Outdoor writer and photographer Corbet Deary is featured regularly in The Sentinel-Record. Today, Deary takes readers on a journey to Lloyd Millwood WMA.
There are obviously issues that people cannot agree upon. However, regardless of one's political, religious and moral views, I think we all share the same sentiment, at present, when it comes to the temperatures. Simply put, the heat has proven brutal for the past few weeks.
The daytime highs have notoriously been hovering near and above the century mark. And after a recent hammock camping excursion, I can say with all certainty, that even the nighttime lows are far from comfortable. In fact, I was so miserable that sleep was sparse, in spite of a slight breeze.
That in mind, I decided that this would prove a great time to dedicate this destination article to a drive.
I understand that fuel prices are far from auto-tour friendly. And I am aware that there is still a short window of time, immediately after sunrise, when the temperatures are at least tolerable enough to get out in the midst of Mother Nature.
I suppose others share my sentiments, in the sense that I am not a big fan of being cooped up in the house for a majority of the day. So why not take advantage of those precious early-morning hours, come back home, ditch those sweaty clothes, load a few drinks and snacks in the rig, and spend the remainder of the day exploring from the comfort of one's vehicle?
So where might one go? The options are far too numerous to mention in one article. In fact, literally thousands of miles of interstates, state and U.S. highways wind through this beautiful state. Let alone all of the county and forest roads that meander through rural and government lands.
I narrowed today's drive to a route that has beckoned my return during previous summers. In fact, this particular drive is one of my favorites when the daytime highs grow too intense to enjoy.
We'll begin at Hot Springs and head north on Park Avenue (Highway 5). We'll remain on Highway 5 until reaching the new roundabout, just past Fountain Lake School, where we'll turn left and head in a northward direction on Highway 7.
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The scenic highway will make its way through a rural area for several miles, some of which lends to a pleasant scene. However, we'll begin recording mileages at Jessieville School.
The route will enter the national forest shortly after making its way through Jessieville. In fact, the Iron Springs Recreation Area is but minutes from the school. The highway then makes its way alongside an access point for the Ouachita National Trail System and begins a winding journey Over White Oak Mountain.
The road continues north and crosses the South Fourche River at 14.7 miles. Those who have not traveled this particular route during the past few years might be somewhat surprised upon seeing the new bridge spanning the river. That's right; the narrow steel bridge has been replaced with a more up-to-date structure, as was the bridge that spanned Little Bear Creek, just a few miles back down the road.
The Hollis Country Store is situated just beyond the opposing side of the river. In fact, one might consider stopping in and grabbing a snack at this particular location, and getting a little better acquainted with its history, as it has been operational since 1930.
The highway continues through the Hollis Community for a few miles and begins a steep and winding journey, deeper into the heart of the Ouachita National Forest.
The road eventually makes a descent and crosses the Main Fourche Lafave River just before running alongside the River Road Recreation Area. This is also a location where one might consider a pit stop, as those remaining on the suggested route might not find public restrooms for the next several miles.
Highway 7 will make its way to Fourche Junction just beyond the recreation area, and 25.3 miles from Jessieville School. This is where we'll take a left and embark upon a short drive along Highway 60. In fact, we'll take a left onto Sunlight Bay Road at 32.1 miles.
We will bid farewell to the pavement soon thereafter and will remain on unsurfaced roads for the next several miles. The route will make its way alongside the Sunlight Bay Recreation Area at 34.4 miles and we'll take a left onto the River Road at 35.1 miles.
This is where the Lloyd Millwood Wildlife Management Area begins. And we'll remain on this particular road for a short distance, where we'll make a left-hand turn onto Forest Road 96 and cross a steel bridge spanning the Main Fourche Lafave River at 36.6 miles.
The route will run alongside what appears as a slough for a ways before heading deeper into the heart of the national forest. The road does quite a bit of winding, and of course, there will be plenty of climbs and descents as the route follows the contour of the mountainous terrain.
Veer right at the road sign at 37.3 miles and make a left-hand turn at 38.5 miles and the Fourche Mountain Turkey Hunting Area sign. Veer left at 42.7 miles and take a right at the "Y" at 42.9 miles. The road will make its way to new clearcut, at 43.3 miles, where we'll veer right to stay on the main road.
The route will eventually make a sharp, right-hand turn crossing a small bridge spanning Buchanan Creek and making its way to the intersection of Highway 314 at 46.9 miles.
OK. I suppose we're about ready for a little highway time. Let's take a left onto 314 and remain on the pavement until making a right-hand turn onto Shepherds Ford Road when the odometer reads 51.1.
The dirt road runs alongside and eventually crosses the South Fourche Lafave River before making its way alongside several houses. And why might I send one along this route? Well, I thought some folks might want to stop and explore the Hawk School House at 57.3 miles.
Local children attended the school from 1911 to 1949. And although 73 years have since passed since it shut its doors as an educational institution, the building has been well preserved.
The route continues, making its way alongside the road leading to Dry Fork Lake. Those interested in exploring the small reservoir can simply take a right at the sign and follow the road to the water's edge.
The route we are taking along Shepherd's Ford Road will continue straight and eventually cross the South Fourche Lafave River, via a low-water bridge.
The crossing is very easy during normal conditions. But be aware that it doesn't take a lot of rain for this waterway to be on the prowl. And one should not attempt this crossing after significant rainfall.
Well, good news for those who long for more pavement. The road intersects with Highway 314 at 55 miles, where we'll make a right-hand turn and remain on the route until it ties back in with Highway 7 when the odometer reads 59.6.
Simply turn right onto the scenic state highway and head back in the direction of Hot Springs. I'll be the first to agree that this particular route lent to somewhat of a lengthy drive along unsurfaced roads.
But on the other hand, a plethora of beautiful scenery lurked along the way. And the greatest part? We didn't even have to break a sweat to enjoy a stint into the wonderful outdoors.
Print Headline: WATCH: Enjoy a scenic drive on a hot summer’s day
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