NOTE: This cache was replaced with a new cache on 2/19/05, after I was unable to locate the original cache after three "no finds".
On most topo maps this spot is labeled "Brown".
It's an out of the way, corner of the Allegany State park, but I accessed the area from the Willow Bay area of the Allegheny National Forest. It's at the absolute top of the mountain, so take that into consideration when planning this cache. It took me 5 hours in and out in the knee deep snow to place the cache, so plan accordingly! On 2/19/05 there was less snow (ankle deep) and it took 4 hours in and out.
The cache is in a clear plastic large continer.
When I replaced the cache on 2/19/05 I forgot a log book. If you can, please bring a small note pad for a log if you are doing this cache anytime soon!
When I hid the original cache, and then when I re-placed the missing cache, it was in the deep snow, so I didn't get to see the "Brown" Benchmark. I did however see a witness post nearby and a pile of rocks, that is reportadly very close to "Brown". When I did re-hide the new cache and took the numbers, it was the exact numbers from the USGS for "Brown" BM. So, when you find the cache you will also find the BM ... Two for one!
One of the easiest ways in, is to park on 346 in PA. just north of Willow Bay. There is a side-of-the-road parking pull-off, at the county line between Warren and McKean counties (a little on the Warren side). You then hike the county line up hill past my "Tri County Cache", you will proceide uphill to the east, then head north a bit then turn north-north-west to the cache. You will stay on top of the prominant "ridge" following it to the absolute top (see the topo).
It's also very interesting to read all the notes about the "Brown" BM. It also gives an alternate route up to the cache.
IF you hike in from Wolf Run in the Allegany State Park (you will not have to pay to enter park) ... You will come up Brown Run, and possibly pass some VERY scenic waterfalls on the way up (again, check topo) ... If you do, please photo them (they are mostly seasonal) and post your pic's for others to enjoy.
NOTE: There are no trails leading to this cache ... It's bushwacking all the way! Once you get to "Brown" you will find the cache very easily. That is why I set the difficulty to 3 (added a few for the climb) and the terrain to 4.5 (It's a STEEP long climb). Depending where you park and start from, you will be climbing from about 1330' to about 2200' SO BE PREPAIRED! Yes, it's less than 2 miles on the map, BUT it's a long killer hike!