About Countdown Treasure
The story behind the hunt
How It Started
Hey! I'm Adam Howell, the founder of Countdown Treasure.
In 2024, my family and I participated in Project Skydrop, and it was incredible. The clever use of technology—shrinking maps, live webcams, real urgency—made it feel like the future of treasure hunting. But it was happening in the Northeast, and I kept thinking: Someone needs to bring this to the Blue Ridge Mountains.
So I did. I created Countdown Treasure and launched our first hunt in Fall 2025—$5,000 in gold coins hidden in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.
More Than a Hunt
After witnessing the devastation from Hurricane Helene, the hunt became about more than adventure. It became a way to support the communities that needed it most.
We raised over $21,000 for Hurricane Helene relief efforts, with donations going to organizations like the Bee Log Community Resource Center and ASP Appalachia.
The hunt was a success. Thousands joined, the community was incredible, and the treasure was found after 10 days of searching.
Fall 2025 Hunt
Our Sponsor
Countdown Treasure is sponsored by The Achieve Mint, a custom coin maker based in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Achieve Mint created all the commemorative coins for the Fall 2025 hunt.
Press
Media Contact
Key Facts
- Fall 2025: $26,000+ in gold coins hidden in Blue Ridge Mountains
- Over 7,500 participants
- $21,000+ raised for Hurricane Helene relief
- Treasure found after 10 days
- Based in Charlotte, North Carolina
Media Coverage
Press coverage from our Fall 2025 treasure hunt.
