GEOCACHING 101 

Experience high tech scavenger hunting and travel through Oakland County to see what's hidden beyond your backyard! Geocaching is a great way to combine the outdoors and the techno-age.

In Oakland County, residents and visitors alike are exploring beautiful woodlands and downtown areas to discover caches (pronounced "cash") using a Global Positioning Unit (GPS). A caching adventure can last from an hour to a full day.  Caches exist in urban and backcountry areas. Coordinates can be found online at www.geocaching.com.

Once you select a cache and enter coordinates into the GPS, the receiver indicates the distance and direction of the cache. When you find it, sign the logbook, take a prize, leave a prize, re-hide the cache and venture on to the next one!
The geocaching craze started in 2000 and is now a hands-on adventure for more than 750,000 people worldwide. It's an activity for all ages and abilities, from a lone cacher to an entire family or group of friends. 

GETTING STARTED
Geocaching is an outdoor recreation option available year-round at eight Oakland County Parks: Addison, Catalpa, Highland, Independence, Lyon, Orion, Rose and Waterford Oaks.

Geocaching clinics are offered at the Wint Nature Center at Independence Oaks County Park and Lyon Oaks Nature Center at Lyon Oaks County Park, or call to arrange a group visit. You can also reserve the Adventure Sport Mobile and let the adventure come to you! 

CACHE PLACEMENT
Oakland County Parks has adopted the gold standard of guidelines used by geocaching organizations. Since GPS units measure "as the crow flies," you are encouraged to take a map along to prevent the temptation of creating your own paths to the cache. Maps are linked below. There are also additional rules that protect the sensitive natural areas within the parks system. Geocache Placement & Seeking Guidelines

Placing a cache is easy and fun -- and free! You must be a member of the Michigan Geocaching Organization to be eligible to place a cache at the Oakland County Parks. Application for Geocaching Permit
Park maps indicate geocaching trailways where caches may be hidden. Trails are marked and maps are posted along the trailway.

PARKS PARTNERS
Michigan Geocaching Organization is a state-wide group that oversees and promotes geocaching in the state.
Oakland County Parks caches are posted on the Geocaching Organization's web site. Caches around the world are also listed there.

SPONSOR A CACHE
New in 2008, outdoor businesses, community parks and recreation departments as well as local clubs and service groups are invited to sponsor a cache. Recreational Equipment Incorporated (REI), a cache sponsor, is also a great resource for outdoor gear including GPS receivers. Cache Sponsor Agreement

PARK GEOCACHE MAPS

Addison Oaks Trail Map

Highland Oaks Trail Map

Independence Oaks Trail Map

Lyon Oaks Trail Map

Orion Oaks Trail Map

Rose Oaks Trail Map

Waterford Oaks Trail Map