Full of history, culture, and recreational opportunities, Marion County really is the Middle of Everywhere! From the rolling rapids of Valley Falls State Park to the Italian influence of local bakeries, there's so much to do while visiting the area. While you're visiting West Virginia, we invite you to join us for the Middle of Everywhere GeoTour! This officially registered tour highlights 20 of our favorite locations in the area, categorized by shops, history, murals, and parks! Find 16/20 caches to qualify for a limited-edition GeoTour coin. Find all 20 to get a unique souvenir added to your Geocaching profile.

For information regarding the GeoTour and a full list of caches, please visit our website.

MOE-GT #02: At the Falls
Category: Marion's Multis

Valley Falls State Park, located near Fairmont and Grafton, spans 1,145 acres and offers fishing, picnicking, kayaking, and 18 miles of hiking and biking trails. Its centerpiece is the stunning series of waterfalls on the Tygart Valley River, framed by Connoquenessing Sandstone ledges and boulders. Once a thriving 1800s railroad community with a depot, mills, and shops, the area declined after a fire and flood in the late 1880s. In 1964, it was transformed into a state park, preserving its natural beauty and historical charm.

TO FIND THIS CACHE you'll need to first visit Valley Falls State Park and make your way across the bridge to the main overlook area. To obtain the final coordinates and locate the geocache container, please visit the five waypoints below relating to the Valley Falls Whip and Grist Mill.

THE FINAL IS LOCATED AT N 39° 23.DEB′ W 80° 05.DAC′

A = At the posted coordinates, locate the sign marking the site of the whip mill. A equals the third digit in the year it was built (18A7).

B = At WP02, locate the grist stone that was used in operations at Valley Falls. B equals the third digit in the years this stone was used (18B0's).

C = Read the story about the Sage of Valley Falls found at WP03. C equals the number of sleeping rooms located on each story of the hotel. (Hint: [number of sleeping rooms] / [number of stories in the hotel])

D = According to the Valley Falls Whip and Grist Mill historical sign at WP04, the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad was completed in 185D.

E = At WP05, locate the sign marking the remains of the last rock column. E equals the third digit in the year the Grist Mill was built. (18E7).

Once you visit all five waypoints and solve for the final coordinates, you are searching for an ammo can container in the typical spot. Some light bouldering is required and you may get wet, depending on your visit. Please be aware of your physical abilities and surroundings while accessing this geocache. As always, please replace this cache exactly as you found it so others can enjoy the experience as well.

THANKS FOR VISITING!

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