The path to this cache will begin at the base of the Narrows, a
splendid 400 million year old water gap which separates Wills
Mountain and Haystack Mountain, and end high above, 1000 feet above
Wills Creek, at the ruins of the old Wills Mountain Inn. A recent
article by Dan Whetzel can explain this incredible area far better
than i:
The Cumberland Narrows has played an important part in Western
Maryland history, as it provided a natural break in the Appalachian
Mountains that stretched north/south through the region. Formed
thousands of years ago, the Narrows is a one mile water gap
dominated at the lowest elevation by Wills creek and transportation
arteries, while its highest elevations feature the spectacular
beauty of Tuscarora and Juniata sandstone formations. A stream
began eroding the water gap across Wills Mountain and surrounding
weaker rocks were eroded into the valley, thereby causing a 1000
foot gorge. While visitors and local residents today appreciate the
Narrows for its natural beauty, significant events that occurred
there have dimmed with the passing of time. Cumberland's narrows is
unique because it combines natural history with political,
economic, and military events that have determined the course of
our nation since 1755. Read more in "The Cumberland Narrows: Portal
To The National Road" by Dan Whetzel.
Old Wills Mountain Inn
Information gathered from the historical marker, nearby
establishment and this cache page will provide you with the
coordinates necessary to secure the final cache.
N 39: A0.BCC
W 78: AD.70C
A=the first number in the incredibly old age of the Narrows
(found in the cache page)
B=first number in all three dates on the historical marker
C=sum of A & B
D=number of letters in the name of the restaurant in whose
parking lot you should be standing:)
Your next stop will be Piedmont Avenue near where it intersects
with Maplewood Lane. Here you may park along the street and find
Wills Mountain Road at N 39: 39.911, W 78: 46.425. This road
provides access to the Artmor Plastics Company and to Wills
Mountain, driving up the road is possible but parking on Artmor
Plastics property is discouraged by the company. Walking up is not
a problem though and will involve a steep, invigorating and
possibly heart-pounding hike and will provide tremendous views of
the city of Cumberland and its surrounding mountains.
Proceed to the top of the black-top road and when the drive
turns sharply left to the factory cross the drive to a dirt road.
Follow this road for about 100 yards, there you will see several
trails begin to ascend to the top of the mountain. One trail
follows the edge of the cliff and the other is a four-wheeler trail
which ascends through a meadow. Either way you can follow your GPSr
from here to the site of the old inn and the final cache
location.
The old Wills Mountain Inn was built in 1899 and burned in 1930.
Information about the inn is sparse at best but the story goes that
it was built when Cumberland was a prosperous and thriving city. I
have heard mentioned that it was frequented by wealthy travelers,
provided dances for one and all, was at one time a night-club and
finally and lastly was a sanitorium. The ruins and foundations of
the buildiings tell their own story and a graceful drive curves
around the front of the building. Enjoy your visit and try to
imagine what it was like to come here during those elegant times,
all those years ago.
The small cache is located near to but not in the ruins and is
approx. 90 feet from the edge of the cliff. Please be very careful
as this can be a dangerous area and feel free to send an e-mail if
you would like to check the coordinates before attempting the
cache.
Also known to locals as Lovers Leap, the cliffs are already home
to one popular cache, "Le Saut D'amour Encore" by Eithnie and
Tonsil. On December 31, 2005, this happy couple made their own leap
of love and became engaged on this very spot! All who know and care
for them wish them the very best:) Best wishes you guys! julia