Cache container is a small lock and lock with a few specimens of margarite, one of the most sought-after minerals of the 31 minerals found in the mines, plus a few others from other areas.
Both emery and magnetite were mined here since the mid 1800's until after World War 2.
The emery and magnetite vein extents in a series of disconnected and irregular lenses for 4 miles from the top of Round Top Hill 2 miles south of route 20, which follows Walker Brook, to the top of Gobble Mountain 2 miles north of route 20. Over a number of years, 6 differnt mines were operated.
Starting from the north they are:
Snow mine
Sackett mine
Marcia mine
Old mine
Melvin mine
Wright mine
The first 3 are north of route 20.
Old mine had 3 adits driven south into the mountain south of route 20. The lowest adit, (will be on your left as you head to the cache), started at the level of the bank above Walker Brook. As of 1899 it extended 1689 feet almost straight into the mountain. The second adit was 220 feet above the first one,it was 1359 feet long. The third adit was 85 feet above the second one and 55 feet below ground level.
The entrances to adits 1 and 2 have been sealed, however, the ore of the second adit came close to the ground level so a cave-in now provides an opening well back from the sealed entrance. Entering here or by the open entrance to adit 3,(now closed by the state), has caused some mineral collectors and explorers to become trapped, necessitating rescue by the town's people.
cache is near part of the old cart path remains.
There is NO danger to anyone near the cache unless you fall in the nearby stream!
If you would like to see pictures of the old mine google https://www.ironminers.com/mines/old-mine/