The hint of incipient springtime is apparent in the early pink flowers and
the green budding on the tree. Spring backpacking is rife with contrasts
with summer backpacking. Disadvantages include the possibility of extremely
variable weather conditions, a dearth of greenery, early onset of darkness,
fewer hours of daylight, and reduced opportunity to observe wildlife. However,
there are also distinct advantages, including few or nonexistent bugs, fewer
people (which translates into more solitude), and minimal foliage to impair
one's views of vistas and wildlife.
This is Slot Rock (so named by Tim Ernest) on Lick Creek, where the creek constricts and cascades down to the pool in the photo below. This is a wonderful spot to rest or, as I did, have a lunch break. I did soak my feet momentarily in the cold water, and in warmer weather, this would provide a good wading area to cool off.
The area below slot rock (barely visible just right of the tree in middle of photo) provides a tempting spot to wade in warm weather. Please DO NOT camp nearby this fragile area, although its beauty and serenity are a very tempting draw and a great location to take a well-deserved break or nap.
Haw Creek Falls (National Forest) Campground offers a magnificent campground with picturesque sites, picnic tables, toilets, and a delicious opportunity to explore and play in the water. In the warmer months, a reasonable daily fee is charged.
Little Piney Creek parallels the trail for several miles of easy, level hiking. The only people I saw during three days on the trail were a pair of horsemen on this section of trail. I found the trail well-marked for the most part, except for a few low, marshy spots. With the aid of the well-written, highly detailed trail guide, following the trail is very easy, despite its propensity to jump from trail to old jeep road to trail again.