The Mayor-Niles Forest, owned and managed by the Hanover Conservancy, is a forested parcel that cloaks the west slope of Moose Mountain just below the North Peak, connecting with National Park Service lands surrounding the Appalachian Trail. The 92-acre property is the gift of Michael and Elizabeth Mayor and John Niles. The Mayor-Niles Forest is open for people-powered recreation of all types. An old tote path, possibly built by International Paper Company when it owned the Moose Mountain ridge, leads up through the property. The Plummer Hill Road, a Class VI road, forms one border runs along the northwest side of the property. The Appalachian Trail Corridor Boundary forms another (blazed in yellow) forms the east boundary. The Forest is home to bear, moose, deer, grouse, porcupine, and many other kinds of wildlife. Stone walls and the old road are reminders that a century ago, much of this land was a high sheep pasture.
The boundary marker that you see at the end of the tote road is one of thousands marking the boundary of the Appalachian Trail. These Monuments are located at every change of direction and on boundary lines of great length (1000+ feet) at approximately every 500 feet (except in Maine). Each monument is stamped with a unique number to pinpoint its exact location on the boundary.
The coordinates should get you close enough to allow your Geo-Senses to kick in. Use the tote path to access the GeoCache that is just off the tote road in sight of the U.S. Boundary marker.
Bring your own writing implement
Have Fun!
Please feel free to leave comments about your experience in the forest in the log, when logging your find or send them to the Hanover Conservancy. (www.hanoverconservancy.org)
