GPS TREASURE HUNTS TURN SUMMER VACATIONS
INTO HIGH-TECH ADVENTURES
– Tech marks the spot! Destination geocaching programs let tourists play detective –
ASHEVILLE, N.C.–Destinations across the globe are urging travelers to use Global Positioning System (GPS) units for more than just navigation to and from the hotel. From the Blue Ridge Mountains to Florida’s Gulf Coast to Route 66, the tech-savvy sport known as “geocaching” allows destinations to unfold like a mystery novel, one clue at a time. Starting May 20, Asheville’s geocache hunt–The Ultimate AsheCache–will lead travelers to unexpected sites and, if they’re clever, to big prizes.
Geocaching is a modern version of orienteering using a handheld GPS unit. An excursion can fit any time frame–from a couple of hours to a few days. A successful seeker will locate the hidden “cache,” usually a small plastic container or a repurposed ammo box filled with a logbook, pen and small trinket. Caches can be placed anywhere from urban areas to hiking trails to mountain tops. Clues and coordinates can be found at geocaching Web sites, like geocaching.com.
Geocaching Adventure: The Ultimate AsheCache
- Asheville invites visitors, starting May 20, to pack their GPS units and a spirit of adventure for The Ultimate AsheCache, a geocache sightseeing expedition with hidden treasure totaling more than $2,500. Details may be found at AshevilleTreasureHunt.com.
- Designed by world-class geocache expert Graeme McGufficke–second in the world for hiding caches–The Ultimate AsheCache will lead participants through natural terrain, urban areas of intrigue and, if successful, to one of five themed treasure caches hidden throughout the area.
- Prizes befitting each themed cache–art, culinary, outdoor-inspired, couples and shopping–will be replenished weekly through June 23. Prizes include a couple’s massage at The Spa at Grove Park Inn, Highgear Alterra watch, French Broad whitewater rafting trip and original artwork from Jonas Gerard.
- Top secret clues and coordinates for The Ultimate AsheCache will only be given to visitors staying at one of ten participating accommodations.
Statistics
What began in 2000 among a few GPS enthusiasts is now a hands-on adventure for more than 750,000 people around the world (Outside Magazine Online, “Geocaching Top Destinations”).
- As of April 2008, more than 560,000 active “caches” have been hidden in 250+ countries from Antarctica to Egypt to 19,000 feet high on the peaks of Mount Everest (geocaching.com).
- North Carolina is home to more than 11,500 active caches. More than 75% of those caches can be tracked within 100 miles of downtown Asheville (geocaching.com).
- More than 8,700 active caches are hidden in both urban and wilderness areas of the Blue Ridge Mountains within 100 miles of downtown Asheville. Urban geocaching is growing–there are more than 645 active caches within 10 miles of downtown Asheville (geocaching.com).
Other Destination Geocache Programs
- Charlotte Harbor and Gulf Islands in Florida
- Route 66
- Pennsylvania’s Allegheny National Forest
- Isle of Bute in Scotland
- Canada’s Riding Mountain Biosphere Reserve
Quote
Attribute to geocacher Graeme McGufficke, designer of The Ultimate AsheCache and ranked second in the world for hiding caches:
- “I enjoy geocaching because it takes me to places that are generally off the beaten path. When I’m traveling on business or pleasure I get to see spots that other cachers think are cool, interesting or fun.”
- “Western North Carolina has an incredibly diverse geography and is very cache dense. If you want the long hikes in the forest or mountains, there are caches out there for you. If you are more into prowling an urban environment looking for small or deviously hidden caches, we have those too.”
About
With more than 2,000 miles of hiking and biking trails, and the highest peaks east of the Mississippi, Asheville is an oasis for adventure seekers and nature lovers. Outside magazine recently named Asheville “Best Southern Town” for its eclectic cultural scene and boundless eco-adventure opportunities. The Ultimate AsheCache geocaching program was started in 2007, one of the first destination-wide GPS treasure hunts with significant prizes.
Contact Info
Dodie Stephens
Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau
P: 828.257.4959
dstephens@exploreasheville.com
Multimedia
- High-Resolution Images: Click here for print-ready geocaching images
- Digital Video: “Geocaching 101” with cacher Graeme McGufficke
Related Links
- The Ultimate AsheCache (AshevilleTreasureHunt.com)
- Geocaching.com – online hub for the geocaching community
- Geocache Destination Guide
- National Geographic Intelligent Traveler blogs about The Ultimate AsheCache
- USA Today, “Geocaching blends travel, exercise, nature, technology”
- Outside Magazine, “Geocaching: Top Destinations”
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