This cache is placed approximately 1/10th of a mile from an abandoned fire observation tower. These towers were taken out of service around 1970. It is amazing to see how the forest has completely enclosed the tower.
This tower is reached using the Mt. Tuscarora Hiking trail. There are four entry points. The eastern most point provides the longest walk at 2.3 miles but the easiest climb from the Quaker Run side of the mountain. However there are still steep climbs with a vertical rise of 553 ft. It is located at N42°0.4571' W078°49.4229.
The western entrance is at N42°2.5586' W078°52.3479. There is a vertical rise of 744 ft. and a trail distance of 2.2 miles to the tower. The climbs here are steeper than the eastern climbs.
The third entry point is in the middle and is not recommended because of the steepness. It is at N42°01.392' W78°51.026' it has a vertical rise of 740 ft and a trail distance of 3000 ft. It is very steep has a rope in one section for control and required me to use the seat of my pants in one spot coming down. If you use this entry point be very careful at the start of the trail not to miss the 90° right turn (look for the yellow arrow) at the top of the creek bank you cross immediately upon entering the woods. If you miss it you will wind up bushwhacking to the top. I only mention this because it appears on the USGS quad.
The fourth entry is from the other side of the mountain off of Wolf Run Road beyond the point vehicles are allowed. THIS ACCESS IS FREE. It is a section of the North Country / Finger Lakes trail system it crosses Wolf Run Road at approximately (look for the signs) N042°0.3701' W078°52.0437' The trail distance is about 1.37 miles with a vertical rise of 556 ft. This may be the gentlest ascent based on the topo maps. For anyone taking this route (Wolf Run Road), note the following: (1) there is no road sign at the end of Wolf Run Road. It is the first paved road to the left off of Rt. 280 going south from Quaker Lake area. (2) The pavement ends and you'll be on a dirt road for about a mile or so until you get to the barrier preventing further travel. Park here. (3) The North Country Trial is well marked; you shouldn't miss it unless you are totally tuned out. Once you start on the NCT, you'll cross a bridge after a short distance. The field just beyond is a very poorly maintained section of the trail. Head up to about a two o'clock position when entering the field and that will keep you on the trail. Make sure you locate some blazes immediately upon re-entering the woods to make sure you're back on the NCT. The trail is a very gentle climb for the first two-thirds. When you come to the T with the trail to the fire tower, go left. The trail becomes much steeper the rest of the way. The trail is generally in good shape, with a few wet spots. However, during or after a rain, or in the spring, I have a suspicion that it would be a lot worse - very muddy.
