This is a multicache originally placed by Abncivilan back in 2009. The original setup of the multi has been changed, and now the cache is a 3-stage multi with the first stage being very close to parking to the South of the Forest and the stage two and three being relatively close together near the awesome Wolf Rocks Formation near the center of the Forest.
Both stage one and two are micro containers. Stages two and three will require a small amount of hiking regardless of from where you begin from. There are numerous locations to park and begin your approach (as seen on the map below) including from the stage one location; each is an excellent hike with wonderful scenery and wildlife.
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John P. Saylor Memorial Trail is named after a late Congressman who co-authored many legislative bills helping conserve and protect the environment. The trail is made up of two loops (shown in red-dash). For the cache, you may need to hike as little as just under one mile or as much as over three miles if hiking from the stage one location. The complete trail is 16.2 miles (including the smaller Southern loop) and 11.2 miles by avoiding the southern loop. The entire trail is marked with bright orange blazes. Much of the trail is easy hiking. Babcock Picnic Area offers pavilions, picnic tables, restrooms and a baseball diamond. Wolf Rocks is located at the intersection of the John P. Saylor Trail and the Bog Path Trail and offers a chance to do some bouldering and exploring through the large blocks. Remnants of the Babcock Lumber Co Logging Camp 59 are also located along this trail. Besides a grassy field, apple trees sprung from the discarded apples of the early loggers can be found around the once thriving camp. A bog-like wetland formed in much of the area because of poor drainage resulting from its location between two old railroad beds. After logging in the early 1900s, the site became saturated with water, inhibiting the reestablishment of trees. The many stumps along the way are proof of old hemlock stands cut in the early 1900s.
The cache rating has been upped to a 4.5/4.5 due to the location of stage two. Both two and three are located in the Wolf Rocks Formation Area. In addition to the hike to get here, in order to find stage two, you will have to do some bouldering and very mild spelunking. I suggest getting to the top first to get your coordinates, then go around to the bottom and enter from below. No special climbing gear is required, however, extreme caution is highly encouraged. The stage two container is a bison tube. It is in the lower tunnels of the rocks and requires some bouldering and a flashlight to find. Try getting your coordinates from above before venturing in; but be careful of the cracks, it is a long fall! Once you know what large rock to use as your guide from below, go around and into the maze from the bottom; I'd suggest not climbing unless you are experienced. The stage two container will be found about 7-feet up along the East wall at ground zero. You will find it on a small shelf under an overhang behind some small rocks. Be persistant, and be careful!
As with any arduous trek, please plan ahead before attempting this cache. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for rough terrain, climbing, and the weather, and don't forget to bring some water and a flashlight or two. This can be a significant hike and challenging adventure; you will be exerting some energy. Do not attempt this if you are not in good physical health. This find may involves traversing steep, rocky and uneven ground. You also may need to climb into a large rock crevasse and enter into a dark cave-like area. Please be wary of snakes at all times. Always let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return. I highly recommend doing this with a partner or group (for safety, but mostly to share the experience).
Blaze Orange is required during hunting season; State Forest Lands ARE open to hunting and may be heavily hunted during the primary hunting seasons. It is highly encouraged that this cache is NOT sought during the primary hunting seasons. Respect hunters and come back during the off-season or on Sundays.
Provided are suggested parking coordinates. There are various other parking areas around the Forest.
Again, please be appropriately prepared and be careful. Please remember to enjoy the natural world and be careful not to damage it. Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints. As always, cache-in, trash-out!
Congratulations to faststepper: First to Find!
Congratulations to GrayFinders2: Second to Find!
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Placed with permission from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry.
A Geocache Agreement Form is held by the Department of Forestry and the Cache Owner for the placement of this cache.
This permission is in effect for the period beginning April 20, 2015 through April 20, 2018.
As per the permit requirements, geocachers are NOT permitted to do the following:
Disturb or impact the soil or vegetation at the approved geocache sites;
Move or alter the approved geocache location;
Allow the insertion of hazardous, illegal or pornographic materials in the geocache container.
Thank you for respecting these guidelines. |
Thanks Mike!
Explanation of Difficulty/Terrain Ratings:
Difficulty: 
requires special skills, knowledge, or equipment / may require multiple trips to find; heavily camouflaged and appears to be a natural part of the environment; cryptic, requires information not found on the cache page or from the information at the cache location; periods of light traffic and/or muggle activity; very spotty/no GPSr reception
Terrain: unmarked trail or path with a rough surface; more than 1 mile, but less than 2 miles from parking or a road found on a map; heavy vegetation growth / encounters with poisonous plants and/or wildlife likely/frequent; slopes greater than 68 degrees
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