Geocaching

Geocaching in DeSoto State Park

Geocaching is a real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices. Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache (container) hidden at that location.

What is Geocaching?

CCC Quarry Cache-N 34° 30.379 W 085° 37.667

Located in DeSoto State Park. You can park at the Country Store and hike approximately .7 miles on the white trail to the old CCC rock quarry or park at the Lost Falls trailhead and hike approximately .5 miles via the orange and white trails, to the quarry. Trail maps can be obtained from the Country Store or Lodge. Tree cover maybe a factor. I took an average to determine cache location. Other hikers maybe around so be discrete. Cache is in a tan ammo box.

Park Rangers, who are graciously supporting Geocaching in their park, have ask everyone not to park at the electronic campground gate. They ask, please use designated parking areas and trailheads.

Crushable-N 34° 29.729 W 085° 36.974

Located just off the Desoto Scout Trail (Yellow Trail). If there was an earthquake this container may be crushed. Trail has some rocks to navigate but is a gorgeous hike along the river.

Located just of the Desoto Scout Trail (Yellow Trail). Located above any anticipated high water line but if there was an earthquake this container may be crushed. Hopefully we don't have much chance for an earthquake in this area. The container is a rubbermaid, sandwich sized container. The original contents were a logbook and a few items for trade. BYOP. This trail can be busy at times so some stealth is required while locating the cache. Happy hunting.

DeSoto's Cache-N 34° 29.837 W 085° 37.266

Located in DeSoto State Park. You can park at the Azalea Cascade Boardwalk. Take the boardwalk trail to the end (1000 yards). Just before the large deck, over the pool formed by the Azalea Cascade, you can exit (right) onto the red trail. It is just a short hike to the cache. Trail maps can be obtained from the Country Store or Lodge. Tree cover may be a factor. I took an average to determine cache location. Other hikers may be around so be discrete. This is the second cache; the first was vandalized so please be careful. Cache is in a tan ammo box.

A Sandstone Outcropping at Desoto-N 34° 29.737 W 085° 37.398

Located in Alabama's Desoto State Park with permission; an Alabama State Parks Geocaching Permit has been secured. This massive sandstone outcropping is along the blue trail. This area is open from 7am until sundown.

DeSoto's Island-N 34° 30.054 W 085° 37.109

www.geocaching.com/seek/cache_details.aspx?pf=&guid=725abebe-ab23-4323-…

Located at DeSoto State Park, you won’t need a boat to get to this island. This microcache is located in a very public place so, your challenge is to log in without drawing attention to yourself. After retrieving the cache, don’t be afraid to walk over to the Country Store or Nature Center to login, the State Park employees are geocache friendly. Bring a pen/pencil just in case. Cache is in an amber prescription bottle with a camouflaged lid.

Permitted by Alabama State Parks.

Alabama State Parks recognizes Geocaching as an opportunity for additional outdoor activities for individuals and families at our parks.

To ensure the safety of our guests and to maintain proper management of our natural resources a geocaching policy was established, which requires that all geocaches hidden in Alabama State Parks be permitted. Before hiding any geocaches please review and submit a signed permit to the Park Manager at each State Park. After the Park Manager or designee receives and reviews the permit you will be contacted for disposition. Click the appropriate link below to download geocaching policy and permit. EMAIL