Bicknell Ridge Cache Multi-cache
GeoCrater: I am regretfully archiving this cache since there's been no response from nor action by the cache owner within the time frame requested in the last reviewer note.
GeoCrater
Community Volunteer Reviewer for Geocaching.com
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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The Basics - This multi-part cache is
best accessed from a free parking area along Route 113 on the
Maine / New Hampshire border. The hike in is somewhat
difficult but clearly marked and well maintained.
Best to make this one an all day (or night)
trip, as it will take about 4 hours minimum even if you're in
really good shape. it’s about 3.5 miles to the coordinates
from the nearest parking and you’ll climb about 2400 vertical
feet, taking in many fine views along the way.
Parking - The free parking area is on Route 113 just a few
miles South of where it enters the White Mountain National Forest
(see waypoint below). The trailhead you want is clearly marked, and
is across the street approximately 25 meters north of the entrance
to the parking area.
The Cache -This is a multi-part cache with four parts, all
of which can be located without stepping off the trail. You should
have no trouble with GPS signals at any of the cache stages,
there's plenty of wide open sky. The first three parts of this
cache are plastic film canisters each containing coordinates to the
next cache. The fourth and final cache is a regular small green
ammo box, well hidden, but reachable without setting foot off the
trail.
Routes - There are many routes that one might take to
retrieve this cache, below are two great ones ...
The shortest and most popular route to the cache is via the
Bicknell Ridge Trail, which leaves the Northern branch of the
Baldface Circle Trail at about 1.3 miles from the parking area, and
is about a 7 mile round trip.
My favorite route, and the route for which this cache was
designed, is the South-to-North Baldface Circle Trail route. This
"loop" route takes you past a USFS shelter, up open ledges, through
a great alpine area, and across two beautiful bald peaks. It’s a 9+
mile round trip over some pretty rough terrain though so be very
prepared if you choose this route.
(email me if you want more detailed route info or if you need a
trail map)
Winter - I think that all stages of this cache can be found
with snow on the ground, the areas where the caches are stashed are
typically scoured clean by winter winds, and your GPSr should bring
you right in. Care must be taken however to avoid leaving tracks in
the snow nearby which could reveal the hiding locations to passing
hikers.
Don't like multi caches? - Although I highly recommend
visiting all four stages of this cache, I will email the final
stage coordinates to those who ask. You must clearly note this when
logging your find however, or your log will be removed.
I hope you have fun searching for this one, and that you enjoy the
many terrific views on the way up and at the top. This area is my
favorite of any in the White Mountains and I hike here often with
my dog Lyric. We’re looking forward to seeing more GPSr wielding
geohikers.
First to find: LandRocket!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
[You'll have no trouble finding the cache after you read this hint. I'd suggest leaving it encrypted, you probably won't need it.]
[Stage 1] Arne gur gbc raq bs gur Ovpxaryy Evqtr Genvy jurer gur gerrf raq, svaq n fznyy “zbahzrag” guvf vf gur ybpngvba bs gur svefg pnpur.
[Stage 2 and 3] Gur arkg gjb pnpurf ner ybjre guna guvf, uvqqra va n fvzvyne znaare gb gur svefg.
[Final stage] Gur svany pnpur vf “evtug” ba gur fvqr bs gur genvy nf lbh’er urnqvat qbja, qbag gnxr vg sbe “tenavgr” gung lbh’yy rnfvyl svaq guvf bar, orpnhfr V’ir uvqqra vg jryy.