The Bugs Box LbNA #67813

Goosepond Mountain State Park, located in Orange County, covers 1,558 acres of open space. It is almost a completely wooded area open to both hikers and horseback riders. This particular trail is one of my favorite spots to take my dog on quick scenic walks. The area is loaded with wildlife, including several bird species housing in the many birdhouses along the trail, as well as several cool bug species. Including one of my favorite types of bugs, the Praying Mantis, which you can find all over the trail and camouflaged in the tall grasses. You might even spot a couple deer along the trail. Enjoy the wildlife and scenery while finding these boxes. This is my first time hiding my own boxes, so they are fairly easy to find, great for a first time letterboxer or young kids.
Heading from the town of Monroe on Route 17M towards Chester, there is a parking area for one of the Goosepond Mountain State Park on the left hand side of the road, about 2 miles away from when you pass museum village road on 17M. Park in the parking lot, you will see a Welcome to Chester sign on the opposite side of the road and shortly in front of the parking lot you will find an informative sign on the Goosepond Mountain Area, including a map of the trail. (Pay mind to the map it will help you on your search!)
Follow the trail along the Wetland Mitigation site heading towards the Wet Meadow. Take the wetland boardwalk to the end, you will come across a split path. Ahead of you is another section of the Wetland Mitigation Site, to your right you will see a continuation of the Wetland Boardwalk overlooking the Wet Meadow, which often has visible full pond depending on the time of year. There is a narrow trail between the to boardwalks take that trail 5 steps forward and turn around to face the smaller boardwalk. Under the second post on the side of the Wet Meadow is the first treasure you seek. Please carefully place the box back when finished.
Head back towards the boardwalks. Take the smaller boardwalk to the right heading towards the Forested Wetland. Follow the path around to the Buttonbush Swamp, you will find an informative sign on your right, shortly after will be two benches. Standing by the two benches you should see a fallen down tree lying right in front of a very large tree shortly ahead of you along the right hand side of the path. Stand between both the fallen tree and large tree and look at the fallen tree. The second prize you seek is located in the ruins of the fallen stump under rocks and bark. Please place back carefully when you are finished.
You can follow the trail around back to the boardwalk to the parking lot (recommended) or head towards the small shed straight back to the parking lot.
***hint: look for a another letterbox nearby!***
Happy Trails!!!