Sumter Junction Traditional Cache
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(regular)
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This traditional cache is located at the Sumter Junction located on the Wateree Passage of the Palmetto Trail.
Some maps show this as the Wateree Junction and it served as a connection along an old railroad track that once ran from Charleston to Camden, at this point branching off to Sumter. From this junction, a non-standard gauge railroad once traveled through nearby Manchester on its way to Sumter. It was in use until the Civil War when it was replaced by the railroad track that now runs through Wedgefield.
In more modern times the track was upgraded and used for local industry and logging purposes until being taken up and eventually converted to trail use.
Park at the Palmetto Trail parking area located on Foxville Road. To get to the parking area you can turn onto Foxville Road from US76/378 or take Middleton Road from SC261. This is a forest maintenance road that can be rough and rutted after heavy rains, and may be difficult to negotiate in low profile vehicles.
This section of the Palmetto Trail passes through some of the best natural wilderness areas in the Midlands of SC. As you cross the second foot bridge (coming from the Sumter side of the swamp) you can see the old pylons, to the left, that once were used to connect the junction to the Camden bound railroad. Continue down the trail until you reach the junction rail/trail head.
Do not attempt to exit the Palmetto Trail before reaching this junction trail/rail head, or expect a terrain difficulty of 5 for your efforts.
The cache is a medium sized plastic jar that contains trade items, a log book and a pen. The heavy tree cover will largely affect the difficulty rating, along with so many nice hiding places available. The terrain will be a gravel foot trail and old railroad bed.
The hide should be completely covered by wood and leaves and there's no need to be walk on the loose rocks that once supported the old railroad trestle that crossed nearby Braun Lake, in the search area. The hint is a real spoiler.
Watch out for fallen and leaning trees. Be aware of the possibility for snakes, spiders, wasps, ticks, mosquitoes, ants and other creatures you expect to see in a swamp, as well as ivy and green briar. Have fun and enjoy the View!
For a detail map of the trail, visit the following link:
(visit link)
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
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