US Orienteering Federation Home

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.

O' in the Oaks results available including Trail O' champs and photos

Ski Orienteering schedule for 2008-09 added

The 2008 Annual Fund Drive is underway!
Also, details of the
Capital Campaign

Updated Committee Chairs / Board of Directors Restructuring Proposal

Professional Staff Transition
committee report available for member review

* * *

Last update: November 19, 2008

Try ski orienteering

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.

Kids love orienteering 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.

Leapin' Lizards, orienteering is fun If you love maps, exploring, and the great outdoors, try orienteering. You'll be hooked for life!

See an action-packed video about orienteering—best for high-speed Internet connections due to large file size.

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:
19 Nov 2008 - updated Certified Coaches list, Results, Trail O Team page, Rogaine calendar
17 Nov 2008 - updated Rogaine calendar
16 Nov 2008 - updated Results, Events
12 Nov 2008 - updated Ski-Orienteering events schedule for 2008-09
11 Nov 2008 - minor changes (NOD, Coaching, Results)

Website designed by

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

©1999-2008 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.

	O' in the Oaks results available including Trail O' champs and photos
	Ski Orienteering schedule for 2008-09 added
	The 2008 Annual Fund Drive is underway! Also, details of the Capital Campaign
	Updated Committee Chairs / Board of Directors Restructuring Proposal
	Professional Staff Transition committee report available for member review

	* * * Last update: November 19, 2008
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. If you love maps, exploring, and the great outdoors, try orienteering. You'll be hooked for life! See an action-packed video about orienteering—best for high-speed Internet connections due to large file size. 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: 19 Nov 2008 - updated Certified Coaches list, Results, Trail O Team page, Rogaine calendar 17 Nov 2008 - updated Rogaine calendar 16 Nov 2008 - updated Results, Events 12 Nov 2008 - updated Ski-Orienteering events schedule for 2008-09 11 Nov 2008 - minor changes (NOD, Coaching, Results)
Website designed by If you have problems with or comments about this site, please contact the Webmaster (). ©1999-2008 US Orienteering Federation Photo credits: Jumper - Eric Bone; Child - Amy Brewer; Ski-O - Liz Kotowski