Orienteering is the sport of navigating with a map. Orienteering is easy to learn but always challenging. The object is to run or walk to a series of points shown on the map. You choose the 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.

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