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 or the lower loop campground parking lot off the southwest loop of the campground. Pick up the red blazed Max V. Shaul Nature Trail at southern end of the group site and continue to follow the trail up Toe Path Mountain. In a short distance, round the bend to the right and continue your ascent. Notice the park boundary along a rock wall to your left. Beyond the rock wall, tree growth appears to be a lot different than within the park boundary. Any idea why this is?
According to historic topographic maps of Max V. Shaul, the area was originally referred to as Toe Path Mountain State Park. Although not technically part of the park itself, the private landowner adjacent the southern boundary of the park created a small, 2 or 3 run ski area known as the Toe Path Mountain Ski Hill. Downhill skiing was originally established in New York State in the Catskills region at the Simpson Ski Slope in Phoenicia in 1935. Many similar resorts popped up over the decades only to fade into obscurity much like the Toe Path ski area did, so keep your eyes out for old chairlifts and rope tows whenever you are caching in the Catskills!
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.