The Granite Dells is a great place for hiking. There are several marked trails, and some unmarked ones as well. The natural beauty of the Dells is striking with its gigantic boulders of granite stacked upon each other. I’ve hiked the Cypress Trail and Boulders Loop Trail dozens of times, but it was only recently that I let my curiosity lead me down an unmarked side trail. What I discovered was a fabulous 2.8 mile loop that has some of the best views of the Dells! Although the trail was a secret to me, it must not be a secret to long-time Paysonites, as it looks very well traveled. This cache, along with “White Ring of Granite Dells”, is along that unmarked loop trail.
While hiking this loop for the first time, I passed a giant boulder that looked to me like a gigantic human brain. It was shaped like a brain, and, using my imagination, it even had wrinkles like a brain. Of course, that is how this cache got its name.
Although you don’t need to hike the entire loop to log this cache, if you want to pair it up with “White Ring of Granite Dells”, and Team OPJim’s “The Only One He Ever Feared”, you will have the memorable pleasure of hiking the complete circuit.
Park at the end of Phoenix Street and take the trail behind the waste station. You will find a network of unmarked trails on the right within 100 yards of the fence. If you want to hike the entire loop, take the second unmarked trail and bear left at the succeeding trail junctions for a clockwise circuit (and an easier uphill grade). It is a little tougher to find the counter-clockwise path. If you stay on the path, bushwhacking should only be necessary for the last few yards. If you are bushwhacking earlier, you are doing it wrong!