There are great views from Big Ball, the knolls, and Black Snout, and a lovely stream along the Shaw Trail with waterfalls at the lower elevations. The entire loop 5.6 miles long with elevation gain of 2100 feet...a great workout through lovely woods. This cache along wtih Rocky Knoll and Vernal Pool were created to encourage the hike all the way to Black Snout.
Parking is off of Rt. 171 almost opposite where Sodom Road joins. Just amble down the wide path that follows the stream. At 0.4 mile the trail splits. To the left is Shaw Mt. Trail, blazed in red. To the right, the Tate Mt. Trail, blazed in green and red leads in 1.2 miles to the intersection with Banana Trail....First go to the excellent views to the right (downhill), then come back to continue up the Banana Trail, blazed with blue, that leads to Spruce Knoll and on to Black Snout.
Spruce Knoll cache is hidden at an awesome view of Black Snout, in a tiny stand of spruce. The container is a small green bison tube. You don't need to go off trail. Stand on the rock and reach in...