Howland Falls Revisited EarthCache
Hidden : 9/6/2007
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
3 out of 5

Size: Size: other (other)

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Geocache Description:

To make room for this earthcache I said farewell to another cache that I had adopted long ago. I'm not sad though. Now those who were here before can return and those who haven't can discover this wonderful spot. This earthcache brings you to a well-known local waterfall located on Sinnots Brook. This falls has some very unique geology and has water falling in all seasons.

The most recent glacial episode in New Brunswick began about 25,000 years ago, when the Laurentide ice sheet overspread New England and Eastern Canada.
During its peak development, this ice sheet was centered over eastern Canada and flowed east to southeast across New Brunswick. It became several thousand feet thick, while its massive weight shaped the land as it traveled.
Climatic warming forced the Laurentide ice sheet to start receding as early as 21,000 years ago. This melting of the ice sheet left a great deal of evidence behind. The last remnants of glacial ice probably were gone from New Brunswick by 10,000 years ago.
The rapid melting of the glacier released great quantities of water that quickly eroded the land leaving deep-sided valley as the water rushed to the ocean.
In the area of Howland Fall the Sinnots Brook cut a deep valley through the glacial till until it hit a volcanic intrusion. As the water slowly cut down the harder road the softer materials below were eroded more quickly. It is this erosion below the volcanic rock that has formed the waterfalls.

If you go to the bridge you will see how the valley changes just before the falls becoming narrower with large rock outcrops on either side of the stream. While the harder rock is not very wide it does form a natural dam with a beautiful free falling waterfall.
When you approach the falls from the bottom you will discover the same hard rock.
It is also interesting to return by walking up the other side of the falls. While it is much steeper it does bring you across the harder rock with an interesting view of the cross section of how the water forced its way through the rock.

To log this Earthcache: You must post a photo of you and your GPS with the falls in the background and then send an e-mail the estimated height of the free fall drop in the river as it goes over the fall or the narrowest width of the river below the fall.
Please begin your e-mail with the name of the earthcache and make sure your log includes the number of people in your group.
If you do not answer the question and post a photo of the falls your log will be deleted.

To find the location of this earthcache, you will follow Route 105 past Mactaquac Park for about 20 kms until you get to the Bear Island Community Hall (there is a Church opposite the hall.)
Here you will turn onto Scotch Lake road. This road is dirt and becomes very muddy in the spring; if it is bad, just walk on foot, as it is not far. If the road is in poor shape, generally there will be a sign placed indicating the road is closed to through vehicle.
Proceed up the road to the parking coordinates just before the bridge over Sinnets Brook. (N45 55.666 W067 01.215).
Here you will find a steep trail leading down to the falls. Once you have reached the stream the fall should be to your right a short distance.

This Cache was placed by a proud member of the MGA and ACGA

-=Maritime Geocachers Association=-
MGAlOGO

ACGA Logo

Additional Hints (No hints available.)



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