The tract making up what is now known as the
Cedar Ridge Trail and West Essex Park complex was purchased from
the Leni Lenape indians in 1699. The colonists found the land
poorly suited for farming due to its propensity for flooding, but
the resident oak forest and subsequent cedar forest, proved ideal
for logging. In addition, the pasture created by the logging was
used for grazing cattle. The logging continued up until the tract
was acquired by the Essex County Park Commission approximately 60
years ago.
This cache is off the Carol J Heaney Nature
Trail which is an extension of the Cedar Ridge
Trail.
From the entrance to parking, CAREFULLY CROSS South Orange
Avenue and follow the RED trail. Trailhead coordinates are listed
below. Alternate parking is in "Newark Academy" where you can
access "The Carol J Heaney Nature Trail" and the RED TRAIL from the
coordinates listed below. The hike is on level ground. It is likely
to be muddy or wet in areas, depending on the time of year and
recent rains.
The cache, a Decon
container, is hanging from a tree branch at head height
inorder to keep it dry in the event of flooding.
PLEASE MAKE CERTAIN THE TOP IS CLOSED
COMPLETELY and SNAPPED SHUT AT ALL FOUR CORNERS! The
cache contains Cedar Ridge Trail geopins, a log and
pencil.