I have lived on, or within, a half mile of the Mud Pike for the last 40 years. I have logged many miles on it traveling to school events, going to work, heading out on trips, and that is just to mention a few of the reasons I have traveled this old road. So, I thought it was only fitting to place a series of caches as my tribute to all the places it has taken us over the years.
The Mud Pike was constructed around 1830. Its purpose was mainly to be a drover’s road. Soon after we moved into our current house 29 years ago an older gentleman that owned property nearby stopped in for a visit and told us a story of how some people that drove their livestock to market on the road would fashion leather socks and put on the animals to keep their feet from sinking deep in the mud and getting stuck. Stone was not used for the construction unless it was absolutely necessary. Its original name was Clay Pike, but soon it became known as the Mud Pike. The road originally spanned all the way from Fayette county through Brothersvalley township to the Bedford Pike. Now the road goes from Berlin to New Centerville. The section from Berlin to what is known as Shaffer’s Crossroads, at the intersection with the Garret Shortcut, underwent a substantial rebuild in 2020. This whole section was widened, all old pavement taken up and a new put down, base repaired, and two dips filled in. It is a welcome change for those of us that frequent it.
Cache #2
This cache is located at the intersection of Beachdale Rd. which runs from Beachdale to the to the Berlin Plank Rd on top of Wills Hill. You are hunting a micro that is basically a park and grab. Do be careful as the Mud Pike is being travelled more these days and traffic moves right along. Happy hunting and enjoy the ride!
*Congrats to dirtytrails & Pathfinder_12 on the FTF*