By: Emily Smith | emily.smith@activecities.com

Geocaching is a real-life hide and seek scavenger hunt that has rapidly grown in popularity since it started in 2000. If you don’t know about this recreational activity, it’s time you gave it a try.

Using a handheld GPS unit or smartphone (equipped with the Geocaching App), you literally embark on a treasure hunt and attempt to locate a hidden container, marked by exact latitude and longitude coordinates. The containers are hidden by other Geocachers and usually have a log book for you to sign your name upon finding it. Sometimes there are even objects inside, which can be taken, so long as you switch it out with something else.

Only requiring a free basic membership, a GPS enabled device, and some hunting binoculars (a good 308 scope would compensate for a missing pair of binoculars), virtually anyone can get in on the action. With today’s technology, Geocaching has changed the way we navigate our natural landscape, moving from the old school “map and compass” method to a user-friendly “plug and play” method. With directions, hints, and clues all leading to a cache (all of varying sizes and difficulties), the excitement is never-ending. In fact, there are currently more than 1.4 million registered Geocaches hidden throughout the world! Suffice it to say, there are enough caches around to keep you active and forever searching. To learn more, and get started, visit www.geocaching.com. There you can see how many geocaches are located near you. You’ll probably be shocked to see just how many there are right nearby!

Check this gallery of geocaches around the world:

some people go to great length to hide and seek caches

geocache hidden underneath a fake piece of poo

geocache hidden in a hollowed out log

“micro” caches can be very difficult to find

cache hidden inside a fake rock

geocache hidden at the bottom of the ocean

common geocache container and gps device