Hiding a GREAT Geocache - Handout

(you can print this out)

While I highly recommend that you read the cache hiding guide on geocaching.com, there are some general guidelines, as well as some idiosyncrasies specific to SE Mass and Rhode Island, that will help you hide successful caches.

In General
A great geocache will provide some combination of nice walk/hike, scenic location, historical interest, hidden gem of a location, appropriate container, and nice swag. It’s best to get a few geocaches of different types under your belt before hiding your own.

Location
Geocachers in this area appreciate a nice hike, beautiful scenery, and historic locations – and there is no shortage of any of those traits around here!

Look for “pocket parks,” nature preserves, woodland areas, coastal areas, mill ruins, waterways (streams, rivers), and historic sites. Urban areas are tough unless the hide is clever, appropriate to the area, and well-hidden. If an area shows signs of teenage party activity, or is in a popular fishing spot, it is likely that the cache will be found and stolen (just FYI).

Remember: no private property, no Audubon Preserves, no National Parks, no archaeological sites. If in doubt, contact your area reviewer. Also, try not to hide caches in stone walls (unless it can be easily seen by someone looking for it) or in sensitive vegetation.

Container
A good container must be waterproof and contain, at minimum, a logbook.

A great cache is waterproof (Tupperware/Rubbermaid/Lock n’ Lock/ammo can), has a logbook in a freezer-weight Ziploc bag, a pen or pencil (NOT stored in bag), a “stash note” explaining what the cache is, and some trade items for kids and adults. The “dollar store” is your friend for swag items. Container should also be clearly labeled as such on the outside (and a clear container is best if possible).

A Word about MICROS
The container should be appropriate to the area. If there is room for a standard-size cache, there really is no need to place a micro in the woods (unless it is a stage of a multi-cache). While this is largely my personal opinion, most area cachers appreciate clever micros in interesting areas that do not have space for a traditional cache. Also, placing a micro in the woods leads to the destruction of vegetation, stone walls, and etc. if the cache is too difficult to find. Some parts of the country LOVE micros placed in guardrails every 600 feet – New England is not one of them.

Good Coordinates and “Dry Runs”
Some people average together several sets of coordinates, some people (like me) leave their GPS in place for several minutes to get a good fix. Whatever your method, test your coordinates to make sure they are accurate before publishing your cache page. When placing a multi cache or puzzle cache, have someone do a “dry run” to make sure everything works well.

The Cache Page
The cache page is the guide for your cache. A well-written description, good difficulty and terrain ratings, cache attributes, and a hint (if it’s a tough one) all increase the likelihood that your cache will be enjoyed.

Most importantly, HAVE FUN!

Click Here to print this out! (pdf)