Fall 2025 Blue Ridge Mountains Treasure Hunt
A $26,250+ treasure hunt in the Blue Ridge Mountains region
Ended October 2025
Everything you need to know about Countdown Treasure
Official Contest Rules
What is Countdown Treasure?
Countdown Treasure is a real-world treasure hunt where $25,000 in actual gold coins — plus a growing side pot of $10 for every premium hunter who joins — waits to be discovered in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Unlike traditional treasure hunts, this one:
- Sits in plain sight on the forest floor and is monitored 24/7 by a live-streaming camera.
- Uses a countdown system: the search radius starts at 420 miles and shrinks daily at 9 AM ET. If no one finds it sooner, the radius will be just 1 foot by the final day (guaranteed to be found within 3 weeks).
- Includes a live webcam feed and daily map updates, with premium hunters receiving exclusive aerial photos (drone + satellite imagery) showing the treasure’s surroundings from increasing altitudes and access to a private members-only community.
Eligibility & Entry
- Who can participate: Anyone legally eligible to enter a contest of skill. Participants under 18 must have parental consent.
- How to join: Free to enter. Create an account at countdowntreasure.com. Premium access provides extra clues but is not required to win.
- How to win: The first person to legally find and claim the treasure is the winner. Once found, signups close immediately.
When You Find the Treasure
- Take close-up photos of the treasure where you found it.
- Take the treasure with you — it’s yours! (Leave the trail cam, please.)
- Once safe, take a selfie with the treasure.
- Email all photos and the hidden code from inside the container to adam@countdowntreasure.com using the same email you registered with.
Teams: Teams are allowed and encouraged, but the prize goes to whoever physically claims the treasure first.
Critical Rules
✅ Public land only – The treasure is hidden on publicly accessible land in the Blue Ridge Mountains, within 50 yards of a hiking trail. Do not trespass.
⚠️ Not buried – The treasure rests in plain sight on the forest floor. No digging or destruction allowed.
📧 Signup required – You must claim the treasure using the same registered email.
📸 Photo documentation required – Close-ups of the treasure in its location and a selfie with it are mandatory for verification.
🕵️ Hidden code inside – A verification code inside the treasure must be included in your email. Do not share this code.
🏔️ Physical requirements – Moderate hiking off-trail required; not wheelchair accessible.
👥 Peaceful acquisition only – Any violence or aggression results in immediate disqualification.
How to Claim the Prize
- Document the Find: Take clear photos of the treasure in its original surroundings.
- Take It With You: The treasure belongs to whoever finds and claims it first.
- Get to Safety: Once safe, take a selfie with the treasure and record the verification code inside.
- Send Verification: Email photos and the code to adam@countdowntreasure.com within 7 days using your registered email. Include your name and phone number.
Prize Payout: Winners must provide a valid U.S. bank account for wire transfer.
Verification: Claims are confirmed using submitted photos, the code, and live camera footage.
Frequently Asked Questions
🚀 Getting Started
Did you come up with this?
No — the concept was inspired by Jason Rohrer and Tom Bailey’s Project Skydrop in Massachusetts. Countdown Treasure brings the same concept to the Blue Ridge Mountains.
How do I join?
Create a free account at countdowntreasure.com for access to the live webcam, daily shrinking map, and updates.
Do I need to pay to participate?
No. Premium upgrades are optional and only add more clues (aerial photos and community access).
What does the winner receive?
The winner gets the treasure — $25,000 in gold coins plus $10 from every premium member who joined.
What about Hurricane Helene relief?
Up to $20,000 of proceeds are donated to relief and recovery efforts in the Blue Ridge Mountains region.
🎯 Hunt Mechanics
How long does the hunt last?
Up to 21 days. It ends as soon as someone finds the treasure.
When does the circle shrink?
Each morning — at 9 AM for free hunters, 8 AM for Premium Adventurers, and 7 AM for Premium Legends.
How large is the search area?
Starts at 420 miles wide and shrinks daily until it’s just 1 foot on Day 21.
Does the circle center move?
It may shift slightly, but always remains within the previous circle. The treasure never moves — but it’s not necessarily in the center, either.
📹 Live Cameras & Monitoring
How do we know when it’s found?
A 24/7 live camera streams the treasure site to the public. Once it’s claimed, everyone will see.
What if multiple people arrive at once?
The first person to pick it up wins. Any aggression results in disqualification.
Are there private cameras?
Yes — one public camera and additional private verification equipment.
🥾 Physical Requirements & Safety
- The treasure requires a moderate off-trail hike; not suitable for all physical conditions.
- No trespassing. The treasure is on public land only.
- Do not endanger yourself. It’s accessible — no climbing or digging required.
- During hunting season, wear bright clothing and stay on known trails during daylight hours.
⭐ Premium Access
What do premium hunters get?
Daily aerial photos, members-only community access, early clue updates, and contribution to the growing prize pool.
Why upgrade early?
Early premium members get their daily aerial clues sooner — which can make all the difference late in the hunt.
Can I share premium clues?
No. Publicly sharing premium clues violates the rules and can result in account termination.
🔧 Technical & Verification
What to do when you find the treasure:
- Photograph it where you found it.
- Take it with you.
- Take a selfie with the treasure.
- Email photos + verification code to adam@countdowntreasure.com within 7 days.
Use of winning photos:
By claiming the prize, you grant permission for promotional use of your photos and story.
Can I use drones or AI?
Yes, as long as it’s legal — all technology is fair game.
What if a non-participant finds it?
They keep the treasure but are ineligible for the side pot.
⚖️ Legal & Liability
Is this legal?
Yes — Countdown Treasure is a legal contest of skill in most jurisdictions. Participants are responsible for ensuring compliance with local laws.
Are winnings taxable?
Yes. Winners are responsible for any applicable taxes.
What if something goes wrong?
Participation is at your own risk. Countdown Treasure is not responsible for weather, wildlife, terrain, or the actions of others.
Where are the official rules?
This page constitutes the official contest rules.
More questions?
Contact us at adam@countdowntreasure.com or visit the Contact Page.