Begin your journey by parking near the shooting range. Parking coordinates have been listed on the cache page. From there, you will need to head out on the Purple Trail, and go up, up the mountain ahead. Beware the switchbacks--they're long! Be sure to enjoy the wonderful views on this part of the trail as you ascend. Once you get to the top--you get to go back down. Be careful. The descent is not too bad, but watch your footing.
You will have multiple options for getting to the cache, but whatever way you choose, another climb awaits you. I took my eight year old daughter Jayden along with me to place this cache, and our round trip from car to cache to car was right at 2.5 miles. Your trip may be longer or shorter, depending on your preferred path, but no matter the path it will involve climbing up and then down some big hills. Have fun! To get the full effect, I suggest going on a hot (93 degrees) and humid summer afternoon (which were the conditions when we made the hike to place this geocache). Obviously, fall and winter trips to this location will be much more pleasant.
Bring lots of water on your trek, especially in the warm months. Also, summertime will also bless this area with ticks, poison ivy, snakes, and all sorts of warm weather hazards. Please dress and prepare accordingly. I hope you enjoy this challenge and hike. Happy caching...
***Cache placed with permission, and a permit from the Missouri Department of Conservation***
***Area closed between 10:00 pm and 4:00 am. Please do not seek this cache during those hours***