IN State Park Series #1 LbNA #: 2646
CluesOriginal Letterbox Lost. Replaced 11-9-03.
STATUS: OK, Checked by Placer 11-1-09.
TERRAIN: Easy
IN STATE PARK CLUES:
This park is located just beyond the southernmost extension of the glaciers that once covered the state. Formed at the bottom of a shallow sea 250 million years ago, regional uplifts and gradual erosion gave rise to the winding ridges and deep ravines characteristic of this land now covered by hardwood forest.
Encompassing 15,696 acres, this is the largest State Park in Indiana. It was established in 1929. The Civilian Conservation Corps constructed the roads, buildings, two log lookout towers and two lakes. There is a saddle barn, 70 miles of bridle trails, and a horseman's camp. For the hiker, there are over 12 miles of trails. This park has a nature center with a snake exhibit and bird watching room. The wildlife that inhabits this park are adapted to life in the forest and forest edges; white-tailed deer, raccoon, gray squirrel and birds such as white-breasted nuthatch, cardinal, junco, pileated woodpecker, and wild turkey. At the north entrance to the park is the Ramp Bridge over Salt Creek. Built in 1838 and moved to the park in 1932, it is the only two-lane covered bridge constructed with Burr arch trusses in Indiana.
LETTERBOX CLUES:
(One Pace Equals Two Steps)
Start your search at Trailhead # 6 that circles the smaller of the two lakes. Ascend the stairs off to the right of the earthen dam. Much of this path is composed of wooden boardwalks and several staircases that lead down to the water. You will come to a section of boardwalk that is built around two trees. Keep on walking. You will cross a wooden bridge and climb another set of stairs further along the path. Up ahead you will come to a stone bridge. From the middle of it walk about 20 paces. You should be at a large flat boulder that lies directly on the trail. Step over the boulder and walk another 5 paces. There is an oak tree on your right with a large flat slab of sandstone that juts horizontally out of the ground at its base. Stand facing this rock and take a heading of 42 degrees. Looking up the slope, you will see a large decaying tree that fell a long time ago. Behind it are two young trees, a beech and an oak, growing very close together. Behind them at their base, are two moss & lichen covered rocks partially covered with a dead tree branch. Lift the branch and you will find this treasure wedged behind these rocks.
NOTE:
When climbing the slope, please avoid damaging several large patches of moss that are growing on the ground. This is a busy trail; please be discreet.
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Before you set out, please read the
waiver of responsibility and disclaimer.
Please be sure to reseal baggies and boxes carefully so that they stay dry
and rehide boxes in their original location, completely hidden from view. |
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