Geocaching is an outdoor activity in which the participants use a phone app, GPS receiver, or other navigational techniques to hide and seek containers (called “geocaches” or “caches”). A typical cache is a small waterproof container containing a logbook. Larger containers can also contain items for trading, usually toys or trinkets of little value. Geocaching is most often described as a “game of high-tech hide and seek,” sharing many aspects with orienteering and treasure-hunting.

Geocaching.com offers a free phone app and is the most popular site for finding caches already hidden in your area. A quick search for Roanoke yields over 350 caches, many of which are surprisingly hidden in downtown Roanoke, but the majority of which are spread throughout the region.

Geocache hunting is a great way to practice physical distancing and social solidarity. Be sure to choose caches away from closed recreation areas and move along to the next cache if you encounter groups of people.

The map below gives you a sense of how many caches are hidden in Roanoke. Clicking the map will take you to the Geocaching website. Create a free account and get hunting.