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Devil's Den Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

MadMin: As it seems that this cache is missing or beyond repair, and the cache owner hasn't responded to repeated DNF/Needs Maintenance logs, I'm archiving this listing.

maskvolk, please contact me at ma.reviewer@gmail.com with the GC# of this cache in the subject line if you have any questions or would like to see about having this cache reinstated.

Thanks!

Jenn/MadMin
Volunteer Reviewer for Massachusetts
On Facebook: http://tiny.cc/madmin

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Hidden : 11/4/2004
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
2.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

There is a small cave tucked away in the corner of Ashland. It’s historic reputation has earned it the moniker, “Devil’s Den.” This cache location served as the grounds for the Halloween III event.

From the Bay Circuit Trail guide description:
Devil's Den (town) - recent town land purchase protects this historic
cave about 100 yds from BCT. Locals thought this was a hideout during
witchcraft hysteria, a stop on the underground railroad, or Indian grain
storage. New research concludes it was a males-only hideout for men
who wanted to play cards without wives finding out. But why has such an expansive graveyard developed so nearby? Had some of these card games gone awry? Had a cheating players been caught, murdered, and their bodies hauled off and buried a short distance away? And what better place to start a cemetery than from a spot with a few mysterious, scantily marked graves. Note that a reputation for violence during card games has developed in this town (see Stone’s Public House).

I can give you some directions from the Bay Circuit Trail guide description:

Enter Wildwood Cemetery on left. In the cemetery stay left all the way to the back corner, take the last right, go 40 yds. Turn left into woods. Follow old cart path 0.2 mile (to get to historic Devil’s Den, stay on old cart path to rock
outcropping on right, 100 yds).

This is not the Witches’ Cave in Ashland Town Forest.

To preserve the sanctity of the cemetery, you should have no trouble parking in the lot with the busses on Chestnut Street at 42 15.432 71 27.337. Walk south on Chestnut to the entrance to Wildwood Cemetery at 42 15.375 71 27.225. Once inside the cemetery, you should stay on the perimeter roads; either left or right will do. Proceed quietly and be subtle with flashlights and headlamps. Once at the back at 42 15.532 71 26.955 you should proceed on the well established cart path (boulders in front) to the Devil’s Den. Just a bit before the cave, there may be an open area where a water line is being installed and will need to cross the ditch to get to the other side. Please use caution in doing this. I see no danger of collapse as it is not that deep. Instead you can head north 50 meters, and turn right, but that area was just dug up. Also take care in climbing around the cave and cache area, as that is on a slope.

The hike in may be as much as 1 mile over level ground.

The cave at 42 15.635 71 26.731 goes about 10 feet back and has a boulder in the middle. Please use care when exploring. I recommend not to climb past the boulder, as you may get stuck. The cache is not inside the cave but about 30 meters away to prevent muggle discovery.

Additional Hints (No hints available.)