Shepherds Ford Road offers a scenic step into another time
Outdoor writer and photographer Corbet Deary is featured regularly in The Sentinel-record. Today, Deary takes readers on a drive along Shepherds Ford Road.
Deer season is finally behind us, and “Ol’ Man Winter” appears to have moved into the state, as our nighttime lows have dipped into the lower 20s and teens during the past week or so.
And with the season comes colder temperatures during the daylight hours, as well. Of course, we can expect an occasional succession of daytime highs reaching the 60s. But, generally speaking, the temperatures will plummet as the winter season progresses. In fact, there will be days when the highs hardly reach the freezing point.
That in mind, I chose to cover a driving destination during last week’s article. In fact, I recently embarked upon yet another route that happens to be in the same vicinity as was the most destination. So why not cover it today, lending to the opportunity to experience both routes during the same outing?
From Hot Springs, head north on Park Avenue and take a left onto Highway 7 north, six-tenths of a mile past Fountain Lake School. The scenic highway will make its way through a residential area for several miles. However, it eventually enters the Ouachita National Forest, near Iron Springs, at 16 miles, and will continue through the heart of the forest until reaching the Hollis Community.
The highway makes its way alongside the junction of Forest Road 132, where our excursion in the Winona Wildlife Management Area began last week. But remain on the highway this time, as this week’s destination is farther north.
Highway 7 makes a winding journey through somewhat of mountainous terrain for several miles, lending to the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty that notoriously lurks in the Ouachitas.
The route eventually makes its way across the newly erected bridge spanning Little Bear Creek. And I suspect that anybody who has traveled this particular stretch of highway very many times will be more than happy to see the newer and wider structure.
One can take the unsurfaced road to the right, just before reaching the bridge, and follow the route to atop Little Bear Creek Dam. Although the reservoir is rather hard to access without a four-wheel drive, the view from atop the dam is certainly worthy of seeing.
OK, back to the highway. After crossing the bridge, the highway will make its way to the Trail 86 intersection, which is where we tied back in with Highway 7 and headed back to Hot Springs during last week’s article.
But again, let’s remain straight, as this week’s route is but a few more miles up the road. Highway 7 will cross yet another newly built bridge that folks might also appreciate, shortly thereafter, just before running alongside the Hollis Country Store.
I have mentioned this store in my destination articles throughout the years, and for good reason. This particular business has a rich history and lends to an opportunity to step back and celebrate another era of time.
The stone structure was built in the early 1930s and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. I suspect it has been serving the public ever since. The business has changed hands from time to time throughout the years. And is presently manned by the newest owners.
From the store, remain north on Highway 7 for nine-tenths of a mile and take a left onto Highway 314. I suppose this would prove a great time to share that my father pastored at the Valley Home Missionary Baptist Church, which is also located on Highway 314, from the time I was 11 until I was 17.
My family had the privilege of getting to know the locals during these six wonderful years. And I can say with all confidence that the Hollis Community consisted of the most caring and genuine people that I have ever met. In fact, many treated us as if we were family.
The highway will make its way through what some locals refer to as “The Valley” for 4.6 miles, where we will take a left onto Shepherds Ford Road.
The dirt road will make its way alongside a couple of houses prior to crossing a low-water bridge spanning the South Fourche Lafave River. The concrete structure normally lends to an easy crossing. However, it is important to recognize that this particular waterway is quick to rise during heavy rains. And one should avoid this crossing when the Fourche is on the prowl.
Shepherds Ford Road will make its way to an intersection at seven-tenths of a mile, where we will take a left and embark upon a short detour to Dry Fork Lake. Keep right on the road, as it will make its way alongside the launching ramp at about a half-mile in. Continue along the dirt road as it parallels the shoreline until reaching a primitive camping spot where the main channel opens into the bay.
OK, I’ll let my photographer friends in on a little secret. This is one of my favorite spots. Not only is this a great location for shooting landscapes, especially during foggy conditions, but it is also one of the locations where one can capture night sky shots with very little light pollution.
The lake is also a reputable fishing destination. Although it does see its fair share of fishing pressure, I have experienced success while casting in its waters from time to time. In fact, I can recall a frigid January morning, several years ago, when my father coaxed a solid 5-pound largemouth from its waters.
OK, back to Shepherds Ford Road. Continue for in the neighborhood of one mile to where the Hawks Schoolhouse will be located on the left. The old schoolhouse served the community from 1911 ‘till 1949. And fortunately, I had the opportunity to know a couple of the individuals who actually taught at the school.
The structure is well preserved and welcomes folks to get out and get a better look. In fact, the front door of the one-roomed school is always unlocked.
Of course, those who enter the building are expected to take all steps to ensure that it remains in good condition. And visitors might consider signing the sign-in book that is located near the door.
To enter the building is a very interesting experience, as those with an inquisitive mind will automatically be taken back to a time that is far different from what students are accustomed to today.
I always imagine young boys and girls donning overalls and dresses constructed of flour sacks arriving to school afoot, while carrying their lunches in metal pails. I also arrive to the conclusion that attendance suffered during the harvest season, as many of the youngsters were expected to remain home and work.
From the school, Shepherds Ford Road continues alongside a few houses and makes its way across yet another bridge spanning South Fourche Lafave River. However, this structure was recently built and is far less likely to be affected during high waters.
The road then meanders alongside the waterway for a short distance prior to tying back in with Highway 314, where we will take a right and travel nearly 8 miles back to Highway 7 north.
Yep, I have traveled this exact route time and time again throughout the years. And I suspect Shepherds Ford Road is a destination that will continue to beckon my return many more times in the future.