Serenity Traditional Geocache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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This cache was placed with many thoughts in mind. First, I wanted
to place a cache that would be harder than normal to find and
reward the first finder with something "special". Secondly, I often
take this hike when I need to relax or work something out in my
mind. The trail follows Benner Run in Centre County and is one of
the most peaceful places I have ever visited.
The cache has been upgraded to an ammo can and is carefully
hidden away from its original location due to unforseen problems.
The hike to the cache is about 2 miles long but there is no steep
terrain, however the trail is rocky and rough in some places.
There are several ways to get started on this cache.
One way would be to take the Rattlesnake Pike (RT 504) past the
Tram Road to the Benner Run Road. Follow the Benner Run Road and
park just past the cabin with the springs nearby, but do not pass
the narrow gravel/dirt road to the right. Park near these
coordinates:
40 56.037
78 01.414
Start your hike by following the narrow road through the
rhododendron and past the cabins until the road ends in a
cul-da-sac(Now called Moose Head Lane). Do not drive on this lane
as one of the bridges is not safe for vehicles...trust me! Once you
get to the cul-da-sac, follow the rough woods road to the right
until you begin to see grayish blue blazes. These will eventually
turn to orange blazes which denote the Allegheny Front trail. Once
you find the orange blazes...your on your own.
Another way to do this hike would be to plan a car shuttle and
make a day of it. Follow Moshannon Road out of Black Moshannon
State Park and park a car at the Huckleberry Road bridge. There is
a large parking area here, so you can't miss it. Follow the Benner
Run Road around and park at the above coordinates and proceed with
your hike as previously mentioned. Once you either find it or give
up looking for the cache, cross the second wooden walk bridge over
Black Moshannon Creek, turn left and proceed upstream, following
Black Moshannon Creek and the Allegheny Front Trail. Eventually you
will come to a trail junction with a register. Go left on the
blue-blazed Shingle Mill Trail and follow this back to Huckleberry
Road where you parked your other car. This hike is about 5 miles
long, rocky, but flat. Afterward you can spend the rest of your day
at nearby Black Moshannon State Park. This park is one of the few
places where you can see wild carniviorus plants. Very interesting!
It is also one of the few places in Pennsylvania with Borel
Forest.
A third way, for the really adventureous souls who own a 4WD,
would be to come down the trail from the backside of the mountain.
This trail ends where Benner Run meets Black Moshannon Creek. Be
warned! this is not a casual road. You should have some off-road
driving experience before attempting this road. During wet periods
it may not even be passable. A Moshannon State Forest map shows
this trail. This is such a great area that I'm sure you'll be
satisfied whether you find it or not.
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)