ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A Charlotte entrepreneur has turned the Blue Ridge Mountains into the setting for a real-life treasure hunt, hiding more than $26,000 in gold coins and the public to join the search.

Adam Howell, a coin maker and founder of Countdown Treasure, says a glass jar containing $26,250 worth of American Gold Eagle coins is hidden somewhere in the Blue Ridge — and it’s “in plain sight.”

“And after witnessing the devastation of Hurricane Helene, Countdown Treasure became about more than just adventure,” Howell said. “The Blue Ridge Mountains aren’t just the setting for our hunt — they’re home to communities that were hit hard and deserve support.”

Two dollars from every premium membership go toward a $20,000 fundraising goal for Helene relief efforts, he said.

The treasure hunt, which launched Oct. 9, has already drawn thousands of participants from Asheville and beyond. Hunters can join for free at countdowntreasure.com, where daily photo and map clues are released. Paid memberships contribute to the prize pool and the relief fund.

According to the rules, the gold-filled jar is hidden on publicly accessible land within the Blue Ridge Mountains — no more than 50 yards off a hiking trail — and is not buried. Participants are warned not to dig or trespass. The jar sits on the forest floor, monitored by a live webcam to prevent tampering.

The prize can only be claimed by emailing proof of discovery — including a selfie with the treasure and a verification code inside the jar — from the registered account.

The hunt will continue through Oct. 29, or until the treasure is found.

For more information, too see the live webcam or to join the search, visit countdowntreasure.com.