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Grand River Ledges Earthcache EarthCache

Hidden : 6/7/2005
Difficulty:
1 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size:   other (other)

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Geocache Description:

This cache is located in Fitzgerald Park. Follow the Ledges Trail to get to the cache coordinates. The stairs are closed as of May 2024. If you head south along the top of the bluff look for the dirt road that heads downhill. The trail continues from this point and ends in downtown Grand Ledge at Island Park. The longer scenic route starts at Island Park and is about .69 miles from Island Park to the cache. The trail is paved from the stairs to the cache. Be careful at the narrow spots.

Welcome to the Ledges in Grand Ledge Michigan. The ledges were formed by the Grand River as it flowed towards its mouth at Grand Haven on Lake Michigan. They stretch for approximately one mile along this part of the Grand River. The river is still in the process of adjusting its course by eroding one side of the bank and depositing the sediments on the opposite side of the river.

Through the years, people have found many uses for this area. In the early part of the century, there was a resort along the river. The islands that housed this resort were known as the Seven Islands. Legend has it that during a time of Indian wars, a mother feared her children would be captured. She put them in a canoe and started down the river. One by one she dropped each child into the water to hide them and where each of her children hit the water, an island sprang up. The ledges were used by Native Americans, led by Chief Okemos, as shelter while passing through the area. There are even legends that the once-abundant caves formed by the ledges, with names such as Robbers Cave and Counterfeiters Cave, were used for hiding stolen horses that were awaiting sale and also to harbor slaves escaping to Canada. The area has also been used for its mineral wealth. At one time coal was being mined along the river banks. Veins of coal can still be found along the path between Island Park and Fitzgerald Park.

Some more technical information.....

Approximately 270 million years ago, much of this area of Michigan was covered by water. Sediments carried by flowing water were constantly being deposited in layers along the river banks and beaches. Over time, these sediments were compacted into the rock layers that are evident today. If you feel the rock, you will notice that the sedimentary rocks still feel sandy.

If you are interested, there are pamphlets available to guide you along a self-guided tour. I highly recommend these.

Logging Requirements as of 12-27-06

In order to log this cache as found, visit the coordinates above. Depending on the accuracy of your GPS, you will see a wooden marker with either a #3 or a #4. The markers are between the path and the ledges. Please estimate the height of the ledges at either of these points and email that number to me through the email address in my profile. Thanks and enjoy!



The images on this page came from the Ledges of Grand Ledge website. Visit it to see many more great pictures of the Ledges.

Additional Hints (No hints available.)