Are you ready to go see a gnome? We have it on good authority that he is at home waiting for your visit. But getting to the gnome's home will not be an easy task. Only those who are up to the rigors of the trial will be able to make the journey.
You can come from the Allen Lake parking lot, which is about a half-mile away, or maybe a mile if you take a different trail to pick up another cache or two. Maybe you would like to come from the west end of the family campground if you're staying there; that would be only a third of a mile one-way. You pick your adventure! Whichever way you come, you will encounter some ups and downs on the trail.
The gnome lives in the woods somewhere in Hartman Creek State Park. His house is actually in Portage County, but as you walk the trail near the gnome's home, you will be on the county line, with Portage County to your west and Waupaca County to your east. The trees here are different in each county, too, based on past division of land and land usage.
The gnome doesn't care about man-made political boundaries, however. He's happy in his woods and in his house, but he doesn't think you should visit during the 9-day gun deer season. That might be too dangerous. Besides, the gnome stays in hiding when the hunters are out and about, so you might not get to see him. And if the snows are deep, the gnome goes into hibernation, not to reappear till the snows melt.
The gnome is easiest to spot in the spring and the fall, but you will be easily seen at those times, too, so be careful that no one sees you sneaking into the woods, lest you reveal his secret hiding spot! And when you get back to your home, tell us about your adventure at the gnome's home. He likes to hear those stories. Don't forget to close the door when you leave!
The Geocache Notification Form has been submitted to Park Manager Michael D. Bergum of the Wisconsin DNR. Geocaches placed on Wisconsin Department of Natural Resource managed lands require permission by means of a notification form. Please print out a paper copy of the notification form, fill in all required information, then submit it to the land manager. The DNR Notification form and land manager information can be obtained by looking at this page on the WGA website.