SMOC Independence Oaks
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SMOC Independence Oaks
SMOC Independence Oaks is an orienteering event held at Independence Oaks with headquarters at the Twin Chimneys. The event offers a suite of mapped courses that send participants to a series of checkpoints in a prescribed order. Oakland County parks currently have free entry so no recreation passport or HC‑metropark pass is required.
Orienteering uses a detailed topographic map and a compass to find checkpoints. Participants may compete for time or move at a relaxed pace; the route between checkpoints is the participant’s choice. Navigation options include following trails or traveling cross country across hills, logs, and other natural features.
Course options and typical lengths:
- White/Beginner - 1 to 2 miles; points on trails; about 30–60 minutes walking
- Yellow/Intermediate - 2 to 3 miles; flags near major features; about 45–90 minutes walking
- Orange/Advanced - 3 to 5 miles; flags not visible from trails; cross country common
- Brown/Expert Short - 3 to 4 miles; highest technical difficulty; relocation is slow
- Green/Expert - 4 to 5 miles; high technical difficulty; longer navigation
- Red/Expert Long - 5 to 7 miles; longest expert course; extended navigation time
Recommended clothing and gear include long pants and sleeves, layers, shoes that can get dirty, snacks, water, and insect and ivy precautions. Loaner compasses are available for those without one. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
