CT: Obed River Section Letterbox Hybrid
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This letterbox is not at the posted coordinates, although it is close. Use the letterbox clues to hone in on the location.
Introduction
The Obed Section of the Cumberland Trail is rugged and beautiful. Covering over 14 miles of hiking, the trail is mostly on Catoosa WMA property, but also enters the Obed River WSR which is managed by the National park Service. The Catoosa WMA is closed in February and March and also during big game hunts, be sure to contact them before planning your trip to make sure the trail is open, and follow all WMA rules during hunting seasons. The letterbox is placed roughly in the middle of the trail, and clues are provided coming from both directions. I highly recommend hiking the entire length of trail, it is well worth your time. It is also a serious hike in a rugged area, so let people know where you are going and be sure to plan appropriately. If you want/need tips on tackling a hike such as this one, I am more than happy to share my thoughts and experiences with you, just drop me an email. The Cumberland Trail Conference website is also a great resource for hiking this section of the CT.
Clues from Devil's Breakfast Table (6.5 miles one way)
- First get yourself to the parking area at Daddy's Creek near Devil's Breakfast Table. You do not need to go to the Devil's Breakfast table itself, but this is where the trailhead is located.
- Hike ~200ft uphill from the parking area looking for the Cumberland Trail heading off on the righthand side. The CT is marked with white blazes.
- After a short climb you will pass over to the other side of the road. The going is rocky and rugged for a while. Enjoy it.
- Hike along for miles passing a Blueberry and a Morgan.
- As the miles go by you will no doubt notice a coal mine entrance on your right. A bit further is a rocky cliff section you must pass. You are over half way there now.
- When you pass Janet and Brett Parvin, you only have 2 miles left to go.
- You are getting very close as the trail comes right down to the edge of the Obed River. Take a break while there and enjoy one of the fine swimming holes to be found.
- Keep your eyes peeled as you climb up away from the Obed river, following the "S" curves of the trail. Your goal us underneath the Anvil at the near the top of the trail. See the Anvil Clues below to make the find.
Clues from Nemo (7.6 miles one way)
- Start at Rock Creek Campground in the Obed WSR. The CT trail is marked with white blazes.
- Hike past the Nature Trail junction and past some cliffs and rock houses.
- After a ways you will be walking on top of a berm that is indicative of strip mining that occurred in this area.
- You will find yourself passing an Alley. Feel free to investigate this Alley, it is a nice place to cool off. However a visit to the Alley isn't required.
- After another mile, you will be near the Obed river once again, Take a moment to cool off here in preparation for a big climb ahead.
- Tackle the steep climb up to an aptly named Bluff. Enjoy this view for a while since the next few miles will be deep into the woods.
- Walk for miles (~3.4) along old roads and ATV trails, always following the white blazes
- As you continue along the trail, keep an eye out on your left for the Anvil. You will know it when you see it. It is roughly 7.6 miles from your starting trailhead. If you end up down by the river again, you have gone too far. Backtrack back up the "S" curves until you spot the Anvil.
Anvil Clues
- Once you spot the Anvil, work your way over to it.
- Note the wooden crutch holding up the NE side of the Anvil.
- Walk 3 paces from the crutch towards the rock. Then search around your ankles for the box hidden well behind rocks in a nook.
- Please rehide the box well when done. Thanks for visiting!
There is a hand-carved stamp in this letterbox, but no ink, so if you plan on stamping please bring your own ink supply. The stamp is not a trade item, but there is some swag in the cache for geocachers as well as a decent FTF prize.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Frr eryngrq jrocntr sbe uvxvat qrgnvyf