This is an interesting multicache in a historically significant
part of eastern Prince William County. No less than three roadside
historical markers can be spotted along Route 1 near the caches.
(see uploaded images)
To get to the caches, park off Cardinal Drive east of
Minnieville Road or west of Route 1 at N 28 36.601 W 077
17.966.
Walk NW along Cardinal Drive for 1/2 mile and you will see a
dirt road that heads north into the woods. You’ll be walking
through a roadside trash dump area until you come to a pair of
billboards overlooking I-95. When you are about 50 yards from the
billboards you should see a trail leading off to the left (north)
into the woods. This trail is one of dozens that exist in these
woods.
Once you are on this trail and heading downhill you can follow
the trail and your GPSR to the first cache. The trails are well
tracked but can be steep in some areas. The best way to get to the
first cache is to follow the trail downhill until you get close to
the creek and then follow the trail to the left (north). Your
elevation will change several times on this hike!
The first cache is fairly easy to find. It is a regular sized
ammo can [not a red coffee can]. It is not too far off one of the
trails, so you won’t have to bushwhack very much to get to
it. Inside you will find lots of traditional geocache trinkets. The
logbook contains the coordinates for the second cache. Make sure
you re-conceal the cache before you leave so that it’s not
visible from the trail.
The second cache is close to the site of the colonial-era Tayloe
Iron Works. It’s a 2 quart Rubbermaid container which
is very well camouflaged. Now a ammo can To get to
the second cache you have to cross Neabsco Creek. It’s not
really safe or practicable to attempt a “feet dry”
rock-to-rock crossing in this area since the rocks are worn as
smooth as glass and are as slick as ice. If you don’t heed
this warning your efforts to keep your feet dry will almost
assuredly result in a whole-body dunking! I suggest exploring for a
broad, shallow wadding spot or a better alternative (yes, the creek
can be crossed without wadding or getting wet!).
Even if you don’t want to cross the creek to get to the
second cache, put the coordinates into you GPSR and head down that
way from the first cache. You should be able to find the old mill
race (water channel) for the foundry and other evidence of the
complex. It’s a nice, invigorating walk down to the
creek.
If you are inclined to explore the area, here are a few more
items to look for: Tree with 5 trunks: 38-36.942N 077-18.303W Red
Car with birds nesting inside: 38-37.016N 077-18.237W.
Have fun!