Today’s hike was the east end of section 2.  I started at the Cherry Bend trail head and headed west to Fane Creek and then back.  It was about 25 degrees when I started but by 10:00 AM I had stripped-off the last bit of fleece – the temperature peaked around 65.

The Cherry Bend trail head has parking for a dozen or so cars.  Across the highway (AR23) there is a spur trail of about 0.1 mile leading to the OHT.

There is no official trail head nor long-term parking at the Fane Creek Road crossing but there are a couple places that could probably be used for a day-hike.  About 50 feet west is an old road that is permanently blocked.  2 or maybe 3 cars could fit in here end-to-end.  2 or 3 more could park on the wide shoulder on the south side of Fane Creek Road.

This is not a real scenic part of the trail.  There are some long stretches with little forest canopy, giving rise to lots of briars and grass (and ticks today).  Highlights are Fane Creek…

The trail crossing at Fane Creek

Another view of Fane Creek

…and the rock house.  The area under a large ledge was enclosed, apparently to serve as a home.  It has a commanding view of the Mulberry River valley but no cable TV.

The rock house – west side

The rock house – looking in from the east window. There is a small well or cistern in the right rear corner.

The rock house – the view from the “porch”