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By The Mon #1 LbNA #5986 (ARCHIVED)

Owner:Adoptable
Plant date:Oct 5, 2003
Location:
City:Fairmont
County:Monongalia
State:West Virginia
Boxes:1
Found by: PuzzleLovingFamily
Last found:Apr 20, 2007
Status:FFFFFFF
Last edited:Oct 5, 2003
BY THE MON #1

The Monongahela River (The MON) is formed by the confluence of the Tygert and West Fork Rivers at Fairmont, WV and flows north to Pittsburgh, PA. Along the way, the MON is joined by the Cheat River and at Pittsburgh, the Mon and ??? combine to form the mighty Ohio River. All along the MON there are segments of Rail-to-Trail being developed that some day may connect to create a truly amazing, continuous trail system through WV and PA.

HOW TO GET THERE

Two letterboxes have been placed "BY THE MON". As with other "linear" parks there are several ways to reach each letterbox, depending on ones motivation. Both these boxes were placed with bicyclists in mind, but both can be reached by shorter walks. Box #1 is located closer to Fairmont.
Get off interstate79 at exit139. This exit is marked "East Fairmont", "Pricketts Fort State Park".
Follow the Pricketts Fort to the "T" in the road.

Bicyclists should continue to follow the Pricketts Fort State Park signs (Left at the "T" followed by a right turn very soon thereafter.).
Park in the state park parking lot and access the trail behind the park office.
Ride downstream, over the bridge over Pricketts creek) until you reach the 25 mile trail marker (about 4 miles). (It is just past the big green square river marker.)
From the 25 mile marker, pace off 140 paces down stream.
Here on the side of the trail away from the river, you should find a large oak tree up on a 4 foot bank, with a decided lean away from the trail.
Behind this tree, under a flat rock you will find "BY THE MON #1". Be careful of the old fence wire.

Walkers may prefer to turn right at the "T" onto old Sate Route 73 and drive over two hills to Smithtown (approximately 4 miles).
Pass White Day Golf Course on the right and after crossing the White Day Creek bridge, turn left.
This narrow winding road follows White Day Creek for about 2 miles to where it crosses the MON RIV Rail Trail at trail mile marker 24.
From here walk a mile up stream to mile marker 25 where you will turn around and start pacing 140 paces back the way you came.
Here you should find a large oak tree on a 4 foot bank, with a decided lean away from the trail.
Behind this tree, under a flat rock you will find "BY THE MON #1". Be careful of the old fence wire.