** The geocache IS at the location, but there are ADDITIONAL logging requirements! **
This is a challenge cache. You can sign the log any time you want, but to log this as found online, you first need to also complete the challenge:
Find non-traditional type geocaches in at least 3 U.S. States
Qualifying finds can be any size, difficulty, terrain, location, found date, hidden date, and type as long as they are not traditional or lab caches (challenge checkers don't like lab caches). For the sake of this challenge, let's count D.C. as a state. Here are my qualifying finds:
You can check if you qualify with this challenge checker:
https://project-gc.com/Challenges/GC9ZR54/71416
As far as the hike, I recommend parking at the Slate Mountain trail head and following trail 018 to the junction with trail 045 a short distance to the "final summit bushwhacking" waypoint. Then it is a bushwhack up the steep face to the posted coordinates. If you are going for the summit, this geocache is en route along the easiest and most popular way up. I recommend gaiters for this section to keep the cheat seed and burrs out of your socks and shoes.
This is forest service property and we have permission to hike on or off trail but motorized vehicles are not permitted here. Horses and pedal powered bicycles are allowed here but know that it is a moderate difficulty trail. People do use this trail in winter by snowshoe but it is much much harder especially on the steep slopes you pass to reach this point; summer through early fall before things get muddy are the best times to get this. If mud is sticking to your tires or boots, please leave and try when it is drier - the trail gets torn up that way and you're gonna get hurt too. Hiking poles will help here. Bring plenty of water. Until this point it has been moderate but this one is a fair but tougher to reach.
Forest service permission was granted for this specific geocache to be placed here. Bring your own pen.