Fly like an Eagle - Stone Mountain EarthCache
Fly like an Eagle - Stone Mountain
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This scenic EarthCache provides a simple lesson on linear mountain ridges, their erosion patterns, and associated thermal drafts. But more so, it’s just a really cool spot.
Background
Introduced to me by friends several years ago as “The Hawk Observatory”, this small, isolated platform is officially known as the Stone Mountain Hawkwatch. Sitting atop the ridge of Stone Mountain at an elevation of about 2,100 feet, it was constructed in 1995 by volunteers from the State College Bird Club and the Juniata Valley Audubon Society. The hawkwatch, which is located within Rothrock State Forest on the border of Huntingdon and Mifflin counties, provides a very scenic and strategic location for birding enthusiasts and is an ideal spot for viewing many species of raptors (especially during early fall migrations) including various hawks, ospreys, golden & bald eagles, American kestrels, northern harriers, the occasional falcon, and plenty more.
The Geo-educational Stuff
In addition to being a spectacular ornithological vista, this platform offers excellent panoramic views of the area’s linear mountains and valleys. Known as stratigraphic ridges, this type of geologic construction is common throughout the Appalachian region. Visible to the east of the Stone Mountain ridge is Jack’s Mountain (and Kishacoquillas/Big Valley), while Tussey Mountain (and Stone Valley) lies to the west. Fertile farmland fills the floors of these valleys. Running in a northeast-to-southwest direction, the linear ridges in this region make superb flyways for our feathered friends for several reasons. Factors such as deflected wind currents, along with reliable thermal updrafts of warmer air (from the solar heating of the uneven terrain), combine to create excellent expressways that facilitate the annual southward migrations of many species. This provides for some of the most renowned observation areas for soaring birds in the state and beyond. There is much more information available on these subjects in the “References” links below than I have included here – if you feel so inclined, have a look at some of them to learn more. See my homemade diagram below for a visual representation of the effects described above.
These formations are commonly referred to as the “Ridge and Valley Province/Appalachians” due to their characteristic shape. The mountains are the leftover edges of more erosion-resistant folded strata (layers) of rock, while the worn-down valleys between demonstrate where more easily-eroded rock once occupied. The geological processes that resulted in their formation began around 480 million years ago; continued collisions of ancient tectonic plates, as well as the persistent forces of erosion, reshaped these mountains over the following millennia. Once located near the center of the ancient supercontinent of Pangaea, the Appalachians are a prime example of the fold-and-thrust mechanisms that occur when two tectonic plates come together, causing them to crumple and push under or above one another. After the breakup of this land mass, the range was no longer subject to these powerful forces of tectonic uplift and was instead left to the gradual erosion and weathering by time. Though now quite eroded, the Appalachians once reached similar elevations as other, more recent ranges, such as the Rockies or the Alps. The diagram below shows a multitude of factors that may influence the erosion of a particular area.
How to get there
Locating this spot may be a slight challenge in itself, but studying the map will reveal several possible options for your arrival: (1) Martin Gap Rd via Route 26 north of Huntingdon, (2) Allensville Mountain Rd via Water St in Allensville, or (3) Allensville Rd via either East Branch Rd or Turkey Hill Rd near Greenwood Furnace State Park. A recently-constructed signboard with roof (see included photo) is located at the trailhead near parking coordinates at N 40º 34.143’ W 077º 49.718’. Rothrock State Forest maps are generally available at this trailhead. The orange-blazed Standing Stone Trail (formerly called the Link Trail), which crosses at this sign, is regularly marked as it follows the very rocky spine of the ridge top to the brown-painted platform. Observe the rocky & layered outcroppings along the way. One-way distance from parking to the hawkwatch is only about .25 miles and takes approximately 10 minutes. For more information on the Standing Stone Trail (SST), please visit: http://www.hike-sst.org/.
Logging Requirements
In order to claim credit for this cache & log a find, you must visit the posted coordinates, observe your surroundings, and complete the simple tasks listed below. Please send me an email with the required information before logging your find, then go ahead and post your smiley. For a faster response, include your email address in the note. Feel free to contact me with any questions, comments, or suggestions. As EarthCaches are designed to be educational, I reserve the right to delete any logs for which I have not received the appropriate responses via email.
In your email, please include:
- GC3WP1Q: “Fly like an Eagle – Stone Mountain” (on the first line)
- How many people were in your group for your visit?
- What do you think this area may look like 10,000 years from now?
- Consider the various types of erosion described and represented in the picture above. Comparing the two valleys that are visible from the platform, which seems to be more eroded? What factors do you think may have contributed to this?
In your log, please tell us:
- On the eastern lower corner of the platform, there are two thermometers attached at the leg – one on the outside edge and another just opposite it underneath. Please post in your log the air temperature on one of the thermometers and the time of your visit. (Note – you’ll have to walk around the edge of the platform to see these. A few extra tacks are next to the inner thermometer, just in case one of them comes loose. ***It seems that one or both thermometers may be missing. If so, no worries, just check your car, phone, etc. I will replace them on my next visit.***)
- Anything you’d like to share about your visit. I love detailed logs, but it’s up to you what to write.
- Optional: Please feel free to upload any pictures from your trip – landscapes, cachers, wildlife, etc. The views here are dramatically different throughout the seasons; you’re sure to get some good photos. We would all love to vicariously share your experience!
Some important final thoughts…
Take caution when navigating your way to the top of the mountain; depending on what route you choose, the dirt road is often narrow, bumpy, and sometimes bordered by steep drops. Drive slowly, enjoy the views, and be watchful for abundant wildlife. There is hunting in this and adjacent areas during appropriate seasons – as such, be sure to wear your blaze orange during open seasons when necessary. Be advised that winter maintenance on the unpaved roads up the mountain is nonexistent. When snow is present, four-wheel drive is strongly recommended, if not absolutely essential. Use common sense and do not attempt access during severe weather conditions. Although generally a rather desolate place, do not be surprised if you encounter other hikers or bird watchers at the platform or on the trail, especially during the autumn months. Stick around for a while and you just might learn a thing or two. Watch out for rattlesnakes, poison ivy, and other hazards to be expected in this terrain. Suggested items to bring along include: water & snacks, a hiking stick, binoculars, a camera, sturdy shoes, a jacket, sunglasses, a friend, and perhaps a blanket to sit on. Please respect the area, remember “Leave No Trace” ethics, and practice CITO.
Please note: This EarthCache has been placed with permission from Rothrock State Forest & the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry. A Geocache Agreement Form is held by both the cache owner and the Bureau of Forestry.
References
1. Angevine, Wayne M. "Thermal Structure and Behavior". 2006.
2. Kotala, Stan. “On The Trail: Enjoy the Spectacle of Autumn Hawk Migration at the Stone Mountain Hawk Watch.” Septemer 2007.
3. Scott, Jeff. “Birds, Thermals & Soaring Flight”. December 2005.
4. State College Bird Club. “Stone Mt Hawkwatch”. 2005.
5. Wikipedia – "Stone Mountain (Pennsylvania)", "Geology of the Appalachians", "Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians".
~* Congratulations to Stevensons a Searchin for the FTF! *~
Additional Hints
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Rawbl lbhe gevc!