This tree of the series is an Acer rubrum (Red Maple, also known as Swamp, Water or Soft Maple), and is one of the most common and widespread deciduous trees of eastern North America. The U.S. Forest service recognizes it as the most common variety of tree in America, It is best known for its brilliant deep scarlet foliage in autumn. (from Wikipedia). This is the second largest Red Maple in the county and is only slightly smaller than the record holder.
The tree is located in a small grassy park within Rock Creek Park near Kensington Parkway. Ample parking is located off of Beach Drive next to the park.
The coordinates will get you to within 20ft of the tree and the cache, but once in the park you shouldn’t have any problem locating the tree. It will induce a “wow” out of you once you are close to it.
To keep you safe so that you don't have to climb the tree, the cache is not located on the tree. To find the cache, you must first locate a huge broken branch that fell from the tree. It will lead you to the location of the cache.
The cache is now a larger plastic container that has room for a full sized logbook and room for trinkets. As usual, please insure the cache is well hidden back in its original spot as this area is prone to flooding during torrential rains.
Beware of the growing variety of menaces, including poison ivy. This is the norm for any cache in this area. There is also a small pond just next to the tree, but I’m not sure it will remain a pond in late summer. Those splashing sounds you might hear might be frogs jumping into the water.
This park is adjacent to a bike, running, and walking trail, so watch out for observers.
For more information about the big trees in Maryland, please visit the website at http://www.mdbigtrees.com/