I figured it was time to place my first OCUS cache and to get things started I decided to make it my favorite kind of hide, an ammo can in the woods requiring a short scenic hike to access (AKA A Szuchie Special). This cache is located in Erie County's Chestnut Ridge Park on the wild wild west side of the park. The cache is not accessible from RT 277 (Orchard Park Rd) as the road frontage there is private property.
Use the primary parking coords to lead you to an where a park road intersects with the orange blazed hiking trail. Following the orange trail will get you started toward the cache but you'll have to leave the trail and blaze your own path through a very open hardwood forest which is home to some impressive Northern Red Oaks which happen to be my favorite hardwoods. Keep alert for a sudden shower of acorns as you pass beneath them.
When I placed the cache I hiked approximately 1.4 mile round trip route from the parking coords but I tend to wander whenever I get anywhere near Northern Red Oaks as I like to hug them as I pass. Your hike should be shorter, unless of course you wander aimlessly like me.
Finally you should note that the gates allowing vehicle access to this side of the park close seasonally. Should you find the gates secured I suggest you park at the Newton Rd entrance and plan on tripling the hike distance.
Symbol | Type | Coordinates | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Parking area | --- | Roadside parking near "orange" trail | |
Interesting place | --- | Time to leave the orange trail behind and make your own. | |
Parking area | --- | Alternative parking area when parks gates are closed for season or for those who prefer a little longerwalk when they cache. |