GCRY3B Ragged Mountain Preserve (Traditional Cache) in Connecticut, United States created by ZingerHead & Miles Stone

This cache has been archived.

ZingerHead: The cache container was damaged beyond repair, contents were completely trashed. There was a small film canister type log in the container, so previous finds are valid. But this one has had its day in the sun. Time to go.

GCRY3B ▼

A cache by ZingerHead & Miles Stone Message this owner

Hidden : 1/8/2006

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: regular (regular)

Join now to view geocache location details. It's free!

Watch

How Geocaching Works

Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions in our disclaimer.

Geocache Description:

This cache takes you to the Ragged Mountain Preserve in Berlin, CT. Park at N41 37.714 W72 48.200, where West Lane becomes Wigwam road. There is room for several cars. In the winter low slung vehicles may have trouble mounting the berm along the edge of the road. This hike will take you on a scenic 4.5 mile loop of the Preserve, following trails maintained by the Connecticut Forest & Parks Association (CFPA). This hike is a bit more strenuous than the first two, with more fat burning elevation changes.

Near the parking coordinates you will find a large sign with a detailed trail map. From that sign head westward along the wide dirt road. You are looking for blue blazes with a red dot in the center. This "red-dot" trail will turn south (left) and climb gradually and steadily to a ridgeline that parallels the Hart Ponds to the east. There are several viewpoints along the way - the first is at N41 37.258 W72 48.495. The trail follows the ridgeline, with a few ups and downs in between viewpoints. Continue along the red dot trail to N41 36.890 W72 49.231 where you will turn north on the blue blazed Metacomet Trail. The blazes at this point may be painted on the rocks as I couldn't see them in the snow, but if you head directly North you will soon pick up the blazes on trees again within a hundred feet or so. You are now on the Metacomet Trail, part of Connecticut's fabled Blue Trail system. There is one very short but steep section at N41 36.937 W72 49.233. Follow the blue trail to the cache site - no need to bushwack until you are within 50 feet or so. The the cache is located on Berlin city park property, as is the section of blue trail closest to the hide. Please do not leave the trail until you are within 50 feet or so of the cache to avoid trespassing on New Britain Water Company lands. After finding the cache, continue along the Metacomet trail to a junction at N41 37.934 W72 48.786. At this poit you will begin heading back toward your car on a Blue/Green blazed trail. The blazing on this trail is a little erratic, but it follows a jeep road for much of its length so it's easy to stay on track. When you reach the base of the mountain you will cross a shallow stream - head north a short distance after the stream crossing to rejoin the trail back to your car (I had a little trouble following the blazes at this point - if you see Blue/Green blazes after you cross the stream, follow those).

If you bring your canine hiking buddy, Berlin park regulations indicate that you'll need a leash. My dog loved the walk.

The park is open from sunrise to sunset.

For a map of the trails, visit Ragged Mountain Trails.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Onfr bs snyyra gerr.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)