The wilderness whispered its secrets beneath a shifting sky, the Blue Ridge Mountains guarding their golden bounty with an unyielding silence—until recently. On October 18, 2025, Corey, his daughter Zoe, and their loyal dogs Remi and Winni cracked the code that eluded hunters for eleven days, discovering over $26,000 in gold coins on the forest floor just steps from Bailey Mountain Loop's Blue Trail in Mars Hill, North Carolina.

This was no stroke of luck. For over a week and a half, Corey and Zoe charted hidden trails, scrutinized trail cam updates, and pieced together shifts in cloud shadows using Zoom Earth. The clouds that once hindered them became unwitting allies, revealing subtle clues across the forest canopy. Their persistence paid off: a treasure concealed beneath a leaf, near the unmistakable surveillance of a trail camera, bearing a secret coin stamped with a code to prove their find.

The Bailey Mountain Preserve, owned and managed for public enjoyment by the Town of Mars Hill, offers 24/7 access to its blazed trails. Here, adventure precedes discovery with an approachable 2.25-mile hike via well-marked paths, threading through patches of Japanese stiltgrass—an invasive species that invites your heel to its destruction. Parking and facilities are straightforward, with free lots and porta-potties at the Forest Street trailhead, making the start easy for families and solo adventurers alike.

Corey and Zoe’s journey was more than a treasure hunt; it sparked a wave of generosity. They donated $16,420—the event’s side pot—to relief efforts for communities struck by Hurricane Helene, supporting the Bailey Mountain Preserve's upkeep, the Bee Log Community & Relief Center, and the Appalachia Service Project. This gesture redefined discovery, weaving community care into every gold coin recovered.

As the October sun played peekaboo with clouds, the hosts reflected on what made this hunt tick—and what might evolve. Future hunts could split by difficulty, offering family-friendly routes alongside hardcore quests, each with crystal-clear mileage guidelines. There's also talk of “cloud guarding” to keep the skies honest, and the introduction of digital hiker check-ins to track trail progress without spoiling the secret.

Whether you’re a treasure hunter or a trail seeker, Bailey Mountain Loop offers an immersive adventure layered with natural charm and public goodwill. The trails challenge you with gentle inclines and the forest dares you to stay alert—both to the environment and the mysteries hidden beneath its canopy. From drone-friendly airspace to the quiet crunch of leaves underfoot, this spot proves that the hunt for treasure can be as rewarding as the find.

Keep your boots ready, your eyes wide, and your spirit committed. With updates and a Zoom interview with Corey coming soon, the Countdown Treasure Hunt’s legacy is just beginning. Watch for it here and on YouTube, and if the sun breaks through today, step outside—nature’s puzzles await.