I like this trail, but the lack of shade for sun-scorched hikers is a drawback in the summer. Here is the best place for shade on the entire trail. You do need to hike the trail about half-way to reach it, even if you start from the east side of the lake. Maybe someday there'll be a bench or a boulder to sit on and enjoy the view from here. Meanwhile, try the nearby bridge!
The trail can be buggy in the spring. Beware of thorns! You may have to work around some flooded areas to reach the cache in wet years. You do not need to cross any fences. Please do not park at or block either of the gates on the east side of the lake. There are a couple of roadside pullouts and field entrances a little ways from the trail gate.
The trail is mostly unshaded, open all year and generally uncrowded. The cluster of trees, your destination, is about halfway around the lake. The west trail head has off-street parking and no facilities except maybe a garbage bin. The east trail entrance is just a gate. Restrooms, picnic tables, a shade shelter and additional parking can be found across the street between the two at the boat launch area.
Benson Railroad Trail - The Trek Planner
Congratulations to 2spuds and 1onion, who took quite a geocaching roadtrip through varied terrains to finish up here for the FTF!
This cache is part of the series, MountainHobbit's Mathoms, Year 13. Don't know what a mathom is? Check out Chapter 1 in the Fellowship of the Ring by J. R. R. Tolkien to find out the reason for this hobbity celebration!