Welcome to Cache Across Maryland 2025. This is one of the caches placed for the 2025 Cache Across Maryland. Each location was picked specifically to give geocachers a taste of the state and show you its beauty. By combining all ten, you'll be able to see why Maryland is truly "America in Miniature". We hope you enjoy them! You must find a minimum of ten caches prior to the picnic held on Saturday, May 31, 2025 in order to receive a free Maryland Geocaching Society CAM geocoin.
Make note of the code word found inside each cache container. You must enter all the words into an online decoder in order to print a claim form to print and submit to receive your geocoin at the picnic, as well as your CAM certificate. More info on CAM is available HERE.
Chapman State Park
MANDATORY CAM CACHE
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
No fee required
Welcome to Chapmans State Park. You will enjoy a journey through time to Southern Maryland's pastoral heritage, finding mature forests, rare plants and bald eagles frequenting the skies above. You may also discover the Mt. Aventine Mansion, the historic home of the prominent Chapman family, who were closely tied to the families of our Founding Fathers George Washington and George Mason. Standing in front of the Chapmans' grand estate, looking down the Potomac River and Virginia shoreline, is one of the most striking views in the region. Preserved in 1998 by the State of Maryland's Program Open Space (POS), Chapman State Park stretches from the Potomac River to Mattawoman Creek, in western Charles County. This park is a dramatic reminder of the great woodlands that once covered the Potomac tidewater region.In the Spring, look for acres of bluebells and cactus thriving in the sandy soil of the lowland fields There are numerous signs sharing the keys to history as you explore. Watch out for wildlife and sensitive plants.
Link to the Friends of Chapman State Park website: FCSP website
This park currently hosts the 2009 Mt. Aventine CAM cache (GC1NDGT) and the previously archived Mt. Aventine cache (GCHMQ1). During the hiding of this CAM cache the remains of that cache were located in the tobacco barn nearby.
From the parking area (the main gate is only open for special events), use the side walk-in gate, and head down the access road. Be careful to look for barbed wire. This land was used for farming and horses so there are remnants of fences scattered on the property. Soon you will see the Chapmans Landing historic sign and just beyond the bend glimpses of the historic Mount Aventine mansion. The property is dotted with abandoned structures, including former caretaker homes, a brick pump house, tobacco drying barns, stables, and a massive indoor riding facility. Please take a CITO bag with you.
At the posted coordinates you will find a memorial of hand lettered stones with some of the names of the enslaved people who lived and worked here. Go through the black gate and down the old Ferry Road, toward stage 1. Along the way you will pass structures including a “modern” tobacco drying barn.
Find the Potomac River Trail sign, titled "The Abundant Potomac - Our Nation's River", near the intersection with the Coastal Woodland Trail, Stage 1 waypoint. Count the number of bolts on the back of the sign. The number is two digits. The check sum equals 7.
The cache is hidden at N 38° 37.ABC W 077° 06.DEF. You will use the number of bolts to solve for ABC - DEF.
A = the first digit in the number of bolts, plus 1
B= the number of bolts, minus 7
C= the last digit in the number of bolts, plus 2
D= The second digit in the number of bolts, plus 3
E= The number of bolts, divided by 4
F= The same as D
N 38° 37.ABC W 077° 06.DEF
Checksum equals 41. Some would say checksum is 5. Take your pick.
On your way to the final stage, you will approach the historic Chapman Family Cemetery. The first recorded burial was in 1773, and the last in the early 1900’s. Please be respectful of the cemetery grounds on your way to the hiding spot. Please use stealth and replace the cache as found or better.
