GCHRTM The Ironman (Traditional Cache) in New Jersey, United States created by BrianSnat

This cache has been archived.

Lord Stirling: Container is now gone, this has had a good run. Very interesting area to explore but too far off trail to obtain a permit.

GCHRTM ▼

A cache by BrianSnat Message this owner

Hidden : 2/27/2004

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

The cache is located near the summit of Mt Hope. An interesting peak near Ringwood Manor State Park. This area has a rich history of iron mining and there are a number of abandoned mines in the area.

IMPORTANT NOTE-IMPORTANT NOTE-IMPORTANT NOTE
Because of the mines and existence of related holes and ventilation shafts in the area, its necessary to be very careful on the slopes of Mt Hope. Some shafts were boarded up 50 years ago, may be concealed by leaves and would not be safe to step on. So watch your step, leash your dog and don't bring children. Do not attempt this when snow may cover hazards.

IMPORTANT NOTE-IMPORTANT NOTE-IMPORTANT NOTE .

Dangerous area - use caution

This is the companion to my Hasenclever Iron cache, as part of the route follows the new Hasenclever Iron Trail if you approach this from Ringwood Manor. I think the terrain rating is accurate, but let me know if you agree.

Of course you are welcome to approach this cache from any legal direction, however I suggest you start at Ringwood Manor (On Sloatsburg Rd) at these coordinates:

Trailhead: N41.08.339 W74.15.561

Maps show a road that brings you closer to the mountain, but there is no public access at its end.

While placing the cache I found several small mines on the slopes of Mt Hope (see photo). There are a several larger mines in the area, including Peters Mine, which was opened in 1756 and active into the 1950's, just to the south and Hope Mine to the north. Peters mine was a major operation with a number of levels, the deepest reaching 1,000 feet below Mount Hope. Both make for interesting side trips. The trail around Peters Mine has been closed since 2004 because it's a contanimated superfund site.

If you approach the cache from the east, you will pass what looks like a woods road about 1/2 way up the mountain. This is acutally the bed of a narrow gauge railway that was used to cart iron ore and supplies over the mountain.