Far From the Car in Queeny Park Traditional Cache

Be prepared for a 2.25 mile round trip from the upper parking lot. On the plus side, the heavily used Hawk Ridge Trail is mostly flat along the west side of the park. As you emerge from the woods into the large open area at the north end of the park, you might see equestrians practicing their jumps. Closer to the cache, take a break at the picnic table in the shade of the 200 year old sugar maple. Closer still, enjoy the flowering meadow. Except in winter, it seems like something is always in bloom. You are looking for a medium-sized lock and lock. No bushwhacking is required, nor is it necessary to intrude on nearby back yards.

The shortest return route is to retrace your steps. But that would be boring. And you'd miss the opportunity for a few more smileys. Caches abound along most of the Queeny Park trails.

If you're in the mood for some exercise, continue on along the Hawk Ridge loop. When you finally return to your car, you will have covered about 4 miles. The trail along the east side of the park features a few hills that will get your heart pumping.

Or take one of my favorite walks along the Owl Creek trail. This wooded trail is much less heavily travelled than the Hawk Ridge. Deer can frequently be seen, especially in early morning and late evening. Returning along Owl Creek adds only a short distance to your trip. Retrace your steps to the edge of the woods. Follow the White Oak trail east for a very short distance, then turn south on the Owl Creek trail. Owl Creek joins the Fox Run trail for a short jog to the left. At the nursery site, turn right and follow the narrower packed dirt section of Owl Creek trail. When you emerge onto the paved section, turn right across the bridge, climb past the tennis courts and fishing pond to your car on the upper lot.