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Are you ready for more challenge, more excitement ... are you ready for Orienteering?

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.

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:

7 Feb 2010 - Board meeting minutes posted, Fund Policies updated (2 new fund policies)
3 Feb 2010 - updated US Standing Team listing, Ski-O calendar and Rogaine calendar, Endowment Fund, added link to IOF Trail-O guide
29 Jan 2010 - updated Ski-O calendar (again!) and Endowment Fund information
27 Jan 2010 - updated Ski-O calendar and Rogaine calendar
25 Jan 2010 - added WUOC Team selection information, updated Rogaine calendar

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©1999-2010 US Orienteering Federation

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