This geocache is located in the Willey Woods Community Forest, the forest is the first accessible conserved forest in West Burke. The area is a destination for hunters looking for white-tailed deer and anglers who like to frequent the headwater streams to catch brook trout. During colder months, snowmobilers spend their day riding the VAST Route 114 corridor, part of a statewide trail system that runs through the property. Old timber roads are enjoyed by the cross-country skiers and snowshoers taking in the freshly snow-covered landscape and crisp winter air. Local schoolchildren can use the community forest as an outdoor classroom to learn about the local wildlife and vegetation. Willey Woods Community Forest is helping preserve the town’s charm and rural characteristics by preventing further forestland fragmentation, increasing the town’s flood resiliency, guaranteeing permanent public access, and connecting more Vermonters to the benefits of nature.
Parking: The parking area for the town forest is located at the end of Sugar Maple Lane in West Burke, VT. Enter Sugar Maple Lane off Sugarhouse Road and drive about a 1/4 of a mile to the parking area, where you will find signage and a kiosk for the forest. You will pass by a house on your way to the forest parking, but Sugar Maple Lane is a public road. The road may not be passable during the winter or mud seasons.
The Trail: Enter the Willey Woods Forest trails to the north of where you park, or to your left as you drove into the parking area. You will find a grassy double track; follow that until you see arrows that will guide you on a single track hiking trail. Follow this for 15 minutes or so, and you will come upon the area where the geocache is hidden. You can retrace your footsteps to get back to the parking lot, or continue on the trail, and you will be dumped onto Sugarhouse Road where you'll have to head south to Sugar Maple Lane and back to your car.
Safety tip: Wear orange if entering the forest during hunting season.