This cache represents many things to me. The most important being my love for the woods...the sensation of being completely surrounded by nature for miles in every direction...and of course the feeling that engulfs you as you experience something exceptional. When I started hiking this trail, it was to explore a section of Letchworth that seemed secret and remote. In doing so, I found much more than I had anticipated. I discovered beauty, contentment and the unique brand of inspiration that continuously strikes you when the only sound heard in the forest is the rustle of leaves against your feet.
I wanted to share my experience with people who would value it as much as I do. Therefore, I give you a great hike, in a superb forest, where everything is possible.
Parking and Trail Access Instructions:
This cache will ultimately take you on a 7.5 mile thru-hike of the Gardeau Valley section of the Finger Lakes Trail. You will start your adventure along River Road at the Bear Hollow Access Trail (Trail #16). Your "take out" point will be the Sycamore Access Trail (Trail #22). Parking/trailhead coordinates are provided below.
I recommend two vehicles - one at the drop off and one at the take out. For anyone who would like to make this hike, but is unable to secure a second vehicle, please email me in advance to see if we can work something out.
General Cache Instructions:
This is a three-leg multicache. Before your toesies hit the trail, make sure you have enough water, snacks and daylight (the park is open from 6am to 11pm). Bringing a camera along would also be a grand idea - as there are so many sights worth capturing.
Each hide along your journey is pretty standard. The goal was to enable each seeker to fully dedicate themselves to enjoying the sights and sounds of Letchworth without the burden of devious hides. Coordinates may be jumpy, but rest assured that even in such instances, all legs are hidden in your typical geo-hidey-hole.
Also, please note that the terrain rating for this cache is due to the distance of the hike.
Getting to Leg One:
To get to the first leg, enter at the Bear Hollow Parking/Trailhead coordinates below. From there, utilize the waypoints provided to ensure you don't get lost and end up half-way to Mount Morris before you realize you were trucking the wrong direction!
Disclaimers and all that fun-wow jazz:
All legs are located right along the trail, so at no time will you have to bushwhack. This trail dips and weaves a lot - so just because you aren't heading right at the cache, doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong.
For your convenience, each leg will have directions and coordinates to assist you in trekking through these woods. So remember, keep to the trail, stay safe and as always, have fun!
And finally...
The inspiration for this cache came from several individuals in my life who I cherish immensely, a few others that I'm sure I'll run into on the trail someday and anyone else who loves being in the woods.
This thru-hike is dedicated to them.
Cache placed with
Letchworth State Park approval.
Permit #: LSP-48