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.
Other Educational Information:
Beartown
State Park, A Forest and Geologic Wonder By Steve Nix,
About.com Guide
Beartown State
Park From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Beartown State Park
Official Site
USGS
Geological Units in West Virginia