This is at least a 30 minute hike to the top and 20 minute back (downhill). Plan to spend at least 1.5 hours and take a break at the top. My wife recommends that you be in decent shape before you take this cache attempt. I recommend that you have a little experience in hiking and hiking planning (take water). There are “No Hunting” signs off of the trail but it is acceptable to hike in the area. Keep an eye out for hunters because they do hunt in the area but that is true almost everywhere in WV.
We moved into the area in 1994 and I discovered this hiking trail in 1995. I took the twins on their first of many hikes around 1996 with Ben in a back pack. Mommy was at home and about 4 hours later she was almost ready to call out the National Guard after she cleaned the house, washed the dishes and washed all the clothes! Daddy and her 3 babies finally arrived backed home safely! This is a great hike and I normally do not see anybody else. You are not far from the city or major roads. Enjoy if and when you can.
Safety: If with young children don’t let them proceed past you on the rock or they could fall 10’. There are plenty of places for them to walk between the rocks and on the down side of the big rock. Watch for hunters, acorns and leaves in the fall (especially on the hill).
Family most memorable experiences:
Mommy: I just love the view and peaceful experience looking over the valley and the family time.
Clark born 1994: was playing in all the mud puddles and the thorn bushes at the top of the hill and Ben getting a muddy butt at 2.
Cari born 1994: was all the family experiences and Clark threaten to push me off and daddy yelling about safety and watching the edge of the rock.
Ben born 1995: was daddy telling me about when before I could walk he used to take me on this hike in a back pack with my older brother and sister. Another which is humorous now for me and all my friends is when daddy was filming me with my brother/sister and I feel down on the trail and dumped my head.
Kaitlyn born 1997: Me being upset with the thorn bushes.
Daniel born 1999: Just the hiking experiences, all the films and family experiences. I also enjoyed setting up the cache.
Initial cache contents:
Log and pencil
Military pins – 4
NRA pin – 1
Toy Story 3, DS game – 1
Small flash light – 1
Bracelet rubber – 1
Charleston Cut flower $15 coupon – 2
Coins:
Canadian 1$ - 1; 2$ - 1
Kuwait 100 - 2
Nederland 1 – 1
Deutschland 10 -1
Euro cent 50 -1; 1 – 1; 2 - 1