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 me over the years.
The Mud Pike was constructed around 1830. Its purpose was mainly to be a drover’s road. Soon after I moved into my current house 29 years ago an older gentleman that owned property nearby stopped in for a visit and told me 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 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 #8
This cache is awfully close to where the Mud Pike Crosses Coxes Creek. At times, this creek runs fast and full and even sometimes flows over its banks. I even saw a bear cross the road near this bridge one time. You can park at the electric sub-station and walk up to cache. I added a 1/2 point to the difficulty for the 100 yard walk along side of road. Be cautious of traffic it is a lightly traveled road but gets a little busier at certain times of the day during the work week.
HAPPY CACHING!
Congradulations to beans&franks on the FTF!