“September 24, 2023, marks 100 years since the establishment of the Allegheny National Forest. To commemorate this historic milestone, the ANF Centennial Geocache trail has been established to provide an opportunity to connect the American public to the outdoors, encourage families to explore the national forest, and provide educational and recreational opportunities for users of the trail. We encourage you to join the fun, enjoy the adventure, and learn more about your national forest while respecting and protecting our natural resources! The Allegheny National Forest includes land in four Pennsylvania counties (Elk, Forest, McKean, and Warren Counties).
This geocache is one of a total of 28 ANF Centennial Geocaches placed throughout the Allegheny National Forest. In order to complete the GeoTrail, you must find at least 5 ANF Centennial Geocaches in each of the four counties which include part of the Allegheny National Forest. Each cache will contain a unique laminated code word to be found on the logbook, to be written in your passport as proof of finding the cache. Please remember to write the code word on your passport before or after signing the logbook, and return the logbook to the cache container when finished. The next person who finds the cache is also going to need it!
Please remember to also log your find on geocaching.com after you find the cache and tell us about your adventure or anything that you found interesting during your visit. Please post pictures of your visit to the Allegheny National Forest as well with your log or on social media sites. Before setting out to find the ANF Centennial GeoTrail caches, you will need an official passport document. Passports are free and can be obtained by downloading and printing the passport document from the website www.pennsoil.org “
Little Drummer Trailhead This trailhead is located eight miles west of Ridgway, PA along Township Road 307. Facilities include: hardened parking area, vault toilet and informational/interpretive signing. This trailhead accesses the Little Drummer Historical Pathway , a short 1-mile loop and a 2.1-mile loop through a managed wildlife area.
The trail is clearly marked with off-white diamond-shaped markers on trees, or with decals on brown plastic posts. Walk-in camping is permitted along the trail. Campfires are permitted as long as they are maintained in a fire ring and are fully extinguished upon departing. Return the site to its natural appearance. Forest Supervisor Closure Orders prohibit the use of mountain bikes and saddle, pack or draft animals. Be aware that this area is used heavily in the late fall and spring by hunters. It is a good idea to wear bright fluorescent colored clothing if hiking during these time periods.be on the lookout for ticks and rattlesnakes during the summer. At a Glance Operational Hours: Open 24 Hours Fees No fee Permit Info: No permit required. Open Season: January - December Usage: Light General Information Directions: This trailhead parking lot is located eight miles west of Ridgway, PA on Township Road 307. Activities Hiking Day Hiking The short loop of the Little Drummer Historical Pathway leads to Cole Run Pond and then returns to the parking lot. The longer loop goes all the way around Cole Run Pond, and you can return on one of the legs of the smaller loop. Plan an hour's walk if you do the short loop. Plan 3-4 hours if you do the long loop. Wear rubber-bottomed boots if you hike the long loop. Fire Information Campfires are permitted if maintained in a fire ring, and completely extinguished. Difficulty Level: Easy Hunting Big Game Hunting Allegheny National Forest is public land open to fishing, hunting and trapping. Please comply with Pennsylvania Game Commission regulations. No hunting is permitted within Recreation (campgrounds) Areas, but you may walk outside recreation area to hunt. Observe safety zones. Species white-tailed-deer, black bear, turkey Difficulty Level: Difficult Small Game Hunting Allegheny National Forest is public land open to fishing, hunting and trapping. Please comply with Pennsylvania Game Commission regulations. No hunting is permitted within Recreation (campgrounds) Areas, but you may walk outside recreation area to hunt. Observe safety zones. Species squirrel, rabbit, snowshoe hare Difficulty Level: Difficult Nature Viewing Viewing Wildlife The pathway was named for the breeding grouse (called "drummers") living in this area and for the extensive number of historic railroads, pipelines, and camps located there. The interior portion (away from the road) of the area is managed to provide habitat for wildlife species associated with early successional stages of forest habitat, such as ruffed grouse, woodcock, common yellowthroats, chestnut-sided warblers, and young turkey. Through this management we also expect to produce high quality wood fiber. The portion of the area near the road is managed to provide habitat for wildlife species associated with mature hardwood forests, such as turkey, bear, and cavity-nesting birds and mammals. Through this management we also expect to enhance scenic quality and provide recreation opportunities. The habitat management you will learn about as you hike the Little Drummer Historical Pathway was funded by the Ruffed Grouse Society and the National Wild Turkey Federation through their fund-raising banquets. The trailhead and pathway improvements were funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation through the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act. This brochure was funded by the Eastern National Forest Interpretive Association. Difficulty Level: Intermediate Winter Sports XC Skiing/Snowshoeing Multiple use trail for hiking, X-C skiing and snow shoeing. Warming Shelters No Base Conditions Not a groomed trail Difficulty Level: Intermediate
"The pathway was named for the breeding grouse (called “drummers” living in this area. The male Ruffed Grouse’s unique drumming display takes place from atop a low log, stump, or rock. The deep, thumping sound starts slowly and builds to a blurred crescendo as the bird rapidly rotates his wings back and forth. The drumming sequence lasts 8–10 seconds, during which the wings may beat up to 50 times. Displays are most frequent just before and after sunrise, although they can continue into early evening. Listen for male’s drumming on moonlit nights, too.”