Park near where the Martic Forge Hotel used to be; that’s Lancaster County directions. The hotel, built in 1900, burned to the ground in 2004. The trail begins just south of parking along River Road. The Pequea Creek shores are private property. Do not swim here. Stay away from the creek. There are a multitude of No Trespassing signs. PPL and the state police enforce it. However, we may hike on the trail, and the land immediately south of it is State Game Lands. Wear orange in hunting season. Stay on the trail. Stay away from the water. For more info about the area see this article from the local paper. Note that there are trash cans at the trailhead. Pick up trash and dispose of it.
The hike is about 3/4 of a mile each way from the River Road parking (1.5 miles total). There is no legal parking at the covered bridge although you can ask about parking at the campground. It is mostly flat except for one stream crossing with steps. The trail can be muddy. There is plenty of poison ivy if you go off trail but not at ground zero.
Cache is low enough and safe enough for a four-year-old to find. It contains a variety of small items appropriate for children.There were no poisonous or prickly plants at ground zero when I placed it in early June. Please rehide carefully so that the frequent muggles don’t notice it. Also be stealthy if the trail is busy.
You might want to take a detour at the stream crossing. It was particularly peaceful.
Congratulations to NoBlueCircles on the First to Find as another thunderstorm threatened.