Wilderness Navigation with Map & Compass - 1 Day Course

Rocky Fork State Park

FROM:$100

Months of Operation:

March-November

Duration:

1 Day

Begins:

8:30 AM

Age Requirements:

Age 12+
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Overview & Highlights

This is for you if: You want an in-depth overview of how to use a map and compass to successfully navigate in the wild or on your local trail.

Do your adventures take you to remote areas where all you have is your own wits and training to rely on? Or do you prefer to keep your adventures closer to home by heading to your favorite local trail? In either case wilderness navigation skills will greatly enrich your experience by giving you the confidence to successfully head into the backcountry and return home safely.

Join former Army Infantry officer Scott Fisher learning the increasingly rare art of how to read a topo map and use a compass to successfully navigate in the wild. The first part of this comprehensive and fun hands-on class will be spent learning how to read a map and use a compass before progressing to terrain association, navigational techniques and route selection. After completing the classroom and hands-on exercises we will move to a trail close by in the afternoon to apply your new skills during a mild to moderate hike (~2 miles out and back). Maps and compasses provided.

This class is suitable both for those with and without previous experience. Age 12+. Maps and equipment provided.

Want to add a second day of instruction to learn additional skills and further increase your proficiency? Check out our 2-Day Wilderness Navigation Class.
Highlights:
  • Full day of hands-on wilderness navigation training that is comprehensive, professional and fun
  • Good mix of classroom instruction and outdoor practical exercises 
  • Excellent opportunity to develop knowledge and skills that will enrich your outdoor adventures
  • A supportive learning environment
  • An opportunity to apply what you have learned during a beautiful instructor-led hike
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Rocky Fork State Park Ranger Station

280 Jennie Moore Rd, Flag Pond, TN 37657, USA

Additional Information

  • What to Expect

    • Review map types, terms and features
    • Learn the difference between Lat/Long and UTM position reference systems
    • Learn how to plot and read a grid coordinate
    • Learn how to calculate distance
    • Learn how to read contour lines and identify terrain features
    • Learn how to determine and assess grade
    • Review types of compasses and their features
    • Learn how to take, plot and follow a bearing
    • Practice off-trail navigation
    • Learn what declination is and the role it plays
    • Learn to orient your map and compass
    • Learn resection to determine your location
    • Review navigational terms and techniques
    • Learn route selection considerations
    • Learn what to do if lost
    • Apply all these skills on a mild to moderate hike to bring it all together
  • Prerequisites

    • Good overall health and fitness
    • Able to walk off-trail on undulating terrain 
    • Able to safely hike 2 miles on a trail that gradually ascends (rated mild to moderate)
    • Participants should dress appropriately for weather and temperature
  • Includes

    • Wilderness navigation instruction 
    • Maps, compasses and other equipment
  • What to Bring

    Hiking shoes, clothing appropriate for extended periods outside, rain jacket (weather dependent), drinking water or sports drink (bring extra for hike, refilling is available onsite), bagged lunch, sun screen, daypack (optional), camp chair, notepad, pencil.

  • Meeting Location

    We will meet at the Rocky Fork State Park Ranger Station. Directions can be found here.
  • Additional Information

    Lodging and camping in the immediate vicinity is limited but there are a number of options within 20-45 minutes. There are primitive camp sites at Rocky Fork SP but they do not have facilities and require hiking in from the trailhead (~1-2 miles).  Camping with amenities, including tent and RV sites, is available at Woodsmoke Campground in Unicoi (~20 minutes away), Rock Creek Campground in Erwin (roughly 20-25 minutes away, open May-Oct), Grand View Ranch Campground in Unicoi (~35 mins away) and Blackberry Blossom Campground in Unicoi (~40-45 minutes away). Another option is Inner Wolf Retreat  in Mars Hill (20-25 minutes away). The closest hotel is a Super 8 in Erwin (15-20 minutes away) and there are hotels in Johnson City as well (35-45 minutes away).
  • Testimonials

    "Yesterday I spent all day at NOLI taking a VERY comprehensive class on Map & Compass. My primary personal goal was, 'without the aid of technology, orient yourself in the woods (at most) and get unlost (at least)'. One day made me NO expert, actually just taught me how much I have to learn, but....WOW. I highly recommend this to anyone who hikes regularly. Besides the fact that it is a BLAST, it is such an invaluable skill. The instructor was fantastic. No two people learn the same way so if you have to ask something to get to the answer in a different way, you'll be very pleased."

    - Julie A.

Policies & Agreements

  • Terms and conditions

    I certify that all registrants meet course prerequisites as defined in the course description, meet the minimum age requirements and do not have any medical conditions or limitations that would prevent their ability to safely participate in the activity.
  • Cancellation policy

    NOLI activities go rain or shine. If you cancel or decrease the number of participants in your party the following applies:

    Cancellations 30 or more days prior to your activity will receive a full refund.
    Cancellations 14-29 days prior to the activity date will receive a full reservation booking voucher.
    Cancellations 0-13 days prior to the activity date are not extended a refund or voucher.
    No Shows are not extended a refund or voucher.

Upcoming Dates & Availability

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