Second Cache in Series Can Be Found at Village Creek State Park

February 16, 2007

Jill M. Rohrbach, travel writer
Arkansas Tourism

Four caches have been stashed at Village Creek State Park as part of The Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism “Cache in with The Natural State” program. This is a multi-cache, meaning hunters are provided the coordinates to the first stage with each stage leading to the next until reaching the final cache in the series. The coordinates to the first cache are: N35 09.410; W090 42.839.

Geocachers should pick up a trail map and cache information sheet at the Visitor Center. The course is about 3 miles. For those who do not wish to run the entire course, both the first and final caches contain log books and trade items. The caches are PVC canisters about 18 inches long and six inches in diameter that have been camouflaged.

Embracing the fast-growing hobby of geocaching, the department launched its program in January.

A cache is simply a hiding place for treasure and geo means earth. Geocaching is a world-wide game in which people use Global Positioning Systems to pinpoint spots on the earth where treasures are hidden. Cache locations range from deep in the woods to city parks to urban locales and are stashed all over the world by individuals or groups. The location of each one is marked with GPS coordinates which are shared via the Internet. Geocachers use a hand-held GPS unit in their search. Each hunt and the terrain around it vary in difficulty. Some caches contain only log books in small tins or film canisters, while others hold mini treasures inside containers such as ammo boxes.

Through the “Cache in with The Natural State” program, new caches in locations throughout the state will be unveiled each month. Coordinates for the caches will be released on www.Arkansas.com and at www.arkgeocaching.org, and www.geocaching.com. The Village Creek cache is posted on www.geocaching.com at waypoint GC10VKJ. The first cache is hidden at Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area (GC10DNB) at the coordinates N36 19.108, W093 58.128.

The treasures in the caches will reflect the offerings of Arkansas – from lodging to restaurants to businesses and manufacturers. Each will contain a different range of items, most of which will represent the region in which the cache is located.

Examples of some prizes are certificates for overnight lodging, digital cameras, free meals at restaurants, posters of beautiful Arkansas landscapes, savings bonds from banks, kids toys and promotional items from tourist spots such as Daisy Airgun Museum. Arkansas Tour Guide books, state maps and other tourist information brochures will be included for geocachers to take along with a treasure.

Caches will be monitored and restocked with prizes throughout the year. Some treasures will be placed directly in the cache containers. Others will be certificates for prizes that must be redeemed at an indicated locale. Geocachers are asked to observe standard protocol - taking only one item and leaving an item in trade, and signing the log book.

The rewards for finding the cache are much more than the material goods found inside. There’s the satisfaction of an accomplished quest as well as the joy of experiencing the locale.

Arkansas' 31st state park, Village Creek, is located atop the geological oddity known as Crowley's Ridge. At nearly 7,000 acres, Village Creek State Park has space for a lot of activities. Located in the rolling hills of Crowley's Ridge, actual park facilities occupy only a fraction of the total acreage, which remains in its natural state for today's visitors and future generations.

In 1967, the Arkansas Legislature authorized a study to determine the need for a major park in the eastern part of the state. As a result, Village Creek was established in 1972 and land acquisition continued until 1978. The park was officially dedicated on June 27, 1976, and an estimated 20,000 people attended the event.

In time, more campsites were added (today there are 102 Class-A sites), and two fishing and recreational lakes, Austell and Dunn, were created. Lake Austell's reputation for great bass fishing was boosted several years ago when a 15-pound, 12-ounce largemouth was landed. The state-record is 16-pounds, four ounces. Crappie and catfish are also popular targets of visiting anglers.

One of the greatest additions to the park came in 1986 when 10 new cabins, including one barrier-free unit, opened in the wooded hills near Lake Dunn. The fully furnished units offer all the amenities for year-round use, complete with kitchens, fireplaces and screened porches.

The park's hiking trails range in distance from one-fourth mile to almost three miles. Historians appreciate the hike along a section of the original 1820s Military Road that first connected Memphis to Little Rock and brought thousands of pioneers westward. William Strong, a colorful politician during the state's early history and the area's first postmaster, once owned part of Village Creek.

Named for the stream that flows through the area, Village Creek State Park offers interpretive programs on a wide range of outdoor topics throughout the warm months and upon request for visiting groups all year. Special events are scheduled yearly and include wildflower walks, fall foliage tours and musical performances.

“Our geocaching program is a fun way to entice people to discover the great outdoors of The Natural State,” said Jana Greenbaum, communications director for Arkansas Parks and Tourism. “Additionally, it provides a unique way to highlight the tourism offerings of Arkansas. We want people to travel the state in search of the caches and see areas they may not have visited before.”

Aside from the state program, geocaching is allowed in 40 of Arkansas’ 52 state parks. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission lists caches on its Web site, www.agfc.com, leading enthusiasts to its nature trails, hatcheries and nature and education centers.

More than 2,000 geocaches are hidden in Arkansas steering people to some of The Natural State’s scenic and historic settings containing waterfalls, caves, wildlife, diamonds and trails amid diverse terrain and picturesque landscapes. For coordinates and geocaching details, go to www.geocaching.com. This official Web site provides information on caches in Arkansas and around the world.

For those new to geocaching, there is some etiquette to be observed:
• Don’t move a cache. Always put it back as you found it.
• Tread lightly. The sport never requires digging and cachers are mindful of the environment.
• CITO – “Cache In, Trash Out.”
• Don’t leave food, weapons, alcohol or anything harmful or inappropriate.
• Take something only if you leave something.
• Sign the log book.

Submitted by the Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism
One Capitol Mall, Little Rock, AR 72201, (501) 682-7606
E-mail: info@arkansas.com

May be used without permission. Credit line is appreciated:
“Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism”