About Geocaching

What is Geocaching?

Geocaching is an outdoor sport where participants navigate to a specific location using GPS (Global Positioning System) coordinates entered into a handheld device.

Geocaching has many variations. Traditional geocaching typically has a small container hidden at the destination. Standard practice is to sign the logbook found in the container. Frequently there are small items placed in the container with the logbook, and participants may take an item, replacing it with another item.

Virtual geocaching simply does not include the traditional container or logbook at the destination. With no logbook to sign, typically a photo is taken to document a participant’s successful arrival at the destination. Virtual geocaching is a viable alternative for natural or historic areas where placing a container is not appropriate, or not permitted.

Clingmans Dome is located within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and, therefore traditional geocaching where a container is placed at the destination is discouraged by the National Park Service.  Respect the natural and historical significance of Clingmans Dome, and the surrounding Smoky Mountains, and take nothing but pictures, leave only footprints.

National Park Service Geocaching Policy