If you’ve visited Kilgore Falls before, you may recall a path of stepping-stones providing easy access to the west side of Falling Branch. Sometime between October (when i chose a spot for the CAM hide) and late January (when i returned to place the hide), a huge tree fell and smashed against the path, forcing many of the stones underwater. The path is still traversable if you don’t mind getting your feet a bit wet, however it would certainly raise the terrain level above what is generally considered acceptable for a CAM hide, especially in the icy months! Unfortunately, the only available hiding spots within view of the falls were on the west side. The water-crossing and proximity issues were circumvented by creating an offset-puzzle, but i still wanted to lure the more adventurous cachers to the other side to appreciate the wonderful views. If you are one of those, this is the cache for you!
Kilgore Falls from the west side of the stream
There are numerous places to cross if you don't mind wading, but there are only a few where you have a chance of getting across without soggy shoes. (Notice i said chance. Hehe.) Follow the main trail in, and when it splits (about 400 feet from the falls), take the left fork down towards the water. The stone crossing directly in front of you is the original path, however on recent visits, the one further north (closer to the falls) proved to be much easier to cross. You might get lucky and find a log to cross up above the falls, but it’s less reliable and not necessarily the brightest of ideas. (See how all the water magically disappears over the edge..?) Also, be aware that DNR property ends just beyond the top edge of the falls, so if you continue north along the upper trail, you’re technically trespassing.
Always remember: Wet rocks are slippery! In the rock-vs-bone game, rock always wins. Believe it or not, swimming is actually permitted below the falls, so if you don’t mind the temperature, jump in and enjoy a safer passage. (And if you’re here in the colder months, be sure to come back to enjoy a swim in the summertime. It’s wonderful!)
Once on the other side, you'll need to work out where to begin your ascent. There’s the north approach (a more difficult, dangerous, and awesome way) and a south approach (an easier but less interesting way). The north approach is accessed by the stone ‘staircase’ to the right of the little wooden bench and follows along the top of the rock walls. The south approach begins near the larger bridge to the south of the stream crossings. (Trailhead waypoints are included from both.) You decide which one is more suited to your abilities. Whichever approach you choose, be extremely careful near the edges: the ground is soft and muddy after rainfall and snowmelt, but even when dry, the edges can be treacherous if you get too close. If you fall, it will leave a mark—a big red squishy mark—and no one wants to have to clean that up. My advice: If at all possible, don’t fall.
Stone staircase
It’ll take a bit of effort to get up there, but the view is worth it. If you packed a snack, this would be a great place to hang out and refuel. This might not be a good cache for small kids, especially if they are prone to wandering off (‘off’ being the operative word here).
· Know your limits.
· Use good sense.
· You’re the only one responsible for your safety.
Placed with permission of Rocks State Park.
This would be a good opportunity to answer the questions for umpire35’s Kilgore Falls EarthCache (GC1916Y). Also on this side of the stream is Vizardo’s Rocks Top (GCQKV9).
Congrats to MDSurveyor for FTF!
