The Washington County GeoTrail
WCG - Fort Frederick State Park
The Washington County GeoTrail (WCG) launched on Saturday, September 14, 2013. The Trail consists of over thirty-five (35) geocaches placed at points of interest all over the County. Caches will be found in National, State, County and Town parks as well as at museums, wineries, historical sites and places of natural beauty. A trackable geocoin was awarded to the first 500 geocachers who completed the Washington County Geotrail. The original allotment of Coins has been exhausted and new parameters to receive the updated Coin are below.
To be eligible for the coin, GeoCachers may download the Washington County GeoTrail passport online at www.visitHAGERSTOWN.com or pick one up in person at the Visitor Welcome Center at 6 N. Potomac Street. Completed passports may be verified on site at the above address or by mail.
Please note the following Change. Washington County GeoCoins will be available for purchase at the Visitor Welcome Center for GeoCachers who log 20 or more caches on the Washington County GeoTrail. The cost of the GeoCoin will be $10. An additional $3.50 shipping charge will apply for passports redeemed by mail. For more information about geocaching in Washington County and the full complement of local amenities, the above links are your gateway to historically beautiful Washington County!
Participating in the WCG geotrail is fun and we hope that many people join in. However, it is not a requirement for logging your find on this cache once you find the container.
Welcome to Fort Frederick State Park
Fort Frederick was the cornerstone for Maryland’s frontier defense during the French and Indian War (1754-1763). The stone fort was named in honor of Frederick Calvert, the sixth Lord Baltimore. It is unique because of its large size and strong stone walls. Most other forts of the period were built of wood and earth.
The fort served as an important supply base for the English campaigns and its presence brought stability to the area following years of raids by the French and Indians. Lesser roles were played by the Fort during the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, and for 131 years, the Fort was owned by citizen farmers.
Public interest in the site prompted the State to re-acquire the Fort in 1922. In the gloom of the Great Depression in the 1930’s, the Civilian Conservation Corps worked wonders on the the collapsing and missing sections of the fort wall.
But all of that is fully explained in detail at the interpretive sites you will encounter as you work through the virtual stages around the Park. Park camping, picnic, re-enactment and activity information is available at the link above the picture. There are no fees for park entry. However, after April 1st, entry into the Fort area itself is $3 for adults and $2 for children ages 6-12.
General Park hours are :
November 1 – March 31: 10:00 am - Sunset
April – October 31: 8 am - Sunset
The Fort predates two other local attractions that highlight the westward expansion of America. The C&O Canal traverses the Park adjacent to the Potomac River. Less than a mile away, upriver, is the eastern terminus of The Western Maryland Rail Trail (WMRT) which follows the right-of-way of the old Western Maryland Railroad.
This is a puzzle cache . You will visit four distinct places on Park grounds, gathering pertinent information at each with which to build a set of coordinates for your final destination. Easily completed in less than an hour, you are encouraged to absorb not only the eye-pleasing natural and physical beauty of Fort Frederick, but also three centuries of rich history.
Final Coordinates - N 39* 36. C A M, W 078* 00. W M D
C - Published coordinates will place you at a bronze marker. C is the second digit of the only number displayed on the marker.
A - Proceed close-by to N 39* 36.557, W 078* 00.229. A is the number of vertical planks on the front door minus the number of C's on the museum sign."
M - Proceed to N 39* 36.617, W 078* 00.290. Note the mortar and log construction that was common on the colonial frontier. Facing the Shop, M is the number of parallel white mortar joints that are visible above the porch roof line. Four glass pane windows dominate this area.
At N 39* 36.767, 078* 00.407, you will find a large parking lot and an information kiosk. Information to complete the West coordinates will be found within. W - Your attention is directed to the graphic entitled ”…a place of Arms…would be Absolutely necessary…”Anglo-American folk settled the fertile land of the Potomac River valley. W is the number of local creeks listed within the narrative.
M - Pay heed now unto the graphic “…to protect, preserve…and provide access thereto for the public.” M is the number of bicyclists/riders enjoying the Western Maryland Rail Trail (WMRT) in one of the pictures displayed.
D - The final graphic is entitled ”Old Fort Frederick” D is the third digit designating the amount of acreage around The Fort bought by the State in 1922.
The Geocache is a two-quart lock n lock container, well-supplied with themed items appropriate to this neck 'o the woods. Thank You for Visiting Fort Frederick State Park>
The Washington County GeoTrail wishes to Thank the Hagerstown Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau for their timely and continuing assistance with this Washington County adventure.
The WCG also wishes to thank the following geocachers who spent countless hours in planning and deploying the caches – ALs Guide, Always Lost 00, Kitakima, LPYankeefan, nomaland, Snurt, tazscouter, and tiger77aam.
