Spring Creek Arch: Fort Hill EarthCache
A cache by BiT Message this owner
Hidden : 6/3/2008
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
4 out of 5

Size: Size: not chosen (not chosen)

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Geocache Description:


This EarthCache highlights a unique geological feature within the Fort Hill State Memorial. This EarthCache was developed under Special Permit (#E0108) from the Ohio Historical Society. This park is open Daylight Hours Only and the Collection of Specimens, Either Biological, Cultural, or Mineral is Strictly Prohibited. Fort Hill State Memorial is closed during deer gun season which is usually the last week in November. Please stay on designated trails, see trail map by clicking here.

Remember as always, Leave No Trace.


Parking (included as a child waypoint) is available at the Fort Hill State Memorial Parking Lot at N 39 07.297, W 083 23.791. To get the most enjoyment of this beautiful area I would suggest making a large anti-clock wise loop. That way you’ll get to see the historic log cabin and spectacular views of the Baker Fork Gorge or trek up Reeds Hill and Jarnigan Knob. You can start by taking Gorge Trailhead (included as a child waypoint) at N 39 07.364, W 083 23.811. Then just past Sunset Run you’ll arrive at the junction of Deer Trail and Gorge Trail. If you take Deer Trail, that will take you over Reeds Hill and Jarnigan Knob. This will be a bit longer but it will eventually bring you close to one of your goals. If you decide to continue on the Gorge Trail, that will take you to the log cabin and on to spectacular views of the gorge. You’ll want to continue to follow the Gorge Trail to the Fort Trail, be sure to take the northwest junction of the Fort Trail. This will go off to the northwest then turn back toward the northeast close to where the trail crosses the fort wall. Then just follow the Fort Trail and it will take you back to the parking area. In all total, your hike will be between 5-8 miles.

Spring Creek Arch


The Spring Creek Arch is located in the Spring Creek Valley of Baker Fork Gorge. The arch is along the Gorge Trail. The opening is 18’ wide and 6’ high. The arch is formed in Peebles dolomite.

How do you define a natural arch?

An arch is a horizontal remnant of exposed bedrock supported at two opposing locations spanning an opening created by erosion. Not every hole in the bedrock is considered an arch. An arch must meet this measurement criterion. The span (horizontal measurement of the opening) and clearance (vertical measurement of the opening) must be greater than or equal to 6 feet with neither measurements being less than a foot.

How did the Spring Creek Arch form?

Spring Creek Arch was created by differential weathering of the softer rock stratum of the Peebles dolomite leaving the harder rock stratum intact. The most common differential weathering is moisture freezing and expanding causing the rock to crack and fall away. Others include wind, windborne debris, rain, and wave action.


To claim a find, please email me the answers to the questions below. Also you will need to upload a picture of yourself holding your GPSr with Spring Creek Arch in the background with your find log.

Question 1: How many openings are there in Spring Creek Arch?

Question 2: Approximately how far is the arch from the Baker Fork Gorge?




Sources:

Camp, Mark J.
2006 Roadside Geology of Ohio.Mountain Publishing Company, Montana.

Hansen, Michael C.
1988 Natural Bridges in Ohio, Ohio Geology.

Potter, Martha A. and Thomas, Edward S.
1970 Fort Hill. The Ohio Historical Society, Ohio.

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