This is one of ten caches placed for the 2011 Cache Across Maryland. Each location was picked specifically to give you a taste of the state and show you just a part of its beauty. By combining all ten, you'll be able to see why Maryland is truly "America in Miniature". We hope you enjoy them!
The cache is located at a closed state fish hatchery that has been converted to a local park. The Elkton Fish hatchery along the Big Elk River cultured largemouth bass, bluegill and yellow perch that were used in corrective stocking programs and population restoration work. The Hatchery closed about 1990 but the 10 large fish ponds plus a few other ponds still remain.
You will enter Meadow Park East off of Delaware Ave (Rt 7) and drive back to parking near a pond.. Follow the Mason-Dixon trail (blue blaze) around the left side of pond and along the Big Elk River to reach the Hatchery Ponds park area. Continue on the Mason-Dixon trail around the ponds, past the upper pond and then reach the cache located just off the Mason-Dixon trail on a high bluff that overlooks the ponds.
When you return, be sure to walk back on the other side of the ponds to pick up the two bonus caches. Total hike will be about 1.2 miles.
Mason-Dixon trail
The 193 mile Mason Dixon Trail connects the Appalachian Trail with the Brandywine Trail. This trail starts at Whiskey Springs, on the Appalachian Trail, in Cumberland County, PA and heads east towards the Susquehanna River, and follows the west bank of the Susquehanna south to Havre de Grace in Maryland. Across the river, the M-DT continues east, passes through Elk Neck State Forest, Hatchery Park, then in Delaware, north along the Christina River and White Clay Creek. The trail then heads northeast to its eastern terminus at Chadds Ford, PA on the banks of the Brandywine River.