Unfortunately, too many people violated our closure order for Eagle Cave during the bat hibernation season, and we were forced to install a gate at the cave mouth. The gate will be open from May 15 through Sept 15 and the public is free to enter the cave during that time period. Outside of that time the gate will be closed and locked. - Carl Herzog - NY State Dept of Environmental Conservation.
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In order to celebrate the additional seasons of this amazing cache and those adventurous enough to find it, we have left numerical (non-trackable) Eagle Cave reward geocoins in the cache. Prove your treasure-finding skills by tracking one down - these can only be found by visiting GC2JCKR. Please limit one per visitor. Message me if none are left in the cache as supplies will be limited in order to prevent muggling.
The cache coordinates are for the entrance to the actual caves (keep reading for information on navigating the caves). The entrance itself, is not easy to find, good luck. The parking area coordinates, as well as coordinates for the trail turnoff are listed in the waypoints section of the listing.
Captain Kidd was a famous pirate-hunter turned pirate himself during the late 17th century. He and his crew amassed huge fortunes of Moorish gold coins, Spanish gold ingots, and jewels exchanged in the spice trade. Most of his exploits took place off the Madagascar coast. Following his questionably successful turn to piracy, Kidd and his crew returned to New York uncertain as to their fate. As a result, the ship's booty was scattered throughout different locations with only a small portion of gold actually recovered and sent back to England as evidence in Kidd's trial. Kidd, having hunted pirates and their treasure locations for decades, knew that treasure hunters would suspect the shores of New York City and Long Island as obvious locations. As a result, Kidd and only a few of his remaining loyal crewman bounded a much smaller boat up the Hudson River to Indian River up North River and eventually to Indian Lake. His wife was secluded in this remote area already (fearing extradition and persecution) and knew of the perfect location for her husband's fortune. It was a cave atop a mountain with views that could alert of coming intruders and secluded enough that no one would probably ever find it to begin with. Captain Kidd even trained a pet eagle that was his first mate on the Quedah Merchant (his largest ship) to fly overhead and squawk at any human nearing the area.
This location, noted in the journals of some of his crew mates only as Kidd's Ledge, is actually located in the area now known as Indian Lake. The mountain today is called Chimney Mountain and the cave, ironically, has been coined Eagle Cave (There are even rumors you can hear the ghost of Kidd's eagle late on many a cold night). The caves have sat undiscovered for centuries and are still, even today, considered not completely explored. Indeed the monumental task of protecting his gold was successful, until recently. Although I removed most of the ancient treasure, I was sure to leave behind some modern-day booty to reward those adventurous enough to follow in our footsteps.
Parking fee is $2 and can be deposited in the metal containers in the parking area.
The trailhead is just beyond the parking area.
Finding the Cache in Eagle Cave
Rumor has it that the treasure has been placed beyond the ice room. Travelers have mapped this cave system over the years since our fair captain has died. This link provides some guidance to navigate the caves. If the legends are true, you must travel beyond the room labeled "ice room" to find the treasure. It is said that you need to travel down a stone hallway,
up through a tiny crack in the ceiling called the "birth canal", into the "wandre hall" (attic) and look for a room to scramble down to on the right. The actual location of the treasure in this room has never been accurately described. The last person to die while trying to find it detailed in his journal that he was certain the long room had two holes in the floor. Past these holes was a steady rise and the captain hid his chest behind boulders near the end of the room. Good luck!
Also, cell service is limited in this area.
Quote from a muggle:
"Now that you have a smashed chest with no leads or any nice notes maybe you understand what it is like to actually have it vandalized." -Jeff Hemmes (CUOC)
Additional guidelines and disclaimer:
Spelunking innately carries certain additional risks beyond that of hiking. Low-to-no-light conditions are to be expected and headlamps (and/or flashlights) are required. Uneven terrain, loose rocks, large drop-offs, and the use of rope ladders makes proper footwear and gloves a must with added safety considerations being made to climbing equipment such as ropes, knee-pads and helmets. Groups of two or more are greatly advisable and registry sign-in, sign-out procedures are considered best practice. Water supplies, snacks, and a first-aid kit are recommended as time in the caves can seem shorter than reality. Be prepared & be safe. Do not put yourself in danger - turn back if you are uncertain. All that being said - HAVE FUN!
Like any natural environment we frequent, a carry-in carry-out policy is in effect and human impact is requested to be minimalized.
There are often hibernating colonies of bats in this cave system. Please do not disturb them as this can disrupt their natural sleep cycle.
This geocache lister denies any responsibility for others visiting this cave system. It is the sole responsibility for those that travel in this cave to understand the risks involved and use caution. Any damage or bodily harm as a result are the responsibility of said individuals and exempt the poster from any wrongdoing or legal ramifications.