Did you know that this summer you could find $10,000 while hiking in the Hocking Hills? Thanks to HockingHills.com running treasure hunts for all of 2023 you still have 3 more chances to win $10,000 in CASH!
Excited yet? You should be! And get even more excited because Andy and I have already done 2 of the 5 hunts and I’m going to give you some tips to make the most of the remaining 3 treasure hunts.
Read the T&C and follow it carefully
This sounds like a boring step but it is by far the most important. There have been several people who have completed all clues, thinking they would win first place, but did not follow every term and condition and therefore lost out on their prize! Don’t let this happen to you! The terms and conditions are displayed before joining the treasure hunt and are available in the footer of the webpage during the treasure hunt, so go back and read them again if you need to.
Be detail oriented when reading the clue
Some clues must be preformed in a specific order to get full credit (and without full credit there is no cash!) so make sure you’re reading the clue meticulously before entering any answers. When in doubt, read the clue several times and complete each step as it’s given to you, racing ahead will only end in defeat.
Get comfortable with Google and Instagram
Treasure Hunts 1 & 2 both relied on being able to use the resources around you. Google is very helpful, but make sure you’re Googling multiple phrases, you’ll never know which part of the clue will lead you to the answer. In addition, treasure hunt #2 started hiding clues on Instagram, if you’re not Insta-saavy, team up with someone who is or start learning now. It’s important to note if you team up, only one person over 18 may claim the prize. Additionally, Instagram comments on @thehockinghills posts can give you valuable clues from other treasure hunters that will help you get ahead when you get stuck!
Everything is not as it seems…until it is (sorry!)
I know that’s the worst tip ever but it’s actually very important! This is a treasure hunt for $10,000 so the stakes are high and the clues can get confusing. Some clues will try to misdirect you unless you pause, re-read, and think outside of the box. Other clues will seem very complex and have you overthinking what should be a very simple answer. Read carefully and explore all possibilities. In the end we’ve found it’s best to go with our gut and try the obvious answer first. Then at least it’s out of the way if it’s not correct and it didn’t take up too much time.
Prepare for a lot of driving
It should be no surprise that the HockingHills.com Treasure Hunt will take you throughout the entire Hocking Hills Region. So far we’ve been to Logan, Nelsonville, Laurelville, Rockbridge, Zaleski Forest, Moonville Tunnel, and more! If you don’t like long drives or winding roads make you car sick you may want to sit this one out. I recommend this for anyone over 12 years old who won’t tire of chasing clues, driving long back roads, and hiking/walking for at least 30 minutes at a time. It’s also important to note that many of the more remote areas lack cell service.
Be respectful
The easiest way to lose out on the $10,000 cash prize? Being disrespectful and breaking the rules. There is no racing, this is a methodical treasure hunt designed to challenge your critical thinking skills. If you race around, deface or vandalize property, cheat, hunt after dark or before dawn, or are found being disrespectful you risk being permanently eliminated from the hunt – that means you can NEVER win a treasure hunt. They have hidden cameras at most clue spots and there are also employees who go around and watch for this type of behavior. Not to mention, the people who are enjoying the treasure hunt, like Andy and I, don’t want to see it ruined, so we will record rule breaking behavior and send it to the hocking hills on Instagram to ensure cheaters don’t win! So don’t be *that* guy.
Have fun & make friends!
Above all else, the very enticing cash prize aside, this is meant to be a fun way for people to explore and learn about The Hocking Hills Region. Everyone we’ve met on the trail so far has been very friendly and it’s fun swapping ideas for tough clues and banding together to figure things out. Use this opportunity to slow down, enjoy lesser known areas, and meet new people!
If you plan on taking part in one of the remaining hunts visit HockingHills.com website or follow them on Instagram @TheHockingHIlls. We will be participating in all the remaining hunts too, so make sure to follow my Instagram @RoadTripPlans because I will post videos near clue locations… Once I’m a few clues farther ahead of course ;). Let me know if you plan to join the next hunt and maybe Andy and I will see you there!
-Taysia