The cache is placed in the "Creek Hills" area, which is known for
its wildlife, plantlife, and rich history. The beginning of this
hunt shall begin at the parking lot for State Gamelands 296 along
Mt. Etna Road at the coordinates below. Follow the State Gamelands'
gated off access road to the top of the hill, and at the powerline,
let the GPS guide you. There are many waypoints at the bottom of
the page that are points of interest you will walk by on your
journey to the cache. At the "Gorge Overlook" there is a well
defined trail to the cache.
Once you find the cache, it may be more scenic and easier to
keep going down the hill and follow the "circle" trail that will
land you right back where you started. It may be necesary to wade a
small creek if passing on the "circle trail". You can follow the
waypoint to the "Iron Alliance" by Quest Master which is less than
20 feet of the "circle" trail. Just always remember, at any
intersection you are unsure, left is usually your best answer.
All in all, this is a nice trip, I've walked this trail many
times and it still amazes me how beautiful it is. If you take the
circle trail you will pass by the Saltworks. About the time of the
early 1930's, a wonderful discovery was made in the Allegheny
Valley; petroleum in large quantities for the first time in the
worlds history was being produced. Fortunes were made from it, and
a natural result was that it was sought for in other localities.
The persons who owned the land in the valley, and who resided in
Philadelphia, formed what was known as the Jacobs Creek Oil
Company, for the purpose of testing this region for oil. Beginning
near the mouth of Barren Run and extending up the crack for about 7
miles, a series of 5 wells were drilled. Two were located near the
mouth of this stream, one about 200 yards up the stream where the
Frick Hollow joins it. The other about the same distance up the
creek from the mouth of the run. This well was located near the
ruins of the old Salt Furnace, previously referred to. It was
completed in the summer of 1865. It was drilled to a depth of 1100
feet, but no oil was secured. A third well was located about a half
mile further up the creek, and a fourth one near the furnace. The
fifth one and last well was a couple miles further up the creek. Of
this well the record states "At 240 feet we struck salt water after
which we struck gas, and the whole thing came roaring up and for 4
hours it continued pouring up gas and water the whole size of the
conductor, clear up against the roof." The water from this well was
so saturated with salt that it was soon determined to construct a
salt works. Preparations were made to manufacture this article on a
rather extensive scale, a large furnace, the ruins of which remain,
was built. Many of the stones used in the construction of this
plant were taken from the walls of the Alliance Furnace, thus
greatly hastening the destruction of this noted landmark. For many
years this wild region has afforded a pleasant retreat for students
of nature. The scenery is picturesque and many forms of wild life
yet abound. Please make a point to stop at all the waypoints, and
you may want to bring a camera.
Waypoints
*Parking Coordinates*
*N 40°07.518 W 079°42.496
Trough for the Alliance Furnace
N 40°06.757 W 079°43.265
Old Site of Saltworks
N 40°06.645 W 079°42.825
Waterfall
N 40°07.000 W 079°43.016
Note: This cache is located on Pennsylvania State Gamelands.
During the peak deer season (November 15 - December 15, except
Sundays), you must "wear a minimum of 250 square inches of
daylight fluorescent orange-colored material on the head, chest and
back combined or, in lieu thereof, a hat of the same colored
material. The material shall be worn so it is visible in a 360°
arc".
|
|
Disorganized Member of TRIGO : Three Rivers Informal
Geocaching Organization : Check Us Out! |