Get A Clue

The primary public source for letterbox clues is the Letterboxing North America website.  Go to the home page, click on the CLUES link and you will be taken to a page showing a map of the United States.  Click on a state or region and you will be directed to the appropriate page listing letterboxes for that area.  Click on the link for any letterbox listed and you will be taken to the clues, sometimes on the LbNA site, other times on a member's personal web site.

Take some time to read through a few sets of clues and get a feel for what you are getting into.  Clues are very diverse from one box to the next, ranging from challenging mystery boxes with lengthy hikes to quick-and-easy vacation leg stretchers. If one sounds too difficult, try another.  Many clues require use of a compass so if you do not have one, you will either want to find one to use or choose another letterbox. Sometimes boxes are reported missing, and whenever possible this will be noted in the box listing or clues so other people don't spend their time looking for a box that has disappeared.

You may also want to peruse the messages at the Letterboxing Discussion Group, as there is often useful discussion as to boxes that have gone missing. You do not need to be a member to read the messages.

A popular alternate clue site is AtlasQuest, created and maintained by a veteran West Coast letterboxer. Much like letterboxing.org, AtlasQuest allows you to create an account and post or link your letterbox clues. Members can search the clue database by city to find boxes within the desired radius. AtlasQuest also offers the ability to log your finds and has a variety of message boards.

Not all letterboxes are listed on the LbNA site.  Some people participate in the hobby independently and others as part of groups such as Scouts or organized outdoor clubs.  Although clues to their boxes are not always published, the public is often welcome to search for them.  Finding the source of clues for these boxes can be part of the fun!  Check with your local Scouting groups or at area outdoor and sporting goods stores (i.e. Cabela's, Gander Mountain, etc.) to see if they are aware of any additional letterboxes in your region.

And then there are those clues that make their way from one letterboxer to the next via Word of Mouth. WOM clues can be distributed via e-mail, U.S. Mail or simply via Word of Mouth. It can be very challenging and rewarding tracking down these elusive clues.

Click here to access clues for the letterboxes we have planted.