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Hanover's GeoCaching? Tell me more!


Hanover started its second GeoTrail on Saturday, a treasure hunt which features more than 20 locations to unleash your scavenger-hunting skills.

Never heard of it before? Here's a breakdown to help you understand.

What on Earth is a GeoTrail?

A GeoTrail is part of the international GeoCaching treasure hunt, in which participants take part to locate hidden caches. These chaches are collections of artifacts or special items. Main Street Hanover's Geocaching Committee has created its own GeoTrail, or treasure map, for residents and visitors to enjoy.

More details, please

To find the treasure, or "cache," you must use your phone's GPS.

But how does your phone know where to go?

Register at geocaching.com to receive coordinates and location information. In addition, a Geocache app should be downloaded to your smartphone to help you navigate to a cache.

  • After you create your profile on the website and/or app, click on the "Play" drop-down menu to locate the "Hide & Seek a Cache" link.
  • Scroll down to "Other Search Options," and under "Cache Name" type "HGT".
  • Congratulations! You're now signed up for the Hanover GeoTrail.

OK, you registered. Now what?

Before you begin, you need to obtain a passport booklet. You can either go to the Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce to get one or download it here.

A passport is needed because each cache you find has a unique code. You need to log that code in your passport as proof you found the treasure.

In addition to logging your code in your passport, each cache also contains a logbook for adventurers to sign their name. Make sure you do!

Ready, set, hunt

Participants can look forward to finding caches in places like public parks, outside of businesses, at landmarks and even in parking lots.

Those who find at least 18 out of the 20 caches in Hanover's GeoTrail are eligible to receive Main Street Hanover's commemorative geocoin. Although there is no deadline for completing the treasure hunt, only a limited amount of coins are available.

To receive one, return your passport to the Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce in person or through mail.

If you find you missed out on a coin, you can still revel in the fact you took on the geocaching adventure and keep your passport to prove it.

Happy hunting!