Course Description

Land navigation skills are an essential part of safe wilderness travel. According to the National Park Service statistics, getting lost is a major contributing factor to wilderness emergencies. Not all those who wander are lost, but if you want to make it home or to another destination, it is best to spend some time honing your navigation skills.

Whether your travels keeps you on the trail or takes you off the beaten path, these classes will give you the skills, ability, and confidence for your next great adventure.

This is the fundamental class that builds the foundation for wilderness travel

• Reading and interpreting topographic maps

• Terrain association

• Compass selection and use

• Route planning for on and off-trail adventures

• Determining location using UTM/USNG coordinates

• Integrating GPS and smartphone apps

• Navigating off-trail

This course is taught 100% in the field, while navigating to points off-trail on the course used by the Backcountry Unit - Search & Rescue that operrates in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Appropriate fitness, clothing, water, snacks/lunch, and gear for off-trail travel is required. Check the weather forecast before the class!

Other Information:

• Other dates available upon group request

• Age: 12+ (under 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult)

• Class size limit: 16

• Classes start at 9:00 am and ends at 5:00 pm

• Meetup location - Harrison Branch Recreation Area, Tallassee, TN (16S GE 63733 38048)

• ​Please read the BPO Policies and FAQs before purchasing.

• FITNESS: Moderate fitness required - We hike approximately 5 miles off-trail