The St. Lawrence Orienteering Course begins at the Wachtmeister Field Station and explores some of the interesting and diverse geologic features in the forest surrounding the Kip Trail. This course is meant to be enjoyed as a walk in the woods or a race - it's up to you to decide what your experience will be. If you aren't an experienced navigator and are looking to build your map and compass skills, orienteering is a great way to get started. Free downloadable maps and instructions are available below and at events. Be sure to print one before you go!
What is Orienteering? Orienteering is a competitive international sport that combines racing with navigation skills. Usually, an orienteering race is a timed event where individuals use specially crafted maps with topographic details of the area they will navigate. Racers select their route and navigate through diverse and often unfamiliar terrain, visiting designated control points described on the map.
The SLU course consists of a series of control sites marked by posts that look like this:
On the orienteering maps these control sites are circled and numbered according to either the Beginner or Full Course. Each post marks an interesting geographical feature on the course, and it's up to the participant to find that unique location (eg: riverbank, old growth tree).
Beginner Course: Made up of 10 control sites, this is a shorter route recommended for beginners, or those who have less time. Depending on your experience level, it can take 1-2 hours to reach all the controls on the beginner course at a walking pace.
Full Course: This course consists of 28 control sites located between Wachtmeister Field Station and Pike Road. At a walk, this course takes most people 3-4 hours. Keep the time of day in mind, and plan accordingly.
Location: The orienteering course begins at Wachtmeister Field Station, and is located in the forest surrounding the Kip Trail. This land is owned by St. Lawrence University and is open to the public. Please be respectful, and follow Leave No Trace principals. While the course is located near a familiar trail, many of the control sites are not near the trail. If you aren't an experienced navigator, we recommend bringing a friend your first time, and paying close mind to the recommended gear list and orienteering tips, below.
Orienteering Tips:
- Time: Keep the time of day in mind, and plan accordingly.
- Get to know the map! Regardless of your experience level, visit controls 1, 2, and 3 first to get an idea of how the map represents the land around you.
- Don't follow the shortest route between control sites - follow the smartest route. Use the map to avoid water and thick vegetation.
- Water: In the spring the course gets very wet, and some areas may stay wet through summer. Do not attempt to cross the Little River
- Lost or disoriented: If you find yourself lost or disoriented, try to find the Kip Trail first. Before leaving the trail to find a control, use your compass to find the direction. If you get lost, you can use the compass to find your way back. On the Kip trail, head West to return to Wachtmiester Field Station, and East to go to Pike Road.
Recommended Gear:
- St. Lawrence orienteering map (beginner or advanced)
- Compass*
- Waterproof boots
- Long, durable pants
- Bug spray (seasonal)
- Water
- Cell phone
- Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
*Compasses can be loaned out through Launders Science Library, located in Madill Hall at St. Lawrence University.
Questions about the St. Lawrence Orienteering Course can be directed to Nature Up North (info@natureupnorth.org) or the SLU GIS Program (gis@stlawu.edu).