This cache requires a moderate hike on a section of the historic
Bartram Trail to the summit of Scaly Mountain. The parking area is
located very near OzGuff's "Osage Pimentos" cache, and the trail to
this cache passes near the "Scaly Mountain Waterfall" cache -
allowing cachers to get a "caching hat trick" if so desired.
CoCo, JackYo! and Uncle Ricco on Scaly's
Summit
The parking area for this cache is the Osage scenic overlook on
Hwy 106, approximately 5.5 miles south of Main St. in Highlands.
The trail starts at the wooden steps directly across the highway
from the parking area - use caution crossing the highway. The trail
utilizes yellow vertical blazes; the trail passes a spur tail to a
small scenic waterfall, and then crosses the stream; there are then
two intersections (waypoints provided, below); on the way up, take
a "right" at the first, and a "left" at the second. The initial
portion of the trail climbs more quickly, but the latter portions
are more gradual.
Once at the parking area, the final coordinates will indicate
that the summit is little more than a half mile away, but don't let
this deceive you - by trail the summit is just less than two miles
each way, due to several switchbacks (I would not recommend
bushwacking!) [To provide perspective for hiking this trail with
children, my three kids (youngest age 4 1/2) and I did it roundtrip
in about 2 hours or so - although that doesn't include
"goofing-off" time on the summit!] Don't let the distance dissuade
you - this trail provides a small waterfall, several great vistas,
and lots of interesting flowers and foliage - it is worth the
effort.
The cache is a large ammo can. Have fun!
FTF honors
go to ffuGzO!