What if exploring Franklin, North Carolina, could lead you to a $10,000 treasure? All while helping a nonprofit for kids in need?
On Saturday, October 10, 2026, 828 Treasure Quest brings an action-packed competition to Franklin, combining the thrill of a scavenger hunt with challenges, clues, strategy and a race to the finish. Teams will put their problem-solving skills — and their teamwork — to the test for a chance to claim prizes, including a massive grand prize.
Best of all, the adventure supports a great local cause: KIDS Place Child Advocacy Center.
What Is 828 Treasure Quest?
828 Treasure Quest is not your average scavenger hunt.
Two-person teams compete in a fast-paced adventure that sends participants from checkpoint to checkpoint, completing challenges and solving clues along the way. Think scavenger hunt meets obstacle course, with plenty of strategy thrown into the mix.
Teams will have to communicate, think quickly and figure out where the next clue is taking them as they race toward the finish.
The ultimate goal? Be the team that reaches the end and claims the $10,000 treasure.
When and Where Is 828 Treasure Quest? 828 Treasure Quest takes place:
Saturday, October 10, 2026
*828 TREASURE QUEST DETAILS*
The event will take place Saturday, October 10th at the Macon County Rec Park (below the pool). You can park beside the picnic shelter or walk over from the Community Building.
Registration and check in starts at 8:00am. Rules will be read at 8:30am and the adult field day will start at 9:00am. All teams must be signed in by 8:30am or they will forfeit their chance to compete. There will be food trucks on-site.
The top 5 teams from the field day and the team that raises the most money for KIDS Place will advance to the treasure hunt where 1st place gets $10,000, 2nd place gets $2,000 and 3rd place gets $1,000. The remaining teams will have a chance to go back through the field day to compete for a chance to win $1,000.
*RAIN OR SHINE*
More details can be found at 828treasurequest.com
Other details
- 1288 Georgia Road in Franklin, doors open at 7:00 a.m.
- 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Franklin, North Carolina
Participants must be 18 or older to compete, although competitors ages 16 and 17 may participate with full parental consent.
- Explore Franklin While You Compete – Part of what makes 828 Treasure Quest such a unique Franklin, NC event is the setting.
Located in the mountains of Western North Carolina, Franklin is a natural place for an adventure built around exploration. Competitors should come prepared to navigate, solve problems and discover where each new challenge takes them.
And October is an especially beautiful time to be here. Fall brings cooler temperatures and changing leaves to the mountains surrounding Franklin, making Treasure Quest a great excuse to turn the competition into a full fall weekend in Western North Carolina.
Compete for $10,000 — and Support KIDS Place
There is serious treasure waiting at the end of this quest.
The winning team has a chance to walk away with a $10,000 grand prize, but every team that participates is also helping support an important organization in the Franklin community.
828 Treasure Quest benefits KIDS Place Child Advocacy Center, a nonprofit organization serving children and families in Macon County and the surrounding area.
That means a day of competition and adventure also helps support an organization doing important work right here in the community.
Make It a Fall Weekend in Franklin, NC
Coming from outside the area for 828 Treasure Quest? Stay a little longer and experience more of Franklin.
October is one of the most popular times to visit the North Carolina mountains. Fall color typically begins appearing at higher elevations before working its way into the valleys, creating plenty of opportunities for scenic drives, hiking and waterfall adventures.
Between Treasure Quest activities, explore Franklin’s locally owned shops and restaurants, discover the area’s gem-mining heritage, visit local museums, or head into the surrounding mountains for some fresh air and incredible fall views.
Whether you’re competing for the treasure or cheering on someone who is, 828 Treasure Quest can be the centerpiece of an entire weekend in Franklin.
Ready to Take on the Quest?
Grab a teammate, bring your competitive spirit and get ready to put your skills to the test.
828 Treasure Quest 2026 takes place Saturday, October 10, 2026, in Franklin, North Carolina, with two-person teams competing for the chance to win $10,000 while supporting KIDS Place Child Advocacy Center.
Do you have what it takes to find the treasure?
Event Details at a Glance
- What: 828 Treasure Quest 2026
- When: Saturday, October 10, 2026
- Time: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; doors open at 7:00 a.m.
- Where: 1288 Georgia Road, Franklin, NC 28734
- Teams: Two-person teams
- Grand Prize: $10,000
Benefiting: KIDS Place Child Advocacy Center
Registration: Advance registration required https://828treasurequest.com
Plan your trip, gather your team and get ready to experience a different side of Franklin, NC — one clue at a time.
