The Mt. Nebo WMA (wildlife management area) is a 2,000-acre tract of land nestled in the mountains of Garrett County. The elevation makes ideal conditions for the most unique wetlands in Maryland, complete with wild cranberries and a host of rare and endangered plants. The red spruce bogs here are among the oldest peat bogs in eastern North America, more than 18,000 years old. Beaver ponds, alder thickets and sedge meadows along with 1,500 acres of forest and 40 acres of fields, make Mt. Nebo a prime destination for outdoor sportsmen and nature lovers.
Mt. Nebo is perhaps best known for its ruffed grouse and woodcock, but it is also common to spot white-tailed deer, turkey, squirrels, rabbits, beaver, and in recent years, river otter have been reintroduced and have been spotted along Millers Run and its tributaries. A man-made pond, or "impoundment," attracts a variety of waterfowl... as well as fishermen.
I've laid out a 7 stage hike through the area leading to the Mt. Nebo Excursion Geocache. The first 6 stages, besides providing coordinates and clues to the next stage, are purposely placed to show you something interesting, or lead you through an interesting area... don't forget your favorite form of bug repellant,otherwise the gnats will drive you GNUTS!
The hike is about 3.5 miles long, and will probably take about 3 hours. You'll be walking on roads, trails, and doing some cross country hiking through fairly open forest... no briar patches... HONEST! The cache location will be difficult for some, but there will be no partial credit... if you want this smiley face, you'll have to earn it.
From I-68 at Keyser's Ridge, take MD 219 south toward Oakland. Mt. Nebo WMA is approximately 3 miles north of Oakland along the west side of MD 219. There is a small parking area at N39° 27.237', W079° 22.627'. The first clue will be found there in a circle of trees next to the bulletin board.