Geocaching @ Callaway Gardens in December
November 10, 2011 by SDavenport
Filed under Geocaching
Visit Callaway Gardens for a fun-filled, high-tech scavenger hunt – Geocaching!
Geocaching involves finding hidden “treasures” either by using a GPS unit or by following map directions and is a fun and interactive way to enjoy Callaway Gardens! Caches are placed in cooperation with the Gardens’ Education Department to ensure that the plants, natural communities, and other features of Callaway Gardens are not damaged or cause searchers to become lost.
For a complete list and description of the caches go to www.geocaching.com and search on ZIP code 31822. All of the caches within the Gardens begin with the pre-fix “Callaway Gardens.”
Bring your own GPS!
December 1 – 31
Callaway Gardens, 17800 Hwy 27, Pine Mountain, GA
Cost: $9 to $25
For more information, call 800-225-5292.
History Trail GeoChallenge kicks off May 14
April 27, 2011 by cbowman
Filed under Geocaching, Headlines
Georgia’s New Geocaching Game Highlights Historic Sites:
Families learn and play together on statewide quest
ATLANTA, April 27, 2011 — When the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) launched its GeoChallenge last spring, GPS-toting treasure hunters crisscrossed the state to find hidden caches and prizes throughout Georgia’s state parks. In just one year, 2,000 players had scrambled on trails and crossed streams in search of the secret boxes. As a result of the game’s success, the DNR will soon launch a new geocaching quest that involves 14 state historic sites and requires players to learn about Georgia’s rich and varied history.
The History Trail GeoChallenge kicks off May 14 at Kolomoki Mounds Historic Park in southwest Georgia, but the game can be played any time throughout the year.
Geocaching is the world-wide sport of using handheld GPS units to located hidden caches. An online community has sprung up around the game, and players often trade items called geocoins and pathtags. With the state’s new History Trail, players must visit 14 state historic sites, answer questions related to each site, and solve a padlock code to open the 14 caches. Players without a GPS can get written clues from historic site staff.
“This is the perfect way for families to learn about our nation’s first gold rush, the Civil War and Native Americans while on a fun statewide journey,” said State Park Director Becky Kelley. “Everyone in the family, from grandchildren to grandparents, can work together to solve the puzzles that lead them through this quest.”
For the History Trail GeoChallenge, historic sites are grouped by category: Native Americans, forts, historic homes, museums and battlefields, and plantations. Inside each cache is a collector card. Once players collect all the cards in a particular category, they can trade them for pathtags. Much like pins that are so popular during Olympic Games, pathtags are collector items.
To kick off the game’s expansion, the DNR and Georgia Geocachers Association (GGA) will sponsor a fun-filled celebration at Kolomoki Mounds Historic Park in Blakely. Set for Saturday, May 14, it will include several new caches within the park, a “poker run” game, GGA’s monthly meeting, learning about geocaching from enthusiasts, and barbecue. Most activities are free and parking is $5.
To learn more about the game of geocaching, visit www.Geocaching.com, and to learn about the state’s new History Trail GeoChallenge, visit www.GeorgiaStateParks.org/geocaching.
Geocaching at Kings Pond
February 24, 2011 by cbowman
Filed under Geocaching
Fort Benning Outdoor Recreation
presents
Geocaching at Kings Pond
Saturday, Feb 26, 2011 @ 9 a.m. – Noon
Can you follow map directions? Do you have a GPS device? Here’s a fun outdoor activity to do with your kids. Come on out to Kings Pond on Ft Benning and try your hand at geocaching. Caches will be placed throughout the area for you to find with a GPS. Beginners and experts alike are invited. This event is open to all abilities and is family friendly. FREE!
Location:
Kings Pond, Fort Benning
Info: 706-545-9636
Geocaching arrives at GA State Parks
May 25, 2010 by cbowman
Filed under Geocaching, Headlines
Courtesy of Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites
Looking for a fun outdoor activity this summer? Take your family on a statewide treasure hunt!
With the new Georgia State Parks’ Geo-Challenge you can search for hidden treasures in 42 Georgia state parks. All you need is a hand-held GPS device!
Geocaching is an outdoor adventure game similar to a treasure hunt. Simply download the GPS coordinates at www.Geocaching.com, then locate the hidden boxes (called geocaches) with the help of your GPS unit.
The cache containers are sealed in ammo boxes labeled as a Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites Geocache. They usually contain trinkets you can keep–just be sure to replace them with something else. You may even find one of 58 Traveling Gophers–a travel bug that moves around the country. If you find one, help it get to a new destination.
A hidden cache!
How the game works:
It’s simple! First, pick up a Georgia State Parks Geo-Challenge PassPort at any state park or download it and the grid sheet by clicking here.
Next, go to www.Geocaching.com to find the GPS coordinates for each hidden box.
When you find a Geo-Challenge cache, log your name and any comments on the logbook inside the cache and stamp your PassPort grid sheet with the unique stamp for that specific park.
Be sure to share your experiences online!
Geo-Coins and Bonus Caches
Complete specific numbers of caches to earn three custom geo-coins. Once you complete the caches for each coin level you are eligible for that level bonus cache. The bonus caches are a bit more challenging.
Info: GaParksGeocaching.com
