Western Massachusetts Geocachers: Hike Day #8 at Satan's Kingdom in Northfield and Bernardston, MA is on August 15, 2015 and begins at 10 AM at the Old Vernon Road trailhead! We will hike out to Pond Mountain, a peak just over the town line within bounds of the WMA. The hike will last until 2 PM. In case you arrive early, late, or wish to hike separately, meet us at Event GZ between 12 and 12:30 PM to sign the event log! Details below outline important parking and hiking trip details.
Although there have been various groups and websites that identify themselves over the years as the Western Massachusetts Geocachers, there's one thing in common between all of them: a love for geocaching! GeneGene hosted the first "WMG Hike Day" event on January 16, 2011. There have been seven such events that gather various geocachers of the region to go on a hike to a location of interest to the host, whether it be somewhere visited frequently or very rarely. The last event under this name was hosted on November 25, 2012. Some hiking events have occurred in the area since then, but why not revive a wonderful event series? Welcome to #8!
Satan's Kingdom receives attention for its unusual name. We will hike up to Pond Mountain, a named summit in the northern part of the WMA just over the Bernardston town line. The climb will start out gradually on old logging roads, become more strenuous, and then become less difficult again. At the end of the main looped trail will be a required bushwhack to the summit of Pond Mountain. The event coordinates are at the summit point. This means you must physically hike up to the peak to sign the event log! We will be at the Event GZ at 12 PM and we will stay until 12:30 PM.
If you wish to hike separately from the group or arrive early or late, plan to meet up with the group during this time to sign the event log! Bring a snack and plenty of water! After reaching the summit, we will bushwhack back down to the trail and wrap up the hike at a beautiful vista of the valley. On the way up, be prepared for over 800 feet of elevation gain. The event is rain or shine.
I met Gary of Gworol at his 5th Annual Yankee Swap Event. We had a very enjoyable conversation, and he mentioned the old "WMG Hike Day" events. I was really excited about hosting my own, and I have finally created a listing. For #3, Gary picked a location he had never visited. I did the same for #8, although I did hike the route ahead of time. It is my hope that other geocachers will host new hiking events after this one. Remember, a hiking event is not about a cache power-run, it's about the experience. I hope you'll be able to come!
Check out the former event pages here: #1; #2*; #3; #4; #5; #6; #7.
* Note: #2's listing has since been removed and cannot be viewed.
A Parking waypoint has been provided for a small lot that can comfortably fit 4 cars. Some street parking is also available and if there is enough interest in the event, carpooling and public parking may occur at Pioneer Valley Regional School if necessary.
Click here for a map of the Wildlife Management Area and Wildlife Conservation Easement boundaries. Click here for an approximate trail map for the main roads to be traversed during the hike. (Note: There are unmapped logging roads that stretch across the WMA, some used by snowmobiles in winter.)
Have you gotten your Geocaching Roadtrip 2015 Souvenir yet? You have until September 2 to earn your souvenir!
Good Luck! Happy Caching!
Click here to check out some of my other hides!