 and an Arkansan, beautiful shots and photo work, hope you enjoyed your time there. Peace !

[@jeffreycalzada3484]

Another great job Catherine. Thanks again for taking me along! Be safe! 🙏

[@tsav6952]

What a beautiful loop! Would make a nice summer hike too with the water crossings.

[@michaelsanfilippo7433]

Another amazing production.

[@Warrior_Resisting_Colonialism]

I've done lots of hiking in this forest. It's very nice. Usually fairly dry and warmer. Nice to see you guys making the best of it, even during a cold snap though.

[@GwenMotoGirl]

A beautiful production. The music is lovely and sounds like Thomas Newman’s film scores that I love so much.

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thanks so much!

[@nanthapol]

The quality of the video, the music, and narrative are very good. Keep it up.

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thank you so much.

[@JJ-em4qq]

Camera is so crystal clear !! Beautiful surroundings, putting our minds on peace an serenity

[@discoveringlockenest8420]

Looked challenging but awesome! Thanks for sharing! 🤙

[@paulfroud3920]

Breathtaking as always...and the scenery was great too...:)

[@donreinholz8121]

That was a pretty challenging loop with plenty of drinking water available. The greenish blue water colors were beautiful. I guess getting your feet wet is unavoidable and hard to get warm. Great choice of music as always. Hi Buddy!

[@copycatcarlton]

Cathrine, great video, I have been watching Bryan’s videos for a while now and was always impressed by them. Your video is just as good! Thanks for taking us along!

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thank you!

[@garydavis786]

I love your choice of background music. So relaxing and your photography is also superb.

[@blue-eyed-tiger]

Awesome hike! High Five Congrats on completing this diverse trail. Sometimes it looked like fall, with golden leaves and then a green moss on trees and rocks appeared tropical - so cool. Buddy is great. Thanks for sharing. Cheers 👍😀

[@lesfinch]

Beautiful vide again.I knew Buddy couldn't stay mad at you,who could!

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thank you!! No...Buddy is a lover. ❤️

[@erict5878]

Catherine, I watched this video around 3 pm yesterday. As I watched I could feel every tense part of my body just RELAX. Between the sights and music it just took away the stress and made me long for my mountains..the Sierras. I played it again just before bed and slept great! I can't imagine what that area would look like in late spring when all the trees are leafed out. Thanks for all you do Catherine...they just keep getting better!

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thank you so much!

[@jennyfulcher8035]

I enjoyed the change of scenery of the Eagle Rock Loop Trail with its lichen-covered rocks, trees, streams, and rivers. I could almost smell the fecund earth, leaves, and minty rivers and creeks as well as feel the fresh, brisk air and your cold, wet socks! I'm sure your dry socks felt heavenly at day's end. Thanks for sharing your southern adventure with Coach, Bryan and Buddy....Jenny :o)

[@kearnsey64]

Nice trip Catherine! Looked grueling but you crushed it!

[@jeffmiller1159]

Having been an avid hiker in my younger days, I know the relief you felt every time you were able to drop your pack at the end of the day...

[@mikehiggins3728]

Another great vid. I have never thought about backpacking Ark . Thanks for posting.

[@jameshuggins4300]

Awesome thanks 😊 You visited my home state!!!

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

😀😀

[@trees915]

I am happy you weren't alone on this trip! Please be careful! Beautiful work!

[@truckcampinglife]

Simply Perfect! I look so forward to your videos every week. You have never disappointed me.

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thank you 🙏!

[@hannutuomela3444]

A beautiful, entertaining video! And tranquil music - just professionally embedded in the story. Like the most delicate movie background I would say.

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thank you 🙏!

[@thomasdroher3890]

You did Arkansas proud, I used to live there for six or seven years in the 80's most to the north. Good seeing it again. Very beautiful video.

[@vickiemuto7366]

Thank you Catherine for another beautiful video. This backpacking trip was very refreshing!

[@paulflatley2056]

What a beautiful trail , thank you 🙏

[@vvogt4252]

Wow, Absolutely Beautiful! Thanks for bringing us all along. Fantastic job making this Video. Have a Wonderful Day!

[@scottthejeepguy7499]

Nice hike, thanks for taking us along

[@patsywhiddon1832]

Lived and hiked here all my life! Lovely trip, thank y’all for taking us along 🙏

[@Chris-xk4jw]

Thank you for another beautiful video Catherine. I'm so glad you had the opportunity to enjoy some of the incredible natural beauty here east of the Mississippi.

[@HerbMoore]

I had to go put on warm socks just to watch you wade that water. Another great presentation. Thanks.

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

😂😂😂

[@PaulBeiser]

Loved this Cat, your best one yet! Nothing beats a backpack with friends, good campsites, and beautiful terrain. Thanks for the wonderful images and video, gosh, that place looks so incredibly special. Loved those woods, the colors, and the water. Take care.

[@CatherineGregoryAdventures]

Thank you so much Paul.