by Cael67 » Wed Jan 04, 2012 5:19 am
The Hay Creek Watershed in Berks County, just to the west of French Creek State Park, offers a number of geocaching opportunities in an unspoiled wilderness setting. The crowned jewel along the the Hay Creek is GC7F81: Stately Tree. The Stately Tree is billed as the toughest short hike in Berks County and I cannot dispute that fact. It is possible to park within a third of a mile from the cache, but I would not recommend that approach.
The story of President's Day Geocaching Massacre of 2009 actually begins in March of 2005. The Bushwackin' Schmo and I were caching along PA-82. We found a number of caches on our way North to the Hay Creek Water Shed. Once there we took one look at the approach to the Stately Tree, we decided that it was time to call it a day.
The following September, I was back in Hay Creek Watershed and made my second run at the tree.