From 1935 - 1938 the Civilian Conservation Corps Camp SP25 worked to create what we now call Upton State Forest. At the time, the area was virtually clear cut. The young men cleaned up acres of slash left by logging, planted shrubs and trees, and created roads, scenic areas, and picnic areas. 85 years later, much of their work is now hidden by woodland growth.
This geocache will bring you to one such place. Originally, cars would have driven to a parking area at the base of the hill, and you would climb a flight of natural granite steps to the picnic areas at the top of the hill. The view from there would have been quite impressive especially during foliage season, when it earned the name “Painted Valley.” While this cache is not strictly winter friendly, it is worth looking for if the snow is not deep. When there are no leaves on the trees, it is possible to appreciate what the view was like 80 years ago.
Today the parking area is gone and you need to approach the cache from established park trails. Bushwacking is not required and is strongly discouraged! There is a Letter Box in one of the stone fireplaces. It is NOT the Geocache, so leave it alone unless you also enjoy Letterboxing. The cache container has some SWAG for the kiddos and is big enough for a small trackable. BYOP. There's a cup of coffee for the FTF!
For more information about “Roosevelt’s Tree Army” and their work in Upton State Forest please visit: http://www.friendsofuptonstateforest.org/historiccccOrigins.htm