Is prior experience needed?

No prior navigation experience is necessary, just a willingness to learn and explore.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring water, sturdy shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, notebook, and a compass if you have one.

Will we go into the backcountry?

Yes, the course includes practical navigation exercises in the park’s natural areas.

Can I participate if I have limited mobility?

The course is designed for active participants; please contact us to discuss accommodations.

Is there any age limit?

Participants should be at least 14 years old or accompanied by an adult.

Do I need to book in advance?

Yes, advance registration is required to secure a spot.

Map & Compass Navigation | Hiking in Luray | Self-Guided Tour | Hiking

Shenandoah National Park, located along the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia, offers more than just breathtaking vistas—it’s a proving ground for outdoor skills and self-reliance. Among the myriad activities here, the Map & Compass Navigation course stands out for its focus on fundamental land navigation skills that can turn you from a trail follower into a confident explorer. This full-day adventure is designed for anyone eager to deepen their outdoor competence without relying on digital devices. Beneath the canopy of towering hardwoods and rhododendron thickets, you'll learn to read topographic maps with precision, interpret natural markers like streams and ridges, and use a magnetic compass to determine directions. The instructors emphasize practical techniques, including sun navigation and terrain association, empowering participants to navigate confidently even in challenging conditions. Shenandoah’s diverse landscape—ranging from open ridges to dense forest—provides the perfect classroom for honing these skills. As you learn, you'll discover hidden viewpoints and lesser-known trail junctions, sharpening your ability to plan routes and stay safe in the wild. This experience isn’t just about navigation; it’s a way to connect deeply with the land, developing independence and confidence. Whether you’re preparing for a longer wilderness trek or simply seeking a fun, empowering outdoor skillset, this course offers valuable knowledge that sticks with you long after the day ends. Shenandoah’s rugged terrain, rich history, and natural beauty make it an ideal venue for mastering navigation—transforming how you experience the mountains and embrace the wilderness.

About Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park protects a section of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia and offers a wide range of outdoor experiences near Luray, Virginia. The park provides guided and self-guided opportunities for navigation skills, basket making, rock climbing, horseback riding, seasonal dining specials, shuttle tasting tours, and art events. Programs are delivered at notable park venues such as Skyland, Big Meadows Lodge, and visitor centers. Park staff and local partners lead instructional workshops and recreation experiences that follow National Park Service guidelines for visitor safety and resource protection.

Visitors can learn land navigation using magnetic compasses, topographic maps, and celestial cues on full-day courses, or book shorter interpretive activities like a one-hour horseback ride. Artisan-led classes teach traditional white-oak basket making over multi-hour hands-on workshops. Rock climbing programs accommodate a range of skill levels with multi-hour sessions on established routes. Seasonal dining events at Skyland Pollock Dining Room celebrate holidays with special plated entrees and regular menu options. Vineyard and distillery shuttle tours operate from Skyland and include guided narration, tastings, and a picnic lunch during a half-day excursion. Art in the Park painting events at Big Meadows Lodge combine guided instruction with light refreshments.

Shenandoah National Park emphasizes conservation, visitor education, and safe outdoor recreation. Facilities and programs aim to enhance appreciation of the park’s natural and cultural resources while providing accessible ways to experience the mountains. Reservations are recommended for limited-seating workshops and seasonal programs. Trail views include waterfalls, ridgelines, and wooded habitats for wildlife observation year-round opportunities.