Solo Hike on Eagle Rock Loop - Black Bear Encounter | Ouachita National Forest

I found some old footage from my solo hike on Eagle Rock Loop I thought was lost forever. This is a 30 mile looped trail that is fairly difficult in places due to steep inclines and rocky terrain, but it is also a very rewarding and adventurous hike. I hope you enjoy this exciting and funny video. Please subscribe to my channel.
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[@markbutler8610]

I love me some Mollie

[@dubon6372]

I remember my first solo overnight trip. I was on my tent in the middle of nowhere off trail ,and something was walking around my camp scratching stuff. I was in the military at the time and I always carry a powerful firearm, I was waiting for a bear to start ripping my tent and I was ready to fight 😂, scared to death! I eventually fell asleep after whatever was there went away. Next morning I found little footprints around my camp, probably a raccoon 😂. When you are alone in the woods and scared animals sound larger that what they are. Get a 10mm and practice, you might never have to use it, but the peace of mind it gives me makes the extra weight worth it. Thanks for the video

[@mollykendrick3368]

Hahah omg yes! This is so true. They always sound way bigger LOL

[@larryensminger2005]

My wife and I are enjoying your videos. Just moved from Colorado to Oklahoma. We will be here for a couple of years. It is good to see some good hiking around here.

[@mollykendrick3368]

Thank you so much! I hope you are enjoying it!

[@leadfeet6236]

Watched this after your comment on FB post. The look on your face after seeing the bear is priceless. Good job on knocking our ERL.

[@mollykendrick3368]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@chrisgriffin4012]

I'm planning a extended solo hike through the ouchita national forest. Hopefully, within the next month. What time of the year did you go through?

[@Josephhikes]

In April I saw a black Bear about half way up to Eagle Rock Vista so close to the same place . I only seen it’s butt as it went across the trail and down the mountain . Enjoyed your video.

[@mollykendrick3368]

They must stay up there for sure! Thank you so much

[@Kevin90604]

Great job Molly!

[@brucestephenson5962]

Whiskey 🥃 helps the sounds go away. That’s what I do when I’m solo camping.

[@hikingmule]

Congrats on completing the trail, bear and all. 👍 I'm also from the Midwest and need to start checking out the local backpacking options. Great video.

[@mollykendrick3368]

Thank you!

[@patsywhiddon1832]

I am considering that trail for my first extended hiking trip. Thank you for sharing your journey 🙏

[@mollykendrick3368]

Thank you!

[@markbutler8610]

Well...boredom in the woods, what happens in the mountains...

[@thatchercarter790]

Next time u go camping/ hiking take a air horn and use it if u see a bear again !! It scares the bear away 😀👍

[@mollykendrick3368]

That’s a great idea!!

[@ryanfiscus1]

I’m doing this trail starting tomorrow! It will be my first solo trip and I’m kinda nervous! Any tips?

[@mollykendrick3368]

I hope your trip went great! I’m always nervous doing it but when you are done it feels sooo amazing!!

[@laceyholcomb355]

I love your tattoo!!

[@mollykendrick3368]

Thank you!!

[@Floridawoodsbanshee]

Those creeks are full of water snakes. They can get aggressive. If they start coming towards you just throw some rocks at em. I never had any problems with ticks. But they like my girlfriends private parts. My problem was the big horse fly's.. they would eat me up. Huge welts that would take a day to go away.

[@Elidogz]

Always carry . Ya never know , your in the area of mountain lions , bears & just in case of strange people ….springfield 10mm 3.8in . Great video & beautiful scenery

[@mollykendrick3368]

Absolutely! Thank you 🙏🏻

[@johniegreen2361]

You should do public guides. Great job btw!

[@JessikaaPoppe]

Great job!!! Kudos for doing it solo as well! How is it with the dogs? Do they eat a lot of food? Do you carry their food as well? We just did the loop this weekend! Check out the video on my channel ! :)

[@mollykendrick3368]

I’ve hiked with lots of different dogs and some do great and some don’t! Definitely depends on their capability and getting their lags toughened up! We have had to carry one off the trail before!

[@hazmatispro512]

Idibt see a bear

[@hazmatispro512]

I don't see a bear

[@scottrandall2019]

Good video. However and I swear I am not being smug here. Your fear is very high with the sight of the bear. Your fear could have caused you to make some very poor decisions. I would say that you might not need to do any solo hikes this big for your own safety. This is really to anyone. If you are fearful and not prepared for the flora and fauna at a location, you need more people with you. Hike responsibly and safely.

[@mollykendrick3368]

Thank you! I do appreciate it and totally agree. It was a surreal experience and you never can predict how you will react unless you are trained for it!

[@Floridawoodsbanshee]

Scott that's some good advice. I traveled this mountain for 7 years. I've seen some absolutely huge bears. Got lucky with one that was 6 feet away. I was just about to walk out the door. They are really fast. And never get between momma and her Cubs. I did have one that I developed a relationship with. He got used to seeing me. We would talk for 10- 15 minutes and then I'd leave. I could get about 40 or 50 feet from him. People should be in groups for sure. Bring some bear spray if it makes you feel safe. GL