Reaching the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America requires years of dedication and hard work. In addition to 21 required merit badges, each Scout must complete a project that — on average — requires 167 service hours. In 2008 alone, that translated to $16 million in service (based on the national volunteer hour value of $19.51). This cache is part of a nationwide geocaching series called "Cache to Eagle" that showcases these special contributions.
Over its first 100 years, Scouting has provided millions of hours of service to communities across America. For our 100th Anniversary (in 2010), we’re celebrating that legacy with special service opportunities through — A Year of Celebration, A Century of Making a Difference. (There are no longer any patches available from the promotion in 2010.)
In addition to this cache, we hid eleven other "Cache to Eagle" caches that highlight Eagle Service projects within the Pennsylvania Dutch Council, and eight caches that highlight the "Treasures of Scouting".
As of 2022, many of those original caches have been archived, but we are adding more to the "Cache to Eagle" series.
Please park at the parking area noted below. Do not drive up the spur trail, as this doubles as a private driveway for adjacent residents. Also, be cautious of and yield to any cars on the spur trail.
This cache is at the site of the old Mt. Gretna railroad station - it's located along the former Cornwall-Lebanon Railroad - now the Lebanon Valley Rail Trail. The area is accessible from three different directions; the Colebrook and Cornwall trail heads and from Mt Gretna via a paved walking/bike path that was recently completed (it's just a short walk from the Jigger Shoppe). This is a great spot to find . . .
The project was to install two historic markers along the Lebanon Valley Rail Trail (the former Cornwall-Lebanon Railroad) to give the users of the trail an idea of the history behind the old railroad and what part it played in the development of the Lebanon Valley and its iron and steel industries that built up our area of the state. The Scout installed large signs with period pictures and history along the trail at this site and near the old iron bridge in Cornwall. Both are different and both speak specifically to history of the location and communities in which they are located. At the Mt Gretna site the old station foundation was cleared so people could actually visualize the history that remains - there is also the water tank and a fountain nearby which date back to the same time period. It is a beautiful location which is easily accessible.
The final cache container was replaced at a new location in December 2020 and these instructions updated ...
To find the final cache location, use information from the interpretive sign that is at posted coordinates to make some calculations:
Add the year that the railroad opened to the last 4 digits of N 40° 13.289'
Add the cost of a round trip from Mt Gretna to Governor Dick to the last 2 digits of W 76° 28.260'
This area is open to hunting. Wear bright clothing when appropriate!
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LEAVE NO TRACE
Please minimize your impact on the environment.
NO NIGHT CACHING
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