Compass and Map are loaned to visitors during the Orienteering Course.
NPS Photo
If you would like to practice your orienteering skills, the park maintains two courses that are available for public use. The courses are open year-round with recommended use during the winter months (November through mid-April). This recommendation is to lessen the impact on forest vegetation and to reduce the risk of tick exposure. The courses are available on a first-come, first-served basis if no advance reservations are made.
A basic orienteering course is located near the park visitor center and consists of 10 points. The first six points (1-6) constitute a loop of approximately 1.5 miles and was designed for the beginner. An additional four points, designated on the map with letters A-D, present a slightly greater challenge.
The second course, known as the west side course, is located within the area bordered by Park Central Road, Manahan Road, and Foxville-Deerfield Road. This course consists of eight numbered points (1-8), which when successfully completed form a walk of approximately 1.5 miles.
Groups may use either course. To find out more information about group reservations contact the visitor center at 301-663-9388 or e-mail us.
This assures that multiple groups will not be using a course at the same time.
