Kingman Island is often called one of the hidden gems of DC. I first found it when I was placing one of my PandaMania caches right over there in Kingman Park. I came back for last year’s Bluegrass Festival (somehow I wandered by and got in for free). I didn’t think about placing a cache here because I was one of the many people who mistakenly thought that it was on NPS land. I recently found out that it wasn’t, so here we are. (Did I mention that geocaching is listed as one of the Things to Do in the park even though there aren’t any caches here...until now)
Past
Both Kingman Island (also known as Burnham Barrier) and Heritage Island were constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1916 from sediment dredged from the bottom of the Anacostia River. The wetlands around the edges of Kingman Lake were also developed and constructed by the Army Corps of Engineers, along with several other partner organizations.
All in all, there are over 50 acres of natural area to be explored on these two island habitats, including wooded trails, river views, and wetlands. Trails in the park are open for walking, hiking, and bicycling. Both islands can also be explored by boat. Kingman Island is bordered on the east by the Anacostia River, and on the west by Kingman Lake, which also surrounds Heritage Island.
Both islands were federally owned property managed by the National Park Service until 1995. They are currently owned by the District of Columbia government, and managed by Living Classrooms National Capital Region.
Present
Kingman Island is best known as home to the region’s "hottest" bluegrass concert. This year, over 15,000 people attended the Kingman Island Bluegrass and Folk Festival.
Future
A state-of-the-art outdoor education center with a net-zero energy footprint, new pedestrian bridges, a boathouse, and an amphitheater are among the proposals for Kingman and Heritage Islands as part of plans to redevelop RFK after D.C. United leaves for its new home at Buzzard Point.
Cache
A few things to keep in mind. The gates are generally open 9-5 (posted hours are 9-sunset during the winter). Please stay on the trails at all times. Not only is that a park rule it's pretty obvious. The park is surrounded by marsh land and some of the trails crossings are simply planks of wood. There’s no need to go trudging through the mud/marsh lands.
Stage 1: The Directional Signs (N38 53.728 W076 58.078)
You're looking at a set of directional/distance signs. One is pointing to Kingman Island. One is pointing to Washington Navy Yard. Multiply the two numbers indicating the distance to the Navy Yard. This is the answer to A for the final.
Stage 2: Heritage Island Loop (N38 53.646 W 076 57.977)
You're standing at the sign for the Heritage Island Loop. No bikes are allowed on this loop...and you'll soon see why. This loop was the determining factor for the terrain rating for the cache. If you go after it's been raining (I'm looking at your Mr./Ms. FTF), you will get muddy. There is also a possibility that your feet will get wet. Some of the smaller crossings are literally plank walks. I made it across without tumbling off while I was carrying a very full backpack and an equally full purse - and I'm not the most coordinated person in the world. If you get a running start, you may be able to jump at least one of them. However, as I mentioned, I'm not the most coordinated person in the world...and it was super muddy today.
While you're on the loop, you're going to be looking for bridges - not the small marsh crossings on this loop. Think "real" bridges...and include the two traversing the park that you can see while standing at the sign. Count the number of "real" bridges visible around the loop. Add 6 to this number. This is the answer to B for the final.
Stage 3: The Platform/Boat Launch (N38 53.638 W076 57.926)
You're standing on a large wooden platform that leads down to the boat launches. When I came to the Bluegrass Festival last year, REI was offering free canoe/kayak rides from here. Count the number of benches on the platform. Subtract 1 from this number. This is the answer to C for the final.
Stage 4: Kingman Island (N38 53.528 W076 57.852)
You are now on Kingman Island. This out and back trail goes on for a little over a mile. This short part will give you a taste of the island. You are standing near the top of a paved walkway. At the top of this walkway is a small loop. There are large rocks both inside and outside this walkway loop. Count the number of large rocks inside the walkway loop. This is the answer for D for the final.
Final: N38 53.A7B W076 57.CD3
Now you're headed to the final.N38 53.A7B W076 57.CD3
A = the product of the numbers on the Washington Navy Yard sign
B= the number of bridges visible from the Heritage trail loop + 6
C= the number of benches on the platform - 1
D= the number of large rocks inside the walkway loop
You can check your answers for this puzzle on GeoChecker.com.