Dawn to dusk only.
The state park is open year-round; however, snow cover may limit one's ability to answer all the questions necessary to complete this EarthCache, so use judgement based on current conditions. Also, be aware that temperatures in the gorge may be as much as 5 degrees F lower than temperatures up above.
The loop trail around the gorge is 0.7 mile long and begins/ends at the parking area (N 42 54.861 W 072 24.297). The trail can be hiked in about 30 minutes, but make sure to leave time to enjoy the geology and nature along the way. There are lots of different types of vegetation between the upper gorge and lower gorge (Oak and Pine in the upper gorge; Hemlock, Beech, Yellow and Black Birch, along with wintergreen and lichens in the lower gorge). While observations of these vegetation types are not an official part of this EarthCache, they are still interesting to note during your hike.
The gorge was formed initially by a huge torrent of meltwater from glaciers approximately 12,000 years ago. Prior to that time, a fault was created in the rocks and the rushing water flowed through the fault joint. The force of the water, along with sediment and debris within the water, acted as an abrasive and gradually wore away the sand and gravel within the fault. Since that time, Wilde Brook has continued to erode the bedrock, deepening the gorge.
The orientation of the bedrock in the area has contributed to the formation of the gorge. The layers of bedrock slope downward at a 30-degree angle to the southwest, rather than being parallel to the Earth's surface. The sloped bank dropped down along the fault, creating the cliff that is visible today. See diagram of faulting included in the photo gallery.
Weathering and erosion of the rocks continues today. These processes, including frost wedging (water/ice freezing and thawing in cracks), biological weathering, (such as plants and tree roots wedging in cracks), and abrasive action of sediments in the stream bed, continue to erode the bedrock and shape the gorge.
To log this EarthCache:
Send an email to me with the answers to the following questions. In your email, please note the name of the EarthCache, how many people are in your party, and the date of your visit.
1. From the posted coordinates, estimate the height of the upper falls.
2. How many tiers make up these falls?
3. Looking at the rocks to the right or east/southeast of the falls, do you see layers within the rocks or not?
4. Describe the rock (color, texture, size of grains/crystals within the rock, etc.) or, if you are capable, tell me what type of rock this is.
5. Using a compass, state the direction of flow of water at the bottom of the falls.
6. Optional: Post a photo of yourself and/or your GPS taken at the posted coordinates with the falls in the background.
Hope you enjoy this beautiful gorge!
Sources: http://www.nhstateparks.org/uploads/Chetserfield_How_it_Was_Formed_2010.pdf
http://www.nhstateparks.org/uploads/Chetserfield_PlantSpecies_in_the_Gorge_2010.pdf
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