This cache makes the list for two reasons.  1) The hike to the top of Mt. Norwottuck and then back down to the cache is challenging and the views from the summit are excellent!  I've done it several times.  2) This cache brings you to the historic Horse Caves.

"CRACKINUP"  CACHE (by Barefoot - Amherst, MA)

"CRACKINUP"  CACHE

I actually recommend the entire 7 Wonderful Women series of 7 caches.  From beginning to end, this series is a day long workout and will reward you with several breathtaking view.  Rather than bookmark the whole series, I will bookmark my favorite of them.  'Allison' is my favorite for two reasons - it was one of my first cache finds and I think the views from the top of Bare Mountain are the best of the series!  I hike to the top of Bare Mountain from the Notch Visitors Center often.

7 Wonderful women series//// Allison (by LostBoy1 - Amherst, MA)

7 Wonderful women series//// Allison

A wonderful & challenging series of 11 caches (ok, now 10 caches) in Indianapolis placed by the old wizard himself.  A fun adventure for the die hard cacher. 

A Little Indy Magic #11: IMM’s Secret Tower (by IndyMagicMan - Indianapolis, IN)

A Little Indy Magic #11: IMM’s Secret Tower

Very fun, clever cache container.  Great cache to do with the older kids (terrain may not be appropriate for young kids).  Just remember, if he charges just step to the left!

Bad Critters 1: The Clockwise Hill Gouger (by Lostboy1966 - Kettletown S.P., CT)

Bad Critters 1: The Clockwise Hill Gouger

A very clever, thoughtful and challenging cache in the woods at Kettletown State Park in Connecticut.  This one will have you cheering or jeering ... especially if you did it at night like we did.  A lot of thought and careful preparation went into the containers for this cache.  Well done!

Determination 3: Nothing Is Easy!  (by Lostboy1966 - Kettletown S.P., CT)

Determination 3: Nothing Is Easy!

You'll have to find a series of eight caches stretching over the course of about 40-50 miles of driving to find this cache.  However, it is well worth the effort.  I *HIGHLY* recommend you follow Alberio's suggestion to come on a clear, dark, Saturday night (March to December) to take full advantage of this cache.  The Amherst College Professor who hosts it loves to talk about astronomy and let others peer through this historic telescrope tucked away in Amherst, MA.  There is no cost for this ... the Professor does it because he loves it!

Galileo's Time Machine (by Alberio - Amherst, MA)

Galileo's Time Machine

I am always appreciative of clever hides.  The clever piece of misdirection that is this cache makes it worthy of our highly selective favorites list.  A mischievious hide to say the least!  A finder of this cache will have bragging rights over all the others who post their DNF's!  I spent a grand total of about 3 hours hunting this one before finally landing the smiley.

Granby - Ground Zero (by chief20r2 - Granby, MA)

Granby - Ground Zero

This is a fun multi-cache with a very clever first stage.  I will not spoil it here, but you will instantly know what you're in for when you find the first stage.  Cleverly done (without being mean about it) and a fun hunt.  The area features an interesting array of trails, streams, and bridges.

Jedi Mind Tricks (by Clan Delaney - West Pelham, MA)

Jedi Mind Tricks

Some would consider a micro hidden in the woods to be simply mean.  This one goes beyond mean.  It's DEVIOUS and mean.  Finding the hiding spot is a piece of cake.  But, finding the log sheet?  Well, that's another matter entirely ... 

This cache will have you cheering or jeering.  Some repeat DNFers have become obsessed with finding it.  It's a fun and well thought out hide.  

Micro Mania Surprise (by Katydid & Miles Stone - East Windsor, CT)

Micro Mania Surprise

A very rewarding "epic cache" that takes you on a whirlwind tour of Central and Western Massachusetts.  Collect 17 numbers at 17 different graveyards.  The final is a rewarding hike in the Quabbin area.  

Obelisk Puzzle Cache (by w1qa and coax22 - A LOT of Massachusetts)

Obelisk Puzzle Cache

A great hide in one of my favorite places in downtown Indy.  I now live in Massachusetts, but still find an excuse to come downtown whenever I visit family in Indianapolis.  

P.P.S.S. # 4 MonumentCircle (by cachebicyclingsanta - Indianapolis, IN)

P.P.S.S. # 4 MonumentCircle

A nice ammo can cache is a really remarkable area.  This find is definitely more about the location, location, location!  The Peace Pagoda and the surrounding grounds are all truly a sight to behold.  If you are in the least bit spiritual, this one must be on your to do list. 

Peace Cache (by Glockenshfield & Bradey Beard - Leverett, MA)

Peace Cache

A fun cache by this prolific Travel Bug mover and cacher.  This cache offers a very pleasant walk into the woods starting from the Quabbin Tower.  I highly recommend you enjoy the Tower before or after seeking this cache.  The cache hide is very clever and ground zero will have you scratching your head.  This cache is very well maintained by the owner. 

QUABBIN-TOWER-TROVE (by FEATHERS - Belchertown, MA)

QUABBIN-TOWER-TROVE

A truly top-notch hide.  This one will have you scratching your head for awhile ... But don't give up!  Pay attention to the hint.  Who says an ammo-can can't disappear?  This is a virtually muggle proof cache, so don't assume it's been pillaged when you can't find it ... trust me, it's there, you just haven't looked hard enough.  :)

Return to Tradition #12: Pulpit Rock Cache (by dphansen - Palmer, MA)

Return to Tradition #12: Pulpit Rock Cache

Wow!  Hardly an average cache.  If you only ever do one geocache / letterbox in your entire life, this one has to make the final cut.  A great cache for kids!  Save this one for a nice weekend when you can bring the children with you.  Perhaps, if you ask nicely, you may even get a demonstration!

The Depot (by Chooch - Eastern Massachusetts)

The Depot - Day or Night

This is a high quality cache done in the vein of letter boxes.  A lot of thought and care put into this cache makes this a great find for fans of GPS hunting as well as for fans of doing things "the old fashioned way".  Letterboxing has been around for hundreds of years.  This letterbox would have made those folks proud.  A great hide in a lovely, quiet, and serene area near the Quabbin. 

The Road to Nowhere (by Clan Delaney - Belchertown, MA)

The Road to Nowhere

Okay, okay, okay ... Yes, it's a little presumptious of me to recommend one of my own cache hides for this list.  However, I had so much fun putting this one together that I couldn't leave it off.  I worked closely with the staff of the WEB DuBois Library to bring you this fun INDOOR library cache.  This mystery cache involves a short walking tour of the campus pond area at UMass, gathering hints to leading you to a well concealed micro.  The micro contains information directing you to a "special volume" in the UMass Library stacks!  :)  Placed with permission of UMass Libraries.  I consider this to be my "flagship" cache.

UMass Tour #2 - "Shaping Minds" (by Western_Mass_Clan - Amherst, MA)

UMass Tour - Shaping Minds

This is a highly selective list of our all time favorite caches.  These special caches should be on any respectable cacher's 'to do' list.  Each one is top-notch.  In each case, the hunt for the cache is as memorable as the cache itself - either due to the beauty of the area you're brought to or due to the cleverness of the hide itself (or both!).  Enjoy!

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