I'm fairly new to the hobby & am wanting to plant my own boxes. The boxes I will be planting will be urban boxes. I am wondering what do you do to scout good locations for planting a letterbox.

I am wondering what do you do to scout good locations for planting a letterbox.

Take people to quirky places--or beautiful places--or historic places --places out-of-the-ordinary.

First, you relocate to Central Indiana ... :)

Hmmm....I don't think that plan is in the cards for me, but thanks. ;)

That's what I;m trying to do, but it's harder than I initially anticipated because interesting places throughout the metroplex might not neccesarily have a good hiding spot that will allow the box to remain hidden & undisturbed. I'm excited to plant my first boxes, but I want to plant in places where they will last.

the metroplex might not neccesarily have a good hiding spot that will allow the box to remain hidden & undisturbed. I'm excited to plant my first boxes, but I want to plant in places where they will last.

Sometimes you can write the clues in a way to take the person to an interesting/unique spot, and from there, on to a nearby spot that is more suitable to hide a letterbox (relevant to the original spot). Look for green spaces that are not overly-groomed, benches, metal posts or sign brackets (if using a magnetic box), etc., preferably within a short walking distance from the attraction you led them to.

I planted my first letterbox in a park near me that I walk by every day. That was a good idea because I got instant gratification by frequently checking in--lots of people sign in the logbook but not electronically. Several times it was rehidden in such a way as to invite inspection by the curious---some letterboxers feel they need to help others by making the letterbox more obvious. I prolonged the life of that box with frequent visits. Sadly, after 9 years, it's gone gone but that's pretty good--especially since many homeless have taken up living in the area.

So, I recommend planting your first one in a very convenient spot for you--or in some exotic, far away locale you'll only get to once in your life.

So, I recommend planting your first one in a very convenient spot for you

My first one was on a river trail. My second was in some ROCKS (like 1/2 cubic yard each rocks) in a park farther upstream on that same river. Both are still there.

River trails are good for planting, but you don't want too busy.

The advice I’d give you when planting in ANY location, find the most obvious and outstanding landmark there is, go to that location and FROM THERE find a compass bearing to a nearby bland feature to plant the actual box.

That outstanding landmark could be a real huge blowdown, a large and remarkable boulder, a neon sign, a tree in a city park, you name it. Go to where you are attracted, then direct folks far AWAY from that feature to get the box.

I’ve had boxes out there for close to 10 years using this principle.

Good luck!

Warrior Woman
master of misdirection

Avoid muggle-infested areas. Some boxers won't risk retrieving it and then it becomes a wasted trip for them. Other boxers won't wait until the coast is clear and then the box is noticed by muggles, and sometimes vandals.

Avoid highly groomed areas. Even if you think it is well hidden, someone with hedge trimmers or a rake may see it and consider it trash.

Avoid rotting stumps and logs. I planted in a 6 foot tall rotting stump that became a pile of dirt in less than a year. That made the clue useless.

Hide it well but make it look as natural as possible. A pile of sticks may hide it from view, but an obviously man-made pile can attract a curious muggle.

Lastly consider protection from the elements. If it rains, will this spot provide adequate shelter?

I hope that helps.

Avoid rotting stumps and logs. I planted in a 6 foot tall rotting stump that became a pile of dirt in less than a year. That made the clue useless.

That means that rotting stumps are useless for landmarks too. Northern Utah (where I box) is dry enough that these things stick around for years, while other places (apparently) will go away quickly.

Lots of good things to keep in mind! Thanks all!