Geocaching in Mississippi
You will be surprised to find that in the State of Mississippi, we have over 2500 geocaches hidden by more than 250 cachers. If you love historical homes, hiking in the woods, going to town to shop, visiting old cemeteries and parks, or just going to the movies, then there is a geocache right around the corner from the things you love. Take a moment and visit the Mississippi Geocachers Association (www.MSGA.net) to learn more about geocaching in Mississippi. The following information and instructions are included here to ease travelers into fun and enjoyable geocaching experiences as they travel the unique regions and destinations in Mississippi.

What is Geocaching?
Geocaching (pronounced geo-cashing) is a worldwide game of hiding and seeking treasure. The Basic idea is to hide containers (geocaches) and post the locations of these caches on the internet. Anyone with a GPS receiver can enter the locations coordinates to find the caches and then log the caches at www.geocaching.com to show that they have found them. Geocaching participants include people from all age groups, including families with children, students, adults and retirees. Geocaching is a worldwide activity with a strong sense of community and support for the environment. Since September of 2000, geocaching has grown to 75 caches to several countries to hundred of thousands of caches all over the world.

How does GPS work?
Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers tap into a satellite network from anywhere in the world to accurately pinpoint specific geographic locations. A location is identified by measuring its distance from at least three satellites by a process called trilateration. A geocacher can place a cache anywhere in the world, pinpoint its location using GPS technology and then alert others to the cache’s existence and location via the internet. Anyone with a GPS receiver can then hunt for the cache.

Geocaching in Six Easy Steps
1. Go to www.geocaching.com and register for a free account.
2. Click “Hide and Seek a Cache”
3. Enter your zip code and click “Search”
4. Choose any cache from the list and click on its name
5. Enter the coordinates (waypoint) of a cache into your GPS receiver.
6. Follow the direction arrow on the receiver until you find the hidden cache.


Simple Rules of Geocaching
1. If you take something, leave something behind.
2. Write about your find in the cache logbook.
3. Do not take the container with you.
4. Log your find online at www.geocaching.com

Keep in Mind

• Geocaches should never be buried.
  
• Don’t put yourself or others in harms way.
  
• Don’t place items such as food, explosives, knives, drugs or alcohol in a geocache.
  
• Cache is to be enjoyed by people of all ages.
  
• Respect local laws and seek permission where needed.
  
• Review our cache listing requirements and guidelines before hiding a geocache of your own.
  
• Check out your local geocaching organization for more information.
  

Types of Geocaches

Traditional cache
The original cache type consists, at minimum, a container and a logbook. The coordinates listed on a traditional cache page describes the exact location of the cache.

Multi-cache
A multi-cache involves two or more locations. Hints are found in the initial cache and then the final location is typically a physical cache container.

Puzzle cache
A cache that involves a puzzle or puzzles which are sometimes complicated, must be solved to determine the coordinates of the geocache.

Event cache
Geocaching events organized by local geocachers and geocaching organizations. Listing contains coordinates, a date and time to meet for the event.

Before you go
• Find a cache that will meet your immediate goals. Are you looking for a difficult hike or an easy adventure?
  
• Print cache information (don’t forget the hint) and make sure to bring both a map of the area and a compass.
  
• Remember that distances can be deceiving. A cache can take longer to find depending on trails, rivers, and other obstacles.
  
• Pack any needed supplies such as water, food, and extra clothing. Check cache terrain and difficulty ratings.
  
• Let someone know where you are going.
  
• Don’t forget your GPS receiver and extra batteries.

Finding a geocache
• Mark your car as a waypoint to ensure a safe return.
  
• Be mindful of the environment; practice Cache in Trash out (CITO).
  
• Bring friends and family with you, sharing the experience can be very rewarding. Pets are welcome too!

After the Find
• Sign the cache logbook.
  
• Leave the cache as you found it (hidden of course)
  
• Log your find online at www.geocaching.com

Want more information?
Visit www.geocaching.com to learn how to:

• Locate caches in your area
  
• Create your own geocache
  
• Locate resources and recommendations
  
• Play variations of the game
  
• Find geocachers and events