Goldilock's Worst Nightmare Earthcache EarthCache

This cache is located in Beartown State Park, seven miles southwest of Hillsboro, West Virginia. It is a small park, off the beaten path, which provides a unique experience on its half-mile boardwalk. There is no entry fee for this park which is open daily from April to October. See the official website for more info: http://www.beartownstatepark.com/

Beartown's Geology

Beartown has been described as a labyrinth of cave formations without actually being underground! Indeed, on many a misty or foggy day, you may even feel that you are walking in a cave, just from the unusual rock formations that will be surrounding you on all sides! The boardwalk through this park has been built to maximize the experience of being “in” the narrow and deep crevasses, with overhanging cliffs, while maintaining a low impact on the environment – please respect this by remaining on the boardwalk, which is designed to give you the feel of climbing in and around the rocks.

The sandstone formations in this park were originally deposited during the Pennsylvania Age, which is also responsible for the many coal deposits in this state. The sandstone is Droop, or Pottsville sandstone, and was laid down along the ancient seabed that covered this area prior to that geological period. Erosion over the millennia has removed some of the softer stone, leaving cliffs and crevasses in this area that are big enough to walk through – and if local lore is true, were large enough for black bears to use for their winter dens.

To log this cache, please refer to the informational signs along the boardwalk. Answers should be emailed to Techlines (the cache owners) through our geocaching profile.
1. What is one geological fact that you learned at this park?
2. What are the pocket-like (cave-like) formations in this park called?
3. What natural processes created the formations in the park?
4. What colors of rock are predominant in this park, and why do you think this is so?

Goldilocks would never go near this place!

There once was a town of bears,
Which is now full of walks and stairs.
The stone is of Droop.
The signs give the scoop.
Get your info from the signs near this lair! (not in the parking lot!)

A posted photo is nice if you wish, but not required for logging this cache.

Beartown State Park From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Beartown State Park Official Site

USGS Geological Units in West Virginia