The destination was Lee MA this time around with the Hilltown Hikers. Two sites: one of which I have never seen and one, I was quite familiar with. I did not know until after the fact there was some bit of a geologic connection between these two beautiful tracts.
First on the agenda was my first look at the Golden Hill Town Forest. There is some nice hiking along it's lower (in elevation) portions that include rocky ledges and large trees. One tree being named the Mother tree. The ledges included a handful of 'cave-like' formations but nothing close to the real thing. Towards the end, we ascended steeply to the Pinnacle. A few good views were to be had before descending back to our cars via an informal path.
Then onward, very close to the Town center, and Fern Cliff. An area I started exploring with my own Father over 55 years ago. Fern Cliff is a bit of a hidden gem containing Peter's Cave, Union Rock, and the latter day named Coydog Cave. There are a number of Victorian Age references and photographs of the area, especially showing prominent views from its lofty ledges. Of course there's the story of Peter Wilcox, and an associate escapee from jail for partaking in Shay's Rebellion, hiding in his namesake cave. A cave that is occasionally referenced as going clear through the hillside!
Geologically, it appears both prominences are the result of fault uplifting. It seems a synform runs through the two of them although Golden Age geologist BK Emerson lists it as a fault. Surrounding their bases is carbonate rock (marble) but their uplifted portions are basically Dalton Formation. I wonder at this point, if the intersection of the two may be an explanation for erosion formed caves. Nearby Kane's Ledge (explored eons ago) seems to offer a similar genesis.
