This is my first cache and the first cache placed out at Thousand Hills State Park. The cache is placed along the Red Bud Trail. The name is one clue. There are two spots you can park to access the trail, coordinates for each are listed the trail is along one of the many hills and can be steep at times and muddy after rains so be careful as you hike in. The trail itself is only 1.25 miles total so not a long hike in and out. The shorter trail head is also the steeper of the two. You are looking for a medium 5"x7"x2" clear plastic container. I started it with a trackable puppy "Little Floyd", some trinkets for kids and a few other bits of swag. Below is from the State Park's website. I hope you enjoy. This was placed with the permission and compliance of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Division of State Parks.
Thousand Hills State Park:
The cool waters of Forest Lake provide the centerpiece for Thousand Hills State Park, whose woody shores and broad savannas recall a time when northern Missouri was far less developed. The lake offers fishing, swimming and boating. The park offers hiking, mountain biking, and abundant opportunities to see wildlife. An interpretive shelter helps visitors understand the petroglyphs left behind by the area’s inhabitants more than 1,500 years ago. The park also offerscampsites and cabins for overnight stays.
Red Bud Trail:
The natural surface Red Bud Trail goes through hilly wooded terrain and along the edge of Forest Lake in Craig’s Cove. This trail is popular for interpretive and educational hikes. It provides connection to Thousand Hills Trail via white connector 2.
You may experience:
- Natural surface, dirt, mud, gravel, shifting rocks, slippery surface, etc.
- Rocks, roots and/or downed vegetation on trail
- Wood or stone steps
- Steep grades and inclines more than10 percent
- Bridges and/or structural crossings
- Water/stream crossings without bridges