Are you familiar with Geocaching? If you have kids, you need to know about this activity, it’s great to do as a family and while staying socially distant!
Geocaching is a treasure hunting game where you use a GPS to hide and seek containers in random places all over the world. You might be surprised what you can find in your own backyard or neighborhood!
Although it’s been around for a while, it wasn’t until having kids that ever paid attention to the concept and now I understand the appeal of this high tech game of hide and seek.
According to Wikipedia “a geocacher will place a waterproof container containing a log book (with pen or pencil) and trade items then record the cache’s coordinates. These coordinates, along with other details of the location, are posted on a listing site. Other geocachers obtain the coordinates from that listing site and seek out the cache using their GPS handheld receivers. The finding geocachers record their exploits in the logbook and online. Geocachers are free to take objects (except the logbook, pencil, or stamp) from the cache in exchange for leaving something of similar or higher value.”
Kids love to treasure hunt and with the help of your trusty smart phone and a couple of apps, this has never been easier. So visit your app store and download an app or two and start planning your next family outing.
Here’s how to get started:
Download the official geocaching app and set up an account. The app is free but can be upgraded to search for more difficult caches. Once you have downloaded the app, use the map to find caches near or far. When you select a cache you want to find, tap the navigate button. The app will lead you approximately 30 feet from the hidden cache, so be sure to look high and low until you find it!
For more information about geocaching, visit: geocaching.com/guide/
You’ve got your app and you’re ready to cache, here are some local spots to check out!
Oak Mountain State Park – Home to about 300 caches
Freshwater Land Trust has created several geocaching series along popular trails in Red Rock Trail System that are easier to access and not too difficult to find.
There are multiple cache series along Kiwanis Vulcan Trail, High Ore Line Trail, Shades Creek Greenway (Lakeshore Trail), and Enon Ridge Trail. A brand-new series has been added on Five Mile Creek Greenway in Gardendale, near Shady Grove Road. These trails are perfect places to start for those who are new to geocaching!
Want even more? Try this list of trails from The Rails to Trails Conservatory
