What is Orienteering?

Most people do orienteering all the time and don’t even know it.   

You are orienteering when you…

• decide how to get through the grocery store in the fastest time and still get everything on your list,
• plan your day at a theme park to see all the rides and attractions you want and still meet the rest of your group in time for lunch,
•  use a printed roadmap and/or written directions to get to an unfamiliar destination. 
   

Orienteering as a sport is NOT all compass and pacing (counting steps).  It’s more like that trip through the grocery store or that road trip to a new place.  Orienteering IS finding your way through an unknown area relying primarily on your observation skills and a detailed map, matching what you see to corresponding points on the map.  Granted, at the grocery store the map is usually in your head, but you get the idea.   

Many approach orienteering as recreation - a new way to enjoy a familiar landscape at a comfortable walking pace.  Some participate in orienteering as a serious competition (yes, there are local, state, national, and international events). 

The new permanent orienteering course at Libby Hill Forest promises to add a new dimension to casual hikes, family outings, walks with the dog, and even your fitness walk or jog. 

New Orienteering maps of Libby Hill Forest trails will show the locations of small markers posted at distinct natural or man-made features either on trails or close to trails.  These features might be trail junctions, very large boulders, obvious bends in the trail, or other man-made objects.  The idea is to locate the markers while you walk, run, bike, snowshoe, or cross-country ski using the most efficient route of your choosing.  Maps and courses are scheduled to be available on/before March 1^st. 

This element of route choice and “finding something” can turn a ho-hum walk or fitness run into something like a treasure hunt.  Kids especially take to the “treasure hunt” aspect of this activity; even as little ones complain of tired legs, they’ll take off running when they see the marker up ahead!  For those into competition, time yourself or race against friends.  Beware though… the fastest runner isn’t always the one with the best time.  The fastest time usually goes to the one who’s most observant and can match what they see to their map.  Orienteering’s nickname is the “thinking sport”. 

Libby Hill Forest’s Permanent Orienteering markers allow us to create several courses (downloadable maps) so you can play different “games” on multiple visits to the trails.  Each map/course will show 6-10 of the 20 markers throughout the trail system.  This flexibility allows us to design courses of different lengths and challenges.  After March 1^st, these courses can be enjoyed anytime you choose – just download your choice of maps from the website and go!  Information on the website will give some more “how to” info and tips.   

Free 30-60min “How to Orienteer” mini workshops will be offered at the Winter Carnival on March 1^st, including an opportunity to try orienteering on Libby Hill Forest trails. 

A few words about compasses… A compass is generally not necessary for orienteering on a well-defined, well-mapped trail system like Libby Hill Forest.  If you know how to use a compass, though, it can be an important part of your safety equipment on any hike.  If you are orienteering at an event at a high-skill level, you may need a compass to go off trail to create shortcuts to improve your time. 

In the next few weeks, more information will be posted on the website about orienteering in general and at Libby Hill Forest in particular.  Also, watch this paper for notices about upcoming events, like the Winter Carnival on March 1^st, where you can attend a “How to Orienteer” mini-workshop and then go out on the trails to try it yourself!