Gibbons Horse Barn Traditional Cache

The Historic Gibbons Horse Barn was built circa 1834, by William Gibbons. A wealthy Southern planter, and prominent racing patron, who built a stable to house his Thoroughbred Racehorses, including Fashion, “Queen of The American Turf”.

This beautiful barn is an outstanding example of an early 19th century Horse Barn. William Gibbon also is best remembered for having built Drew University’s Mead Hall. The historic Gibbons Barn site is next to the Trail Head on Loantake Way.

This cache is located in the scenic Loantaka Brook Reservation not far from the Historic Gibbons Horse Barn. This Morris County Park got its name from the Native American Lenape Tribe. Loantaka means "the place of the cold winter" which refers to the Great Swamp and surrounding area.

The park offers 5 miles of multi-use paved trails stretching through the Townships of Morris, Harding, and Chatham. Parking is available on Loantaka Way.

This cache is located on the opposite side of the park from the Loantake Way parking area. Please be careful if you decide to walk (.25) along the busy Loantake Way to access the paved trail. Otherwise, follow the blue trail from the parking area, this will intersect with the red trail, and cross Loantake Way further down from the parking area. This is a slightly longer but safer walk (10 -15 minutes).

After you enter the paved trail from the road, follow the trail, just past the Gibbons Barn you will need to cross the river via the white iron bridge to access the Loantaka Park horse and foot trail. This bridge and trail is on Morris County property, there is a sign at the bridge saying "no trespassing", but the County park boundary is across the bridge at the Gibbons Barn fence.