Take a Hike - 4 Corners on the Bluff Multi-Cache
mac367: This one has been out for quite some time and run it's course. Thanks to all those that Took a Hike and found the 4 Corners.
Take a Hike - 4 Corners on the Bluff
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Cleveland Metroparks are open from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Please observe all park regulations while in the park. The final container is an 8”x8”x6” Lock’n’Lock suitable for small trades and trackables.
The hike for this cache is a bit over 1.6 miles round trip over varied terrain, along several ravines, with a few short but steep descents, and ascents. The trail can be wet and muddy in some areas.
I have been hiking the trails a lot this spring and summer and have also enjoyed the cache hides in North Chagrin by some of my fellow cachers along the way. I rediscovered this trail and remembered how nice it was after my first trip around the loop. I mention rediscovered because I hiked this trail quite a few times about 20 years ago with my daughter in one of those child carrier backpacks. She seemed to enjoy it, and inevitably I would know that she nodded off when I would feel her head drop onto my back.
Parking is available at the Strawberry Pond picnic area. Note that Strawberry Lane from Rt 91 is now closed so enter the park at either Sunset Lane or Buttermilk Parkway. The trailhead is just across the road from the parking lot. Follow the trail into the woods. When you get to the beginning of the loop start by heading to the right (follow the arrow on the trailmarker).
The cache is hidden along the Scenic Loop Trail. The trail, marked by a white flower with 5 petals on a light blue background, is 1.6 miles around and according to the trail map, boasts one of the best displays of spring wild flowers. I am sure the fall colors are also beautiful. About a ¾ mile hike to Stage 1 will take you the cache namesake, a bluff overlooking the Chagrin River valley. At Stage 1 there are four concrete posts which I was told by a hiker on the trail were the foundation for an out building of the old camp that was on the property.
After locating Stage 1 enjoy the hike as you continue the loop to Stage 2. When you arrive at Stage 2 you will find the coordinates to the final. At one point along the trail you will see the remains of a tree or trees (not sure if it was one tree with 3 main trunks, or 3 trees very close together). The two outer trunks have fallen away leaving the third one in the middle standing. What amazed me is how the 2 that fell seemed to avoid blocking the path by falling alongside, instead of on, the trail. Continue along the trail to the final. Remain on the trail until you are parallel with cache. No bushwacking is required, in accordance with CMP guidelines the container is just a few feet off the trail. After locating the cache, continue the loop until you come to the trailmarker with the EXIT sign to head back to the parking lot. Lots of wildlife and scenery abound so enjoy your time in the woods.
You can get the coordinates from the containers at Stage 1 and 2 without having to open them, however if you do open them in addition to the coordinates you will also find some bags that I have added if you would like to consider CITOing on your way along the trail.
This cache meets the Cleveland Metroparks hidden objects guidelines. Please follow all Cleveland Metroparks regulations. Thank you to the park system for supporting Geocaching.
9-14-13 I guess sometimes you get so used to something you don't see the obvious. Trailhead coordinates added based on logs from chfshome and JoesBar. Thanks guys.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
[Stage1] ebbgf
[Stage2] gehaxf
[Stage3] ybtf
Treasures
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