GCQ7Z4 Hickory Run Boulder Field Earthcache (Earthcache) in Pennsylvania, United States created by Lux

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GCQ7Z4 ▼

A cache by Lux Message this owner

Hidden : 8/21/2005

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: not chosen (not chosen)

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Geocache Description:

To get credit for this cache: Visit the site and Email the estimated size of this family sized large white rock in a sea of red sandstone.

Egress to/from the bolder field: [Park Map (1.1 mb .pdf) - Trail Information (Text)]

Driving: The boulder field is accessable via a well maintained dirt road with ample parking. Follow the signs for the swimming area/boulder field off of RT 534 not far from the campgrounds (see coordinates below).
Hiking: Park off of RT 534 (see coordinates below) and hike the 7 mile round trip Boulder Field Trail to the site. DCNR rates this trail as: difficult.

HICKORY RUN BOULDER FIELD

Note: A few yards south of the cache (see coordinates below) is a nicely wooded area with large flat rocks; perfect for resting. Or better yet, bring a lunch and enjoy the secluded view of the field. One hint, from someone who has spent time on the rocks, the larger rocks are more stable than the smaller ones.

Background on this geological feature:

Located in Hickory Run State Park on the Pocono Plateau near the headwaters of Hickory Run, this landmark is one of the most striking geologic features in the state of Pennsylvania. A true relic of the past, it has remained relatively unchanged for more than twenty thousand years.

Measuring Approximately 400 feet by 1,800 feet and at least 12 feet deep, the boulder field is the largest of its kind in the Appalachian Mountains. Its large size and low gradient make it geologically significant. So much so that in November 1967 it was designated a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service.

Despite minor irregularities, the overall appearance of the boulder field is one of striking flatness as the surface gradient is close to 1 degree. The structure, form, and physical character of the boulder field together with its aspect of stagnation and decay are results of periglacial climatic conditions during the approach of the Wisconsin ice sheet.

The nearness of the ice sheet incidentally caused a marked interruption of the stream erosion cycle where frost action played a major role. The boulders are believed to have been deposited by intensified mechanical weathering of bedrock, carried down slope onto the valley by accelerated mass movement, and then left stationary when deglaciation brought climatic improvement.

Technical information regarding this unique formation can be found here: http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/topogeo/ParkGuides/pg02.pdf