Underappreciated Lichen Multi-Cache

Billerica State Forest includes parcels of land under the names Warren H. Manning State Park and Gilson State Forest. Many glacial boulders supply ample growing area for various species of lichen.

The only good parking for this area is at N42' 35.127, W71' 17.952. This is not a quickie cache. Try to park the car and do it all in one session, which I'm guessing will be 2-2.5 hours.

There are many trails in various states of use by bikers and equestrians, though they are not marked well. Stick to the main trails, especially if crossing roads. There is some road construction in one road crossing, so consult the map to pick up the trail on the other side. There are many "false" or dead-end trails that just "peter out", so if you find yourself in a place where a mountain biker wouldn't go, turn around. Do not pay much attention to your navigation arrow, as the overhead growth is thick. Instead, use your compass, check your bearings often and pay attention to your GPS accuracy.

The cache page coordinates are the first in this multi-cache, which contains 4 coordinate sites and 1 final cache site. The coordinates are written on 2 inch sections of white PVC pipe, about eye level a short distance off main trails.

This is a camera cache, so if you are so inclined, take a shot and I will post pics here when done.

Some cache contents are the usual stuff, but other items are toys for brewers.

There is a map and other information on the localhikes.com site: BSF MAP

More about the forest:

• Warren H Manning State Forest and Park Manning State Forest and Park located off Route 129 in North Billerica, is comprised of 207 acres. There are some hiking trails through the forest, and a small pond with surrounding marsh, which makes a good bird watching area. Ten acres are used as day recreation with facilities which include a small grass area, picnic tables, grills, a children's wading pool, a fitness trail, parking and primitive bathroom facilities.
• A small stone marker near the main entrance roads reads: "Here stood the office of Warren H Manning, Landscape Designer. A student and lover of nature and man. A pioneer and leader in the art of planning the wise use of land for the Pleasure and benefit of mankind" 1860-1938
• Manning Park and the adjacent area known as Gilson Hill were part of the gift from Warren Manning and John Rowell to the Appalachian Mountain Club in 1909 in memory of Frederic A Morey, first president of the Billerica Historical Society.
• Across the road is the Manning Manse, built in 1696 by Samuel Manning, one of the earliest settlers of Billerica. Still owned by the Manning Family Association, the house is on the National Register of Historic Places. Three years ago, a fire destroyed some of the original building. Restoration has been completed and the Manse is now open as Livingstone's Restaurant.
• Gilson Hill State Forest, which is sometimes considered a part of Manning State Forest, is located in the western part of Billerica, off Treble Cove Road. This 168 acre parcel, the second highest elevation in Town at 317.4 feet, derived its name from Samuel Gilson, one of the earliest settlers of Billerica. Hiking Trails go to the top of Gilson Hill from which it is possible to see the White Mountains on a clear day.
• This mound is one of several glacial drumlins in the area. It contains a number of glacial boulders and a stand of spruce and birch. Evidence of native people's habitation on the Hill has been reported. A corn-grinding rock is known to exist somewhere on the Hill.
• Once a source of lumber, logging was popular during the 19th century. Camping and hiking have been popular with the Boy Scouts and other groups since early on.

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