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Orienteering – the Sport of a Lifetime

Orienteering map Orienteering is the sport of navigation with map and compass. It's easy to learn, but always challenging. The object is to run, walk, ski, or mountain bike to a series of points shown on the map, choosing routes—both on and off trail—that will help you find all the points and get back to the finish in the shortest amount of time. The points on the course are marked with orange and white flags and punches, so you can prove you've been there. Each “control” marker is located on a distinct feature, such as a stream junction or the top of a knoll.

US Team race assignments for WOC announced

March Board Meeting summary posted

USOF Bylaws Amendments posted; will be voted on at the AGM in June; other Virtual Binder updates

Newspaper interview with WOC team member Cristina Luis

Rogaine Calendar, Events calendar, Results updated

* * *
Last update: July 2, 2009

A ski-orienteer

Orienteering is often called the “thinking sport” because it involves map reading and decision-making in addition to a great workout. Any kind of map may be used for orienteering (even a street map), but the best ones are detailed five-color topographic maps developed especially for the sport. O' maps show boulders, cliffs, ditches, and fences, in addition to elevation, vegetation, and trails.

Child at start line Orienteering is a sport for everyone, regardless of age or experience. The competitive athlete can experience the exhilaration of moving through the woods at top speed, while the non-competitive orienteer can enjoy the forest at a more leisurely pace. Most events provide courses for all levels—from beginner to advanced—and the sport has been adapted for small children and people in wheelchairs.

Want to see orienteers in action? Check out this action-packed video about orienteering.

Running in the woods If you love maps, exploring, and the great outdoors, try orienteering. You'll be hooked for life!

How you can try it

More than 600 days of orienteering events took place in the U.S. last year. To find out about activities near you, check out the schedule of your local club.

In addition, some clubs have worked with local parks to set up permanent markers and courses, offering navigation practice when competitive events are not available. See the club listing for more information on where to find permanent courses.

Latest site updates:
2 July 2009 - updated Media, Events, Results
15 Jun 2009 - updated Media, Events, Results
8 Jun 2009 - updated Events, Rogaine calendar, Relay Champs listing, plus minor changes to the Virtual Binder
5 Jun 2009 - updated Rogaine calendar
28 May 2009 - updated US Team page

Website designed by

If you have problems with or comments about this site, please contact the Webmaster ().

©1999-2009 US Orienteering Federation

Photo credits: Jumper - Eric Bone; Child - Amy Brewer; Ski-O - Liz Kotowski


Orienteering – the Sport of a Lifetime Orienteering is the sport of navigation with map and compass. It's easy to learn, but always challenging. The object is to run, walk, ski, or mountain bike to a series of points shown on the map, choosing routes—both on and off trail—that will help you find all the points and get back to the finish in the shortest amount of time. The points on the course are marked with orange and white flags and punches, so you can prove you've been there. Each “control” marker is located on a distinct feature, such as a stream junction or the top of a knoll.

	*US Team race assignments* for WOC announced
	March Board Meeting summary posted
	*USOF Bylaws Amendments* posted; will be voted on at the AGM in June; other Virtual Binder updates
	Newspaper interview with WOC team member Cristina Luis
	Rogaine Calendar, Events calendar, Results updated
	* * * Last update: July 2, 2009
Orienteering is often called the “thinking sport” because it involves map reading and decision-making in addition to a great workout. Any kind of map may be used for orienteering (even a street map), but the best ones are detailed five-color topographic maps developed especially for the sport. O' maps show boulders, cliffs, ditches, and fences, in addition to elevation, vegetation, and trails. Orienteering is a sport for everyone, regardless of age or experience. The competitive athlete can experience the exhilaration of moving through the woods at top speed, while the non-competitive orienteer can enjoy the forest at a more leisurely pace. Most events provide courses for all levels—from beginner to advanced—and the sport has been adapted for small children and people in wheelchairs. Want to see orienteers in action? Check out this action-packed video about orienteering. If you love maps, exploring, and the great outdoors, try orienteering. You'll be hooked for life! How you can try it More than 600 days of orienteering events took place in the U.S. last year. To find out about activities near you, check out the schedule of your local club. In addition, some clubs have worked with local parks to set up permanent markers and courses, offering navigation practice when competitive events are not available. See the club listing for more information on where to find permanent courses.
Latest site updates: 2 July 2009 - updated Media, Events, Results 15 Jun 2009 - updated Media, Events, Results 8 Jun 2009 - updated Events, Rogaine calendar, Relay Champs listing, plus minor changes to the Virtual Binder 5 Jun 2009 - updated Rogaine calendar 28 May 2009 - updated US Team page
Website designed by If you have problems with or comments about this site, please contact the Webmaster (). ©1999-2009 US Orienteering Federation Photo credits: Jumper - Eric Bone; Child - Amy Brewer; Ski-O - Liz Kotowski