Located within the Saratoga Battlefield in the Saratoga National Historical Park this virtual cache with 10 components will take you on a bicycle (or car, or hiking) tour of the Battlefields on a beautifully paved roadway with bike lane. The bike lane is along the right edge of the roadway and is 4’ wide and is intended for hikers as well. Entrance to the Park is free through April 30th. Beginning May 1st there is a $3.00 fee for bicyclists, or a $5.00 vehicle fee.
There are ten (10) Waypoints listed to find along the one-way touring road with simple questions to obtain information as proof of discovery. The purpose of this challenge is two-fold: To introduce you to the history of the Battles of Saratoga in 1777, and to enjoy this beautiful National Park on bicycle. The many scenic views are breathtaking overlooking the upper Hudson River valley.
Only Waypoint 10 involves extra effort due to the steep grade. You may be well advised to walk down to this one if not a seasoned biker. There is no penalty if you choose to skip this last Waypoint. (A mountain bike would have been more suited for this one). If you choose to drive the tour you can park very close to each Waypoint and walk to each on paved (or grassy) walkways.
This tour begins in the parking lot of the Visitor Center at the Initial Point (IP) at: N. 43 00.781, W. 073 38.953. From the IP proceed to Waypoint 1, then consecutively thru to Waypoint 10. This cache is laid out in order as you proceed along the one-way tour road. The tour road covers about nine (9) miles and contains 10 tour stops with interpretive markers on the battlefield itself. The tour road is one-way and loops through the battlefields exiting at the park entrance road near State Rt. 4 and the Hudson River.
To complete the bicycle tour you will have almost a 2-mile ride back to the IP, a total ride of about 11 miles. (I saved my track log with my Garmin Legend and recorded a total distance of 12.3 miles the way I weaved around). The maximum elevation change is less than 300’ over the entire tour. I would recommend planning a good amount of time to leisurely complete the tour, and pack a picnic lunch to eat while taking in the views.
To successfully complete this cache, if you accept this challenge, you will find each of the 10 Waypoints and answer the questions listed for each. (No penalty for passing on Waypoint 10 if you choose). Please email us your answers to confirm your finds. DO NOT post your answers on the site with your logged find. Please feel free to log your find. We will confirm your answers when you email.
Waypoint 1) - N. 43 00.368, W. 073 38.801
What battle took place in the fields before you here, and on what date did the battle take place?
Waypoint 2) - N. 42 59.735, W. 073 38.850
Who was “reluctant to destroy so noble a foe” and who was slain?
Waypoint 3) - N. 42 59.158, W. 073 38.503
Who is memorialized here and what was the date this was erected by his compatriots?
Waypoint 4) - N. 42 58.956, W. 073 37.519
What is the name of the stronghold on the plaque at this site?
Waypoint 5) - N. 42 59.720, W. 073 38.568
What is the name of this site on the plaque? On what afternoon did American pickets report large formations of Crown Forces advancing?
Waypoint 6) - N. 42 59.892, W. 073 38.823
Who is memorialized here and by which group?
Waypoint 7) - N. 43 00.210, W. 073 38.268
Who was killed here and what was his rank? On What date was this erected?
Waypoint 8) - N. 43 00.502, W. 073 38.361
Who is memorialized here as the “most brilliant soldier of the Continental Army”, and was wounded on what date?
Waypoint 9) - N. 43 00.123, W. 073 37.174
What was on this site and between what dates did it stand?
Waypoint 10) - N. 43 00.293, W. 073 36.359
What is the name of this site on the plaque? What tragic event happened to whom? At what time and date?
For additional info please Click Here. Good luck, and enjoy the scenic views and learn about the major turning point in our Country’s fight for independence during the Revolutionary War.