A Charlotte entrepreneur has turned the rugged landscape of the Blue Ridge Mountains into the backdrop for a high-stakes adventure, launching a 21-day treasure hunt that promises a $25,000 reward in gold coins. The hunt began Thursday, October 9, and draws participants from across the region eager to uncover a hidden mason jar filled with gold.

The brainchild behind the event is Adam Howell, owner of The Achieve Mint, a Charlotte-based coin-making company. Howell designed the treasure hunt not only to offer a thrilling outdoor challenge but also to support a cause close to home: raising funds for cleanup efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

Participants must pay a $20 premium entry fee to join the search. From each entry, $2 is allocated toward the hurricane relief effort, with a fundraising goal set at $20,000. The initiative blends community engagement with charitable giving, creating a unique platform for both entertainment and support.

At the start of the hunt, the search area spanned a vast 420 miles across the Blue Ridge Mountains in western North Carolina. However, the window for discovery is narrowing. According to Howell, the area where the treasure is hidden shrinks daily, increasing the chances for determined seekers as the deadline approaches.

To aid in the search, participants can purchase drone photo hints, offering bird’s-eye views of potential hiding spots. A live webcam feed adds another layer of interactivity, allowing treasure hunters to monitor the terrain remotely and strategize their next move.

Howell said the inspiration for the event came from a similar treasure hunt he once participated in with his family. That experience left a lasting impression and motivated him to recreate the excitement on a larger scale — this time with a philanthropic twist.

The treasure, securely sealed in a mason jar, remains hidden somewhere within the mountain range. As the days tick by, the race intensifies, with adventurers navigating rugged trails and combing through clues in hopes of striking gold.

The hunt continues through the end of its 21-day window, with the shrinking search zone and optional drone imagery keeping the competition dynamic. In the meantime, Howell and his team remain focused on both the thrill of the chase and the impact of their fundraising efforts.