Geocaching is a real-life treasure hunt, maintained and expanded by participants all over the world. The objective is to locate caches, generally small containers hidden by seasoned geocachers near something they hope people will find interesting in its own right, and then log your success and thus become part of that cache’s history.
If you’re interested in a pastime that incorporates exploration, observation and puzzle solving, you’ve come to the right place. For beginners, and most geocachers, the best place to find information is on the official geocaching website, which is where we found most of the information presented below.
The Basics
Geocaching is a family-friendly treasure hunting game that aims to be welcoming to everyone, though there are some limitations. Many (but not all) caches are not readily accessible to people who rely on mobility aids such as wheelchairs, braces or similar.
A GPS is required, meaning searchers will need a mobile device that can use GPS without access to Wi-Fi, as well as one or more specialized apps which we’ll cover below. The good news is that this, and an adventurous attitude, are all you really need to get started, though the official website also has tips and a guide for beginners.
The accepted community guideline is that you should find and log 20 caches hidden by others before considering hiding your own, so that you’re familiar with the way geocaches tend to be set up in your area. There is also an extensive set of rules laid out on the official site including guidelines for the required maintenance of both the physical cache and the webpage that helps point searchers towards it.
It sounds very straightforward, but from the simplicity of the concept and rules springs forth a global treasure hunting game of astonishing variety and complexity.
Types of Caches
Basic caches simply require you to go to the listed GPS coordinates, use your observational skills to pinpoint the cache, and then log your success in the provided logbook and online through the app or website. Even this can be very engaging, as caches tend to be hidden in places that are interesting all on their own, and the variety might surprise you: there’s even a cache hidden in the Canton Public Library!
“Earth Caches” lack the physically hidden object featured in most caches, but are designed to lead searchers to an interesting geological feature and thus tend to be in places where leaving objects behind might disturb the natural beauty you’re there to look for.
These caches are just the beginning, as there are also several types of advanced caches, some requiring multiple steps starting with the first set of coordinates not leading to the cache, but a set of clues you need to follow to find the true prize.
Others, known as "Mystery Caches," require some detective work such as decoding a cypher, solving some simple math puzzles, following cryptic clues, or any combination of these.
If all of that sounds like fun, consider signing up for a free account and get started today. Meanwhile, let’s look at some resources that can help you on your adventures.
Geocaching Apps
Let’s start with the most popular apps, of which you’ll need at least one in order to find caches:
- Geocaching – The official app—find it on the Apple App Store or Google Play. There are other apps, but this is the one that most people recommend for beginners. You can purchase a paid version to get more opportunities to find different types of caches.
- Cachly – This is only available for iPhones. There is a paid version with more challenges available to explore. It is connected to Geocaching and uses the same login credentials.
- c:geo – This is only available for Androids. It is an “unofficial client” for Geocaching, but you still would use your Geocaching login to access it.
- Wherigo – Wherigo is a puzzle-based form of geocaching that uses “cartridges” to experience “GPS-enabled adventures in the real world.” The app allows you to download the cartridges right to your phone. It is only available for Apple devices and most GPS-enabled Pocket PCs.
- WhereYouGo – The Android equivalent of Wherigo. It is also an “unofficial client,” but is maintained by the community, generally functions just as well, and is the only option for Android users to participate in Wherigo searches.
Additional Resources
Aside from the official website, you can find additional guidance and discussion on the geocaching subreddit. CPL also has a few books on the subject including The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Geocaching for adults and Curious about Geocaching for kids.
While you’re at it, you could look for the cache hidden in the library mentioned above. From there, you can search for more of the thousands of caches hidden around Canton and the surrounding area in places from parks and trails to parking lots and shopping centers.
So, go forth adventurers, and have fun!
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