Welcome to the Ice Age Trail in Roxbury Township, NJ. This is Roxbury's newest trail, having been officially been dedicated on May 31, 2014. The trail is located across from 12 Orben Drive, Landing. The trail encompasses a 1.5 mile hike with some steep areas, trekking up and down the hillside. Beautiful views from the ridge line, overlooking Mt. Arlington and Landing. On a clear day, Allamuchy Mountain can also be seen to the northwest! The park can be a natural habitat for viewing birds, such as Pileated Woodpecker and Scarlet Tanager. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear, such as sneakers or hiking boots, and bring a bottle of water.
This series of 6 family friendly caches have been placed with the permission of the Roxbury Township Department of Recreation. This cache was also placed in the spirit of the N.J. Dept. of Environmental Protection's geocaching policy, which means the geocache can be found within 5 feet of the new Ice Age Trail, with one exception. This trail is appropriate for children ages 8 and up who enjoy a challenge. I wanted to include some history of the local towns, and attractions that make this part of New Jersey special.
MORRIS CANAL The Township of Roxbury, has some of the most unique attributes of the Morris Canal, which operated from 1831 to 1924, and connected the Delaware River in Phillipsburg, NJ, to the Hudson River in Jersey City, NJ. The construction of the Canal began on July 12, 1825, near the present town of Ledgewood, NJ (part of Roxbury Twp.).
The Canal traversed a total of 102 miles in northern New Jersey, and went through elevation changes that totaled 1,674 feet. To overcome these changes, canal barges were moved over 23 "inclined planes" and 23 various sized locks. Barges were cradled in "plane cars" that moved both up and down the plane on rails mounted on support stones, which were powered by water from the upper levels of the canal. This water eventually flowed through "Scotch Turbines" located deep underground at the incline planes, housed in what were called power houses. The Canal transported primarily anthracite coal, but also moved farm products , manufactured goods, raw materials, and construction materials.
Literally, the pinnacle of the Morris Canal was Lake Hopatcong, which supplied much of the water needed to float the barges, and power the turbines needed to haul those barges up and down the planes. The Hopatcong State Park houses the Scotch Turbine used to power Plane 3 East, which was located in Ledgewood, NJ. These turbines operated on the same principle as a giant revolving lawn sprinkler. The Roxbury Morris Canal Park, located in Ledgewood, NJ, houses a restored turbine chamber of the power house used for Plane 2 East, as well as the basin used to stage the barges being lifted and/or lowered down the plane. If there were no trees/leaves, you could see the Morris Canal running east to west to the south of where you are standing, on the other side of Route 10
You are looking for a cache. No hint necessary. Hide should be obvious. Parking is available in a small gravel lot that can hold 3-4 vehicles. Please BYOP. As always, please replace the cache in the exact same manner in which it was found. Dogs are allowed, but must remain on the leash. Wearing orange is recommended. Hunting is allowed during season per State regulation. Be mindful of the environment, always be careful, but have fun!!!
Congratulations to kenvilguy and Lynzmeister on the co-FTF. Glad you both enjoyed the hike!