Opened Oct. 18, 1969, Hidden Oaks was the Fairfax County Park Authority's first nature center. In the 1960's, the Park Authority's headquarters were in Annandale Community Park. The Director envisioned a cabin in the woods where families, Scouts, and schoolchildren could learn about and experience nature. During a helicopter ride to view the site, the Director exclaimed that he couldn't see the site because it was hidden by the oaks that cover the area. The name Hidden Oaks was born.
Although only 52 acres, Hidden Oaks has something for everyone. To find this Bonus cache, you'll need to complete the Hidden Oaks: Celebrating 50 years Adventure Lab, where you'll see a tree older than the country, the bed for a Civil War railroad, art made from the stump of a 100 foot tree, an outdoor space for kids to learn more about nature, and a rain garden protecting the future. Assume N38 50.XXX W077 12.XXX. Two of the stops in the Adventure Lab will fill in the missing digits.
Permission for this cache was generously granted by Michael McDonnell, Manager of Hidden Oaks Nature Center. As with all FCPA parks, this Adventure Lab Bonus cache is available only during daylight hours. All AL stage can be completed from the paths, although a short bushwhack is needed to reach the bonus cache. BYOP!
Best Adventure Lab