There are 50 geocaches hidden within 16 state parks and state historic sites in the Saratoga/Capital District region, and geocachers finding them all will be eligible to enter their names in a drawing for valuable prizes. If you are interested in taking up the challenge, you can pick up a geocache passport at any of the participating parks and sites, or download the passport at www.nysparks.com.
This cache contains a unique stamp which must stay with the cache. Use this stamp to stamp your passport. This stamp is NOT a trade item.
Park at the Max V. Shaul pavilion parking area off Route 30 in Fultonham, NY. Plug in the coordinates and find your way across the highway (be sure to look both ways on this busy road!). From the tree line, there are several herd paths and access points down toward Panther Creek, so choose the one that best suits your needs. Once down the steep embankment, notice the piles of debris, strewn boulders and lack of vegetation left in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene from August 2011. Tread carefully through this ravaged area and you will soon find the Big Flood cache.
According to Wikipedia.org, disastrous flash floods occurred in the northwestern Catskill Mountains due to Hurricane Irene. Record flooding along the Schoharie Creek destroyed the 156-year-old Blenheim Covered Bridge, a National Historic Landmark. Local officials estimated that approximately one-third of all the houses and businesses in the village of Schoharie had been destroyed due to flooding. Fortunately, thanks to numerous volunteers such as the Schoharie County Soil and Water Conservation District “Red Shirts,” this forgotten corner of Max V. Shaul State Park is beginning to make a terrific comeback. Work will begin in 2013 on a new Interpretive Trail along Panther Creek.
Max V. Shaul State Park is a small, quiet camping area with 30 wooded tent and trailer sites. The park has shady picnic grounds, as well as playing fields and a playground. There is a nature and hiking trail, fishing is allowed in Panther Creek and winter visitors can cross-country ski. Also, a car top boat/fishing access trail to the Schoharie Creek was established in 2011. Call (518) 827-4711 for more information.