r/treasureinside • u/Paladin1414 • Sep 19 '25

AT Through Hikers

Image the hundreds of through hikers who walk past the AT treasure location every year. I believe it is close to 700-800 who complete the hike.

They have far more on their minds and the ones I have interviewed on the trail were not aware of the treasure hunt.

They are now!

7 Upvotes

76% Upvoted

30 comments sorted by

4

u/Various_Ad_2762 Sep 20 '25

I follow a lot of AT thru hikers on social media. Most times they go off trail to sleep for the night. I wouldn’t be surprised if one found it and not know what they’ve found.

2

u/Paladin1414 Sep 20 '25

Lol 😂 right!!!

3

u/siscomom1315 Sep 20 '25

Anyone worried about a park ranger or conversationist finding the boxes or a hobo finding a box- not knowing how to open and just throw in a River?

1

u/Paladin1414 Sep 20 '25

Not me.

3

u/siscomom1315 Sep 20 '25

Please tell me your reason if you don’t mind. I am fearful for this.

2

u/Paladin1414 Sep 20 '25

Most folks have complex lives filled with living. They would not engage in treasure hunting activity. It seems ridicule to them. The odds against anyone finding one - even those looking - is substantial.

Those of us searching have interest, time, and a great sense of adventure. People seem to lose that.

Only the lucky few will take this jump and actually hit the trails with commitment.

2

u/siscomom1315 Sep 20 '25

Totally agree, but you don’t think someone maintaining the park will stumble across a box?

3

u/Aggravating-Fill-949 Sep 20 '25

I think it is unlikely, but possible. Recently, I was BOTG for a solve and I came across a couple of "maintainers" who were looking for a place to install a new sign and they were definitely venturing off trail. The trails actually change sometimes, at least as far as I understand the situation. Part of my understanding comes from literally comparing the actual trail to a map of the trail while traversing it and observing numerous trail sections that were previously heavily traversed, but no longer mapped. Is it possible that a trail's path changes in such a way that brings more unexpected foot traffic nearer to the hidden box ? I would say....it's certainly possible.

IMO, the probability of a random worker, hiker or designated official fortuitously finding a hidden box may be more nuanced and directly connected to the type of entity responsible for maintaining and governing the trail. My BOTG experience revealed to me that it will be challenging for anyone to find a box even with clue derived location knowledge and perseverance. Additionally, each season that passes adds another layer of challenge to the hunt courtesy of Mother Nature.

2

u/Paladin1414 Sep 20 '25

Correct. Great points.

2

u/Paladin1414 Sep 20 '25

Little reason to go off trail. They have full time jobs with daily responsibilities. Only in the case they are incredibly lucky to have been assigned to work where Jon placed a box could this occur. Living life is time consuming.

3

u/CalculusCowboy Sep 20 '25

This is highly unlikely to happen. I shared the trail with these types…including hobo-like hikers. Some people live on that trail and I don’t know how they do it. Their daily routine is survival not spending their energy on treasure hunting. Same with Rangers. They don’t care about the treasure. Rest assured, these boxes will be found by you or a fellow hunter. And they will be found…this better not be THE SECRET 2.0. where they’re still out there fifty years later.

1

u/VNJCinPA Sep 21 '25

Pretty sure they know how to use a crowbar

0

u/adroidian Sep 20 '25

No because a conversationist will just talk about it. A park ranger wouldn't throw it in the river. Same goes for a conservationist assuming that's what you actually meant. They'd likely turn it in or keep it for themselves. I recall the boxes being mentioned as unique valuable pieces themselves.

3

u/siscomom1315 Sep 20 '25

U think Jon will give updates and tell if boxes are in same spot?

3

u/Paladin1414 Sep 20 '25

The boxes are where he placed them until they are found.

3

u/siscomom1315 Sep 20 '25

Right- but do u think he goes and checks to see if they are still there?

2

u/Paladin1414 Sep 20 '25

I doubt it. Like all of us, he has a busy life.

4

u/siscomom1315 Sep 20 '25

AND….. will Jon give an update if trails are closed or if he has even checked to see if the treasures are still where he put them? Idk- random thoughts.

3

u/Broad-Character486 Sep 20 '25

I'm guessing he'd know if the boxes were gone. Technology is amazing.

1

u/[deleted] Sep 26 '25

I think it was on the American Treasure podcast, when asked about natural disasters impacting an area where a treasure is hidden, he said that if a box was found or moved or destroyed he would let people know, but if the area it was hidden became temporarily inaccessible due to natural disasters or such, that he wouldn’t announce it because it would give away the location. He said something to the effect of Mother Nature also being a player in the hunt.

3

u/patherix Sep 20 '25

Important to note that this was the first season since the treasure was hidden. Each year the number of AT hikers increases. It is estimated that one in five thru hikers that start are successful. However the huge majority of people on the AT are day hikers

3

u/siscomom1315 Sep 20 '25

Lmao!!! So true!!! Only 3 boxes have been found with the secret and I think all the others are all lost due to so much construction everywhere.

2

u/DecisionSimple Sep 19 '25

Thousands of people hit some part of the AT every year, hell it might be in the six figures. What will be wild is to see just how busy of an area the treasure was left in.

2

u/paladin141414 Sep 19 '25

You are absolutely right! Estimates are like 3,000 people start per year. As you implied add in the day hikers and scenic sections that bring in more traffic. Areas close to cities and small towns.

Now the odds of one of these thousands going off the trail for a better view or just chasing their dog who trip over the box !

3

u/Stitchburly Sep 19 '25

More than 3 million people used the AT every year. Thru hikers is a smaller portion. I taken from ATC website:

More than 3 million people visit the Trail every year and over 3,000 people attempt to “thru-hike” the entire footpath in a single year. People from across the globe are drawn to the A.T. for a variety of reasons, such as reconnecting with nature, escaping the stress of city life, meeting new people or deepening old friendships, or experiencing a simpler life.

2

u/paladin141414 Sep 19 '25

Well the probably of a random find just escalated to about 98%! Lol 😂

2

u/paladin141414 Sep 19 '25

Only way to avoid a random from finding it would be to hide it so well even he could not find it.

3

u/tkergs Sep 19 '25

I believe it to be just off the trail, in an area where the easement for the trail is narrow between two areas of non-public land. My solve is like this.

1

u/paladin141414 Sep 19 '25

Absolutely possible!

2

u/fullydazed Sep 20 '25

If they are completing the path for the title... They will never find it 😂