NC Hidden Gems GeoTour (GT506) — 15 geocaches that reveal lesser-known North Carolina

# What the GeoTour is

GeoTour (GT506) is a state-focused geocaching route that encourages players to leave main roads and explore lesser-known places across North Carolina. It launches September 19, 2026, and features 15 geocaches placed near scenic trails, small towns, natural wonders, and unusual attractions.

Each cache is intended to introduce a different facet of the state—public art, local history, handmade places, and outdoor experiences. The GeoTour is set up so visiting the sites is also a way to gather short, site-specific codewords for a physical passport.

# How the passport and reward work

Pick up a GeoTour passport for the NC Hidden Gems route, write down the codeword found at each cache before you leave the site, and when all required codewords are recorded, mail the completed passport. In exchange you receive a collectible NC Hidden Gems GeoTour (GT506) coin.

# Notable stops and what you'll see

• GCBJT8W — Shangri-La Stone Village: A miniature stone village built by Henry Warren beginning at age 72. The site includes 27 small stone structures such as a church, school, theater, and mill.

• GCBM92C — Bird Island: A peaceful walking spot that includes the Kindred Spirit mailbox. Visitors have filled its notebooks for decades with letters, memories, and reflections.

• GCBJV39 — Sliding Rock (Pisgah National Forest): A 60-foot natural water slide that sends visitors into a cool mountain basin—one of the tour's more adventurous outdoor experiences.

# Planning your trip

Carolina, so plan logistically: group nearby caches for single outings, check local access rules for parks and private sites, and confirm seasonal conditions for outdoor stops like Sliding Rock. The tour's passport mechanism means you can complete the route over multiple trips rather than in a single run.

Visit VisitNC.com/Real-Rare for the full list of stops and travel information.

# Who put this together

The announcement on the Geocaching blog is authored by Phil Smith. The write-up frames the GeoTour as an invitation to follow curiosity across the state to discover local stories, legends, and quirky art. Phil Smith's author note mentions he likes traveling, playing drums, attending live music, and geocaching with his dogs.

# Why try this GeoTour

The route focuses on offbeat and smaller-scale destinations that might be missed on typical tourist routes. If you enjoy short hikes, small-town exploration, public art, or collecting a physical memento for completing a route, this GeoTour provides a structured way to combine those interests.