The Maryland Geocaching Society welcomes you to the 2017 edition of Cache Across Maryland! This is one of eleven geocaches placed throughout the ‘Old Line State’ in locations specifically chosen to showcase its diverse beauty. From the mountains of Western Maryland to the wetlands of the Eastern Shore, CAM 2017 will demonstrate that Maryland truly is ‘America in Miniature’.
Each Cache Across Maryland 2017 geocache contains a code which you will use to determine the location of the CAM 2017 Picnic to be held on May 6th. The code can be found on the inside of the cache container and on the inside front cover of the logbook. Don't forget to record this code! Any geocacher who has completed TEN of the eleven CAM 2017 geocaches and attends the CAM Picnic on May 6th will receive a Certificate of Completion and a CAM 2017 Geocoin. We hope you enjoy a very special CAM 2017!
Centennial Park
Located between Ellicott City and Columbia, Maryland, Centennial Park has won awards for its natural design and sensitivity to nature. The 337-acre park features a spectacular 54-acre man-made lake, which is stocked with bass, trout, sunfish and tiger muskies by the State Department of Fisheries, and is home to a variety of wildlife such as white-tailed deer, beavers, foxes, turtles, herons, and many other bird species. You can walk, run or bike the 2.6-mile paved pathway that encircles the lake or the 7.3 miles of interconnecting paved pathway that includes links to surrounding neighborhoods The park has four main areas: North, South, East, and West, each with its own entrance. Included are nine picnic pavilions available on a first-come, first-served basis (unless reserved) and three first-come, first-served picnic areas (propane grills are not permitted). From late spring through early fall, concessions, boat rentals and general store items are available.
The lake, field, wooded areas and wetlands that make up Centennial Park are home to abundant wildlife. A buoy line restricts access to a portion of the lake reserved as a Wildlife Area, providing a safe spawning area for fish and nesting sites for birds.
Fishing is permitted in the lake, but hunting, firearms, swimming, sailboarding, wind surfing, stand up paddleboarding, and inner tubing are all prohibited. Pets are permitted in the park except for in picnic pavilions, playgrounds, and sports areas. Pet owners are required to clean up any and all waste their pets produce. In order to keep the park clean, plastic bag dispensers are located around the park. The Howard County leash law is enforced.
The Geocache
The cache is located 0.4 miles from the West Area parking. Additional Parking is available in the South Parking Area which offers stunning views of Centennial Lake. A detailed park map is included in the image gallery (goo.gl/jvXXUB). The path back to the cache connects to the Lake Loop Trail just west of the bridge.
There are four parking locations: (see included waypoints)
• WEST – recommended (N39° 14.514', W076° 51.893')
Closest to the cache with a 0.4 hike along primarily paved trails. Accessed from the west entrance and abuts the paved trail.
• SOUTH – alternate (N39° 14.407', W076° 51.615')
Accessed through the south entrance on the opposite side of the lake.
• NORTH – alternate (N39° 14.965', W076° 51.175')
Additional parking is available at the north entrance area.
• EAST – The east entrance is only open seasonally and is closed until April.
Centennial Park is open from 7am to dusk, or as posted.
This geocache was placed by permission of the Howard County Department of Recreation & Parks. The MGS extends its thanks to the staff of Centennial Park for approving this cache placement.
