Up next Summer Alcan 5000 Rally: An Endurance Endeavor Published on February 24, 2023 Author Rylee Parsons Tags geocache, geocaching, outdoor activities, Overland, overlanding, Rylee Parsons, treasure hunting, Share article Facebook 0 Twitter 0 Mail 0 Discover the World of Geocaching Treasure Hunts with Tough Terrain: Discover the World of Geocaching A magnifying glass, multi-bit screwdriver, water gun, two keychain lights, super glue, socks, and a toy butterfly sit inside a small green ammo box nestled among the scenic trails of Pisgah National Forest. Each day, hikers pass by without noticing these hidden treasures. Occasionally, someone will step off the path to uncover the box, swap an item, and carry on with a small memento or memory. But what are these treasure doing? Geocaching. What is Geocaching? Whether embarking on an off-road adventure or enjoying a picnic during a scenic drive, many popular parks and wilderness areas hide small treasures just waiting for someone to find. But what makes these low-key hunts so engaging? According to veteran geocacher John Sanders of Old Fort, North Carolina, “It’s just an excuse to get outside and hike.” Sanders started geocaching in 2001 after a friend introduced him to the activity. Together, they hid their first cache, ‘Spyder’s Cache,’ which remains one of the oldest geocaches in the state. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Whether you’re deep into an off-road expedition or stopping for a picnic on a scenic drive, most popular outdoor spaces and backcountries are likely home to a couple of secret stashes just waiting for someone to solve their mystery. How Does Geocaching Work? Anyone can find caches hidden in places ranging from mountain peaks to city parks. Some caches lie just off the path, accessible to everyone, while others require a bit of climbing or hiking. As Sanders says, “Some are tough to find, while others you spot immediately.” This accessibility is part of what makes geocaching an appealing family-friendly adventure. A geocacher opens a camo-cover cache hanging from a tree limb. Inside is a trackable dog tag and a note from the owner. Let the Games Begin To get started, simply download a geocaching app or visit the official website. You can select caches based on difficulty, terrain, and size. With a GPS or a smartphone, you can easily locate coordinates and start the hunt. Each cache includes a description and hint. Experienced cachers know that finding the cache isn’t always straightforward—some require a bit of creativity, such as moving rocks or logs, to reveal the hidden container. Inside, you’ll often find a small collection of trinkets and a log book with names and dates from previous finders. Getting started with geocaching is as simple as downloading the app or visiting the website. Using the map or searching the nearby area, users can select caches based on level of difficulty, terrain, and size. Share the Thrill of the Hunt The adventure doesn’t stop at the coordinates. After a successful (or failed) attempt, players can post messages and photos online, sharing their experience without revealing the cache’s exact location. One geocacher commented, “I’d never have discovered this place if not for geocaching.” Others offer tips, such as “GPS only gets you close—use your intuition to find the rest.” The Global Geocaching Community With over 361,000 cache owners, geocaching is a worldwide phenomenon, spanning all seven continents. Sanders remembers a time when he’d cross state lines to find caches, whereas today they are “everywhere.” For enthusiasts like him, it’s more than just finding hidden items—it’s about connecting with nature and others in the geocaching community. A decal of a trackable travel bug sticks on the back windshield of this van rig. Other cachers can log its location when spotted. Types of Geocaches: From Traditional to Complex Hunts Caches come in various types. Traditional caches are straightforward containers anyone can find at specified coordinates. Multi-caches require finding multiple clues across multiple locations. Puzzle caches challenge hunters to solve riddles or decode coordinates, while educational EarthCaches focus on geological learning experiences. Trackables add an exciting twist to the hunt. These tokens have a travel goal and rely on other geocachers to move them from cache to cache. Sanders owns several trackables, some having traveled as far as 14,000 miles. Overlanders often attach trackable decals to their rigs, creating a unique mobile cache that others can log. Overlanders have been known to stick the code or decal of a trackable to their rigs for others to log when spotted. One of Sanders’ most memorable cache adventures was a multi-cache appropriately titled ‘Tube Torture.’ Sanders and his friend, Spyder, traversed underground pipes, taking them beneath a local mall and eventually under the Blue Ridge Parkway. “It was the thrill of the chase but we enjoyed just getting out and hiking too,” said Sanders. They were the second cachers to find the first cache in the three-part series—an achievement worth bragging about in the cache community. Geocaches are hidden in clever spots, often matching their surroundings. This canister hides in the shadows of a rock pile. Lots of little treasures can fit inside even the smaller geocaches, but as long as they fit a log book, they’re good to hide. Advice from Experienced Geocachers You need to enjoy the hiking and the puzzle-solving,” says Sanders. A premium cacher since the beginning, Sanders has made countless friends through forums and official meet-ups. In the early days, GPS devices were the only way to find caches, but today the geocaching app makes it more accessible. Although some purists argue that GPS takes away from the challenge, Sanders enjoys the convenience but occasionally relies on printed maps for a more traditional experience. A log sheet of names and dates was crammed inside a tube with other fun cache contents. In the early days of the hobby, GPS devices were the sole source for cachers to follow coordinates. Now, the geocaching app will point you right where you need to be. While some may argue this takes away from the challenge, others point out the increased accessibility. Sanders utilizes both means of navigation. When he finds himself yearning for a cache but without his GPS unit, he pulls it up on his phone. Though he opts for the old-school way to avoid frantic scrolling, “We’d print them out on a piece of paper, fold them up, stick them in our back pocket, and here we’d go,” said Sanders. Attending an official geocaching event or regional meet-up can send cachers home with goodies, such as these cards confirming finds. Geocaching for Overlanders and Outdoor Enthusiasts Geocaching is a great way to develop navigation skills. From marking waypoints to understanding maps, a master geocacher’s skills can enhance any off-road excursion. Beyond caches, adventurers often discover hidden gems like waterfalls and abandoned structures. With over a thousand caches across popular off-road sites like Moab, Mojave, and Sedona, geocaching is the perfect addition to any overlanding trip. The thrill of finding a cache adds a new layer to the adventure, even if the reward is simply a plastic butterfly or a logbook with names. From hundreds to over a thousand caches located along popular overlanding and off-roading sites like Moab, Mojave, or Sedona—caching waits to add a new dimension to any excursion. A log sheet of names and dates was crammed inside a tube with other fun cache contents. Many geocachers keep a notebook to write down clues and coordinates before the hunt. After a find, they can jot down their thoughts before getting to the online log. Editor’s Note: A version of this story previously appeared in the TREAD Jan/Feb 2023 issue.