GSMNP Virtual Geocaching

[TroutBum]

Since it is illeagal to geocache in a NP, I have been compiling a list of coordinates for some really neat natural formations in the Smoky Mountain NP that people won't see if they are only on the trails/well trod areas.  If anyone is going to be camping in the park (on the TN side) and wants a couple of points, let me know.  

I even found (by accident) a USGS benchmark plaque that is 2 feet under water on Chilhowee Lake when I was canoeing back to Panther Creek.  It predates the completion of the dam and subsequent filling of the lake.

[sacrawf]

Great Idea!  The coordinates of interesting locations for a National Park would certainly be useful.  I'll email if we head that direction in '08!

One of my favorite geocaches found was GCJ6ZV The Cemetery Show.  Although there was a traditional cache, there were also coordinates to several fascinating locations.  We ended up spending half a day just at this interesting cemetery while camping nearby because of the thoughfulness of the cache owner giving the coordinates to fascinating locations in addition to of just getting the cache published.

Were you able to log the submerged benchmark find?

[dthurk]

geocaching.com has coordinates for several virtual caches in Acadia National Park in Maine.  Those that we found are pretty cool, getting you off the "beaten path" in some cases onto some of the less traveled trails in the park.

I'm sure the virtual caches exist in most National Parks.  Thank you for setting up some.  Did you post them in geocaching.com?

[sacrawf]

I'm sure the virtual caches exist in most National Parks.  Thank you for setting up some.  Did you post them in geocaching.com?

I think it's a shame that no more virtuals are allowed.  Thank goodness that the old virtuals have been grandfathered.

[TroutBum]

I think it's a shame that no more virtuals are allowed.  Thank goodness that the old virtuals have been grandfathered.

Virtual Geocaching isn't allowed?  Can they really prevent you from publishing coordinates for a waterfall or other cool rock formation?

I thought the whole point in virtual geocacheing is that it has little to no impact.

[sacrawf]

Virtual Geocaching isn't allowed?  Can they really prevent you from publishing coordinates for a waterfall or other cool rock formation?

I thought the whole point in virtual geocacheing is that it has little to no impact.

Virtual geocaching is allowed, of course in any park, (to the extent that the public is allowed access) as it is simply guiding someone else to coordinates to an interesting location, and they can be posted or shared.   But on Geocaching.com, virtuals are no longer available for creation as new caches.  Ones created earlier have been grandfathered to remain on the site.  I gather that this was because of the potential creation of many virtual geocaches that had little percieved real interest to the geocacher.

However, "virtual geocaches" are now considered to  be "waymarks" at http://www.waymarking.com/Default.aspx.

Earth Caches have been created by geocaching.com to replace virtual geocaches, but must have a specific geological or educational uniqueness.

To see the definitions of the types of caches, link to http://www.geocaching.com/about/cache_types.aspx.

But none of these are useful in sharing those spots that you or I as campers and hikers might find as attractive or scenic views along a specific hiking trail, or a nice looking places to try fishing someday, or  a great overlook to lean against a tree and watch the sun go down in parks where traditional caches are prohibited.