WELCOME TO FORBES STATE FOREST, the Blue Hole Division, located in Southwestern Pennsylvania, in the heart of the Laurel Highlands. The division lies in Middlecreek Township, Somerset County. The "Gems of Forbes State Forest" are 2 locations, both of which are REQUIRED to visit to claim credit for this virtual. Location #1 is at the posted coordinates and location #2 is listed as a waypoint. Both locations can either be driven to or hiked to. The Location #3 waypoint will take you to an old CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) camp, which is an OPTIONAL location to visit.
IF DRIVING: From the parking waypoint (N39 58.375 W079 17.035), Location #1 (N39 58.337 W079 17.042) is only about a 250-300 ft walk. Location #2 (N39 58.391 W079 17.886) is a short distance away, you will be driving along forest roads. Parking is also available at Location #2, and is a very short walk from parking.
IF HIKING: From the parking waypoint, Location #1 is only about a 250-300 ft walk. To get to Location #2, take the Cole Run Trail (red blazes) approximately 1.5 miles. NOTE: The Cole Run Trail is moderately challenging, with some rocky terrain and some elevation gains. Be alert for the red blazes, they can be hard to follow at times. The trail can also be partially flooded during wet times of the year. When arriving at Location #2, there is a steep, short descent to get to the location, and you will be on the opposite side as if you would have driven there, but still close enough to see its beauty! After visiting Location #2, you may continue on the Cole Run Trail for another mile or so, it ends at Cole Run Road, which you can walk back to parking to male a LOOP (total trip : approximately 3 miles) or you can just restrace your steps back to parking.
IN ORDER TO CLAIM THIS VIRTUAL AS A FIND:
1. At Location #1, send me a picture of you with the feature in the background. If camera shy (like me), a picture of your gps, phone, or a sheet of paper with your caching name is just fine.
2. At Location #2, there is a large rock close to the feature. What are these two names carved into the rock? ( ____ loves ______ ) . NOTE: If hiking, the large rock is on the otherr side of the creek. It is fine if you just send me a picture of the water feature there or you can drive over after your hike to the large rock to get the names.
Send me a message with your answer..
Pictures are ok! In fact, a nice, detailed log explaining your feelings about the area would make me so happy. No just "TFTV" please!
IMPORTANT NOTES:
1. The parking waypoint coordinates take you to Cole Run Road, which is NOT listed on some GPS/phone maps. To remedy this, I have included a Gary Road/Cole Run Road waypoint (N39 58.217 W079 16.805) that should get you to the intersection you need to turn down to get to parking. Also, if DRIVING to Location #2, it is along Blue Hole Road, which is NOT listed on some GPS/phone maps. To remedy this, I have included a Fall Run Road/Blue Hole Road waypoint (N39 57.502 W079 17.248) that should get you to the intersection that you need to turn down to get to Location #2. I HAVE ATTACHED A DCNR MAP AND DESCRIPTION OF THE AREA TO THIS CACHE DESCRIPTION. It will be very helpful in navigating the area. I have increased the D/T rating to reflect the potential navigation issues if driving and the potential trail issues if hiking.
2. As with most State Forest roads, Cole Run Road and Blue Hole Road are NOT maintained in the winter, meaning this Virtual may be inaccessible during times of snow and/or ice. Also, this area is open to hunting, so "Be Safe, Be seen" and wear your orange during hunting seasons.
3. I am really excited to share this beautiful area with you! I visit often and know the area pretty well. If you have any questions about getting here, or comments about this Virtual, please message me. I'm looking forward to seeing others comments and logs on this amazing place.
Virtual Rewards 3.0 - 2022-2023
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between March 1, 2022 and March 1, 2023. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 3.0 on the Geocaching Blog.