Go Geocaching in Sumter County

Geocaching is the world’s largest treasure hunt. People leave small trinkets, artwork, and other cool knick-knacks in hidden crevices for others to find. You can download the Geocaching® app to find more than 1,000 caches in Sumter County. Not only is the app free, but hunting for these caches is as well. Whenever you are walking along a boardwalk or visiting a new part of Sumter County, see if there are any caches nearby. 

Here are a few tips to get the most out of your geocaching treasure hunt:

• Practice the “lift, look, replace” technique.
  • If you lift a rock to look under it, replace it exactly as you found it.
• Use maps to find a route that minimizes your impact on the natural environment.
  • Stick to existing trails to leave plants and wildlife undisturbed.
• Understand that distances can be deceiving.
  • Know the difference between beeline distances (a straight line) versus the actual distance of travel. Even if a cache is a mile away, the actual trail to get there could be much longer. 
• Know that geocaches should be hidden, not buried.
  • Digging is unnecessary and damaging.
• After you find a cache, the area should look as though you were never there.
  • It should either be just as good or better than when you arrived.
• Buddy up with two or three geocachers.
  • This reduces vulnerability if you have an accident or breakdown, and makes searching more fun!

Geocaching allows nature lovers to embrace the idea that you should “take only photos and leave only footprints.” When you find a cache, take a picture of your discovery and share it on the app. You can also post about it on social media with the hashtag #DiscoverSumter. Then record your visit in the log book, replace the item, and continue on to the next treasure.

We can’t wait to see what you find!