Flansler Trail Traditional Geocache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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My thoughts on placing this cache was to get people so close to the Olson Tower that they couldn't resist the chance to experience the views it offers.
You can bush whack your way to the cache from the tower parking lot or follow the trail from the picnic/parking area which is about .1 mile before you get to the tower. This trail is what I suggest. Round trip to the cache is approx. 1/2 mile so it is a pretty quick find. Spend your time enjoying the tower and the views.
The following from the Monongahela National Forest website.
Olson Observation Tower
Description: Backbone Mountain was the site of the first fire tower in the State of WV. Originally built in 1922 by the state, it was later transferred to the Monongahela National Forest. It was used until 1963 when it was replaced and named Olson Tower.
Location: Olson Tower is located on Backbone Mountain in Tucker County. The elevation is approximately 3736 feet above sea level. It is accessible most of the year by a dirt road. The road is not maintained in the winter months.
Directions: From Parsons travel approximately 7 miles north (east) on 219N. Turn right on Forest Road 18. Travel 0.4 miles and stay to the right at the Y intersection. This is FR 717. Continue on FR 717 1.6 miles to the parking lot below the tower.
Season: Open yearly, however, in the winter months the tower is accessible by x-country skis or snowshoes only. FR 717 is not maintained in the winter months.
Facilities: The fire tower sits on the mountain top. Climb the 133 steps for breathtaking views. Although the cabin is closed to the public, you are welcome to climb to just below the cabin structure.
Attractions:
Views: Breathtaking views of the town of Parsons, Blackwater Canyon, Otter Creek Wilderness, Canaan Mountain, the Cheat River watershed, and even the Mount Storm Power station can all be seen from the tower heights. ..........
Notes: Olson Tower is dedicated in honor of Ernst B. Olson in appreciation of his 28 years of devoted service in forest fire control and conservations programs on the Monongahela National Forest.
If you would like to try a more adventurous cache the nearby Canyon Rim Cache will be sure to please.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
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