Table Rock Mountain EarthCache
Hidden : 8/31/2011
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
3.5 out of 5

Size: Size: other (other)

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Geocache Description:

This Earthcache can be found at the top of Table Rock Mountain in the Linville Wilderness area of the Pisgah National Forest.


Table Rock


Once you arrive at the posted coordinates you will find yourself at the summit of Table Rock Mountain. To get here take Table Rock Mountain Rd up to the Table Rock picnic area (Table Rock Mtn. Rd can be accessed via NC 181 and a short drive on Simpson Creek Rd.) Follow the signs that will lead you up to this area, or you can do like we did and take FR 496 in from NC 181. Once arriving at the picnic area follow the signs that direct you to the proper trail to the summit. It is approximately a 1 mile hike, uphill so bring plenty of fluids.

Table Rock Mountain is one of the most recognized and best known mountains in North Carolina. It is part of the Blue Ridge Mountain chain, which is in turn part of the Appalachian Mountain System. With a prominence of approximately 1700' it can be seen from as far away as Morganton, NC Blowing Rock, NC and many other surrounding areas. Table Rock Mountain also makes up part of the Linville Gorge, which drops approximately 2000' down to the Linville River below.

Table Rock Mountain, like most of the Appalachians were formed some 400 million years ago during the Paleozoic era. What makes Table Rock unique are the rock cliffs that have been left behind after millions of years of volcanic & seismic activity leading to the formation of the metamorphic rocks that you see here today. Metamorphic rock are altered forms of a preexisting rock type. The process of metamorphism, meaning to change form, subjects this preexisting rock to excessive heat and pressure resulting in a physical and chemical change. These preexisting rocks can be any type from igneous, sedimentary or even older metamorphic rocks.

These metamorphic rocks formed as a result of tectonic shifts of the earth's land masses. When this occurred the original sandstone that made up this area underwent a transformation (as a result of the extreme pressures and rock folding created by the collisions and separations of two land masses) into the quartzite that you are standing on today. Quartzite is basically melted down quartz crystals that reformed with the old sandstone sediments. The lighter sandstone sediments acted like a cementing agent with the heavier quartz crystals to form one rock.

Add to that the effects of millions of years of natural erosion and weathering that has taken away much of the softer sandstone sediments that were left over after these processes and what you have is a series of cascading rock faces. Other examples of such facings can be found at Pilot Mountain, Shortoff Mountain and Hawksbill Mountain to name a few. Table Rock, in particular has become an extremely popular destination for rock climbers over the years and has become known as the "best place to climb in the Southeastern United States".



Although not required, if you choose to do so post along with your log your favorite view atop Table Rock. It can be a picture of you, you with your gps or just your favorite view from the top here. You will have 360 degrees in which to choose from! Our favorite spot for viewing is at N35 53.451 W081 52.988

In order to claim credit for this earthcache you will need to provide the following:

1). Once at the posted coordinates you will be standing on one of the many rock profiles atop here. Based on what you observe, and what you have read what type of rock (igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic) are you currently standing on?

2). As a general rule the majority of metamorphic rocks are gray in color. The quartzite rocks that make up Table Rock however have two other predominant colors in them. What are these two colors?

3). What type of minerals do you think make up these second and third predominant colors in the rocks?

4). Lastly, with your gps take an elevation reading at the posted coordinates.

We hope that you enjoyed your trek up here, and we have no doubt that you will absolutely love the incredible views that Table Rock Mountain provides you!

Congrats to Fox Neumann and Team, CabinMan31 & fairlyfarley on co-FTF Honors!!!

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Abar Arrqrq

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)


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