Dismal Creek Falls Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

YetAnotherReviewer: There has been no response from the CO. Without recent communication on future cache availability, we can't hold this area for you any longer and so we are archiving this cache. Please pick up any remaining cache bits as soon as possible.

Thanks for your understanding,

Thanks,
YetAnotherReviewer
Volunteer Geocaching.com Reviewer
Known Virginia Geocaching Guidelines

More
Hidden : 7/12/2008
Difficulty:
3 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size: micro (micro)

Join now to view geocache location details. It's free!

Watch

How Geocaching Works
Looking for a different adventure?

Related Web Page

Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions in our disclaimer.

Geocache Description:

You are looking for a small blue Bison Tube with log only.
This cache is at the trailhead to a very short path leading to the Dismal Creek Falls area and its swimming hole.

Welcome to the Dismal Creek Falls.
Please follow the very short trail (about one tenth of a mile long) to the Dismal Falls for a photo op. and maybe a quick swim in the swimming hole below the falls.
This is also a good starting point for a little hike on the famed Appalachian Trail. To access the AT, cross the creek and follow the dark blue blazed trail
untill it intersects with the AT. The AT is always marked with the white blaze painted on trees, and sometimes rocks (or even road signs).

A little scary history of this section of the AT:
In 1981 Randall Smith ,a native to the area, killed two hikers at the Appalachian Trail's Wapiti Shelter after befriending them.
In a plea bargain, he was convicted of two counts of second-degree murder.
After 15 years behind bars, Smith was paroled in 1996.
On may 6th, 2008 two local young men from the Bluefield area were camping at the nearby Walnut Flats Campground just up the road from this falls.
Randall had befriended both of them as well. After eating dinner with the two, Randall stood up and walked behind one of the men and began shooting.
This time however, both of his victims escaped via a pickup truck, but not before recieving two lifethreatening gunshot wounds each.
Though nearly fatal, both men recovered from thier wounds after being taken by helicopter to a Roanoke hospital for treatment.
In a bit of irony, Randal had stolen the other mans pickup truck to escape.
After a high speed chase with law enforcement, he wrecked the truck and sustained shoulder and head injuries.
He too was taken to a hospital where he was treated for his injuries.
After his hospital release, he was transferred to a regional jail where he was held for the attacks.
However, he was later discovered dead in his cell, closing the final chapter in this real life horror tale.
Please visit (visit link) for a detailed account of the attacks.

This puts an end to the terror on the mountain. Please do not fear the AT or this area.
I have taken my family hiking here, and it is safe and beautiful with Mountain Laurels lining many places along the trail, forming peaceful
flowering tunnels in starck contrast to the past.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Ybbx haqre ebpx ng onfr bs gur Qvfzny Snyyf fvta arkg gb cbfg.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)


Advertising with Us