Well you studied the Allegheny Trail in school, so now you need to see what it is all about. This trail takes you to the VIEW you have always DREAMED about. The panoramic landscape is 360 degrees of breath taking wonder as far as your eyes can see. You are gazing from a walk-in Hawk Observatory tower on top of Peters Mountain overlooking both Virginia and West Virginia just as they did when the two states were one. This tower (called Hanging Rock Tower) is highly remote, making it so truly spectacular. In addition, the tower is on the Hawk migration path and over 400 Hawks a day can be seen from here on/or about September 21st. Hawks and Eagles are counted and cataloged here by enthusiasts. This place defines what GEO-Caching is all about. Signals are great! A Porta-Jon is west of the Tower, but 'GO' before ya come. Cameras, Binoculars and Lunch are highly recommended.
For those who desire a great bike ride the road from Paint Bank, VA to Waiteville, WV is about 11 miles of flat, little-traffic, highly scenic farmland with Buffalo Farms (Bison), meandering creeks, swinging bridges and a grist mill as well. Scottish Landers (long haired cow) will check you out. Buffalo meat can be purchased at the Paint Bank General Store and if you are interested, a new Bed & Breakfast is across the street. If you want a sit-down meal while in the area - check out the Swinging Bridge Restaurant in the back of the Paint Bank General Store - a totally unique place.
If you stop to take pictures of the Buffalo (Bison) please be warned, these are not gentle creatures so stay on your side of the fence. Many other Hiking and Biking opportunities are available near this area. The Appalachian Trail is near by as well. Blue Ridge Parkway is only about 40 miles south.
Directions: There are many approaches to this area but the main road (Route 311) runs North and South between Interstate 81 from the South and 64 from the North. All roads and routes to this area offer gracious scenery. Follow 311 to Paint Bank, VA. Turn west at Paint Bank beside the store and go about 10 - 11 miles looking for Gap Mills Road (15)/ Hanging Rock Tower. Turn up the Mountain (Northly) and climb to the top of Peters Mountain. Carefully turn west into the grass/dirt parking lot at the tip of the mountain. Co-ordinates are N 37 30.593 W 80 26.285 - use them. The Trail goes West from the parking lot.
The trail to the cache is about a mile. The trail is visible and follows the ridge mostly on the North side near the crest of the mountain. A yellow blaze keeps you doing pretty well.
Go left up the hill at a trail split marked Fire Tower (Blue Blaze) for a more challenging hike, Otherwise follow the yellow trail. You should find the tower before the cache so enjoy yourself and the cache is not far. The cache is West of the tower but not to far. Not many people hike beyond the yellow trail accept during the September migration. The walk back is downhill all the way and seems much quicker than the trek up. On the way back you will encounter a trail split you might not have noticed on the way up, just go straight or take the right most trail. Piece of cake!
Points System:
Extra points for nearby attractions:
- 05 points - I saw a bison
- 10 points - I saw a Scottish Lander - long haired cow
- 05 points - I saw a Grist Mill
- 15 points - I saw swinging bridge made of White Rope
- 20 points - I saw a neat looking Hawk
- 01 points - Turtles, Frogs, and inch worms
- 10 points - Visited the Menanite store in Gap Mills
Log your points for all to see.
You are looking for a plastic ammo box.
No need to place your hands inside scary small rock holes. Don't do it! The Rock Monster will drag you to the center of the Earth!
Please no liquids, food or seeds in the cache and please report the Cache condition in your log. Cache On!
DO NOT yell out "I FOUND IT" Say something like " I found a neat Bug" This way the cache will not get stolen by those who do not understand GeoCaching - be 'Stealthy'!