The Forgotten Preserve: Spence-Doremus Traditional Cache

Morris Township seems to excel at establishing preserves which are little-known or even obscure. This cache will take you to another which is so lonesome and virtually abandoned it's not even on maps. The Spence-Doremus Preserve, established in 2009, is a small wooded area in the heart of Washington Valley. I have been a hiker for years and, even though it is not a large area, it's some of the most interesting woodlands I have ever been in; for some reason I perceive it as being somewhat dreamlike. Part of the interest has to do with the observation that it is evidently visited very seldom, and scattered throughout the land are interesting relics such as an old foundation and wall, and long-since disused metal fences and pipes.

Park in the small lot at the Washington Valley Schoolhouse. Built in 1869, this site is on the National Register of Historic Places, so it's worth checking out while you're there. Head down Washington Valley Road a number of yards until you see the marked trailhead on the right. Fair warning: In the growing months the grass in the first portion of the hike (in the field before entering the woods) might be long, so you probably want to go with long pants. However, once you get into the woods it will be mostly clear.

Follow the White Trail into the woods and you'll see the small pond to your right. You'll see a white blaze indicating to stay left; don't go left, continue walking down with the pond to your right. You'll then cross a small, wooden-plank bridge. About a dozen feet after crossing, look to the right for two other, identical bridges. They may be partially covered by plants, but they'll lead right to the pond and the vicinity of the cache (The map clearly shows this short trail). It takes a little bit of effort getting from the parking area to the cache, but it's well worth seeing the area. Click here for a trail map of the preserve. (If the map doesn't download through the app, see the photo gallery or go to the listing on Geocaching.com and click the link.) Enjoy!