Geocache Description
Eleven (11) percent of the roads in Harford County are unpaved (2019). This does not include state and municipal roads. The county maintains 1,075 miles of roadways consisting of 685 miles of asphalt, 348 miles of tar and chip and 42-45 miles of "earth" roads.
This cache is the first in a series of "earth" roads in the county.
Definitions:
1. Dirt Roads:
1. Term used for unimproved roads with no surface material added.
2. With a hard dirt surface; an unpaved road.
2. Gravel Roads:
1. Type of unpaved road with gravel that has been brought to the site from a quarry or stream bed.
2. A notch up from a dirt road. They boast good investment in high-quality materials but face issues with dust. They provide good drainage preventing the surface from mixing with water and becoming soft.
Tabernacle Road:
Tabernacle Road is located in Northeast Harford County. It is the last "ford" in the county. There is NO bridge. The vehicle must drive through Deep Creek. In late April the flow was 10 feet wide.
The verb "ford" describes crossing a body of water on foot at a shallow point or driving across in a vehicle.
How To Get There:
From the East: From Route 623 (Flintville Road) travel West. The first half mile is paved. The gravel section begins at Faith Baptist Tabernacle Church.
From the West: The road begins at the end of Peach Orchard Road which is accessed from Route 136 (Whiteford Road)
This cache is NOT for everyone. Consider your choice of vehicle. I have seen Jeeps and small trucks cross the creek but over the years some vehicles had to be towed. The road, especially coming from 623, is narrow and not well maintained.
Also weather conditions, especially after a heavy rain, and during the winter should be taken into consideration.
You can view the creek crossing by viewing the Link. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nKJE-KBoy4&t=34s
This view follows the road from the West to the East (Route 623).
You can complete the cache without crossing the creek.
Planning on a Visit?
1. Cross the creek by approaching from 623. But, this section of the road is NOT well maintained and is hilly with loose gravel. An option is to park at Faith Baptist Tabernacle Church and walk downhill .2 miles to the creek to check for water flow before proceeding. There is NOT a convenient turnaround prior to the creek.
2. Best suggestion is to approach from the West ( from Peach Orchard Road). Complete the cache. Park at the suggested waypoint and walk 500 feet downhill to the creek and decide whether to cross or not. Although not recommended, there is a possible turn around in a driveway prior to the creek.
It is hard to tell how long this "ford" will continue to exist.
The Log:
When posting a log, include the width and depth of the creek and your success. I did not try to make the "find" difficult but rather to experience this "unique" road.
ENJOY!
Waypoint (from Peach Orchard)
N 39 41.944
W 76 16.456
Congratulations to Snowsox FTF. Congratulations to Kolo Jezdec On FTC. First To Cross on 2 Wheels.