Welcome to Cam 2007 and the Cumberland Narrows, the Gateway to
the West!
The Cumberland Narrows is a natural landmark, a dramatic cut
through Wills and Haystack mountains, with both scenic and historic
importance. Nowhere else in the country can the influence of
topography upon the course of history be so easily traced.
The role of the Narrows in the growth of our country began
during General Edward Braddock's march to Fort Duquesne
(present-day Pittsburgh) in 1755. Finding Nemacolin's Trail over
Haystack Mountain to be too steep and rugged for heavy artillery
and large wagons, an alternate route was pushed through the narrows
in 3 days. Born of military necessity, the gateway to the west was
begun.
Following the French and Indian and Revolutionary wars, as
military operations subsided, an increased settlement in the west
began. Congress recognized the need for road improvements to bind
western lands and the large population centers in the east. So, in
1806 the National Road, which would begin in Cumberland, was
born.
The National Road initially followed the same steep route over
Haystack Mountain until it was relocated through the Narrows in
1834. By 1835 it was reported that horses, mules, stagecoaches,
Conestoga wagons and foot traffic traveled through the Narrows both
day and night! To facilitate this traffic a beautiful stone arch
bridge was constructed and served traffic from 1834 until 1932.
Remnants of its abutments are still visible today.
In 1845 the Mount Savage Coal and Iron Company pushed a 10 mile
railroad through the Narrows using their own manufactured rail, the
first rolled iron rail manufactured in the country. This was
followed in time by the Cumberland and Pennsylvania railroad, the
Western Maryland and the B & O. In 1892 the Cumberland and
Westernport Electric Railway, a trolley service, joined the
throng.
Finally, on December 14, 2006, The Great Allegheny Passage
rail-trail made its long awaited connection, passing through the
Narrows and on into Cumberland. This connection with the C & O
Canal creates a 316 mile non-motorized corridor between Pittsburgh
and Washington, DC, making the Narrows a gateway to travel and
adventure even today.
Now to the cache! Parking is available on Piedmont Avenue, at
coordinates listed below. Find Wills Mountain Road across the
street from parking coords and begin your hike to the top of Wills
Mountain and the Narrows.
****The cache is hidden close to a trail and is completely
covered, please be sure to leave as found to prevent muggling,
thanks!****
SOME VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
A small factory is located at the top of the mountain and on
weekends and after business hours during the week, Wills Mountain
Road is closed by a gate. Hiking past the gate is permitted.
Driving up is possible during the week. There is a museum at the
Artmor Plastics Company and visitors are welcome, although i'm not
sure of their hours.
The cache will be showcasing the beautiful Cumberland Narrows.
This is a cliff area and is dangerous. Please use all appropriate
cautions and watch your children VERY carefully.
Three approaches to cache:
1)-Park on Piedmont Avenue at coords listed below, hike up Wills
Mountain Road, continue on the blacktop road past the plastics
company and follow gpsr. You may also drive up during the week
during business hours.
2)-Park on Piedmont Avenue, hike up Wills Mountain Road to
trailhead for climbers trails at coords listed below and follow
gpsr. The climbers trails are a little rocky and a little steep but
will lead to the cache with just a bit of bushwhacking.
3)-Drive up during week during business hours.
Narrows View: 39* 39.919, 78* 46.696
Wills Mountain Road begins: 39* 39.908, 78* 46.427