SMOC Independence Oaks
November 15th 2026 12:00pm - 3:00pm
Organizer: Ken Lemieux (Event Director)
SMOC returns to Independence Oaks after a 9-year absence!
Enjoy a suite of courses. HQ will be at Twin Chimneys; Oakland County parks are free entry. This park has a lot of open woods with minimal fight. If you've been thinking about leveling up, this is the park to try a harder course. Based on our volunteer vetting of the Red course, expect the top runners to finish Red in about an hour.
This is also a 4H event, so turnout should be higher than normal.
What is orienteering?
Using a detailed topographic map, navigate to a series of checkpoints (in order for this event). Race competitively or enjoy a relaxing nature hike with family or friends - the choice is yours! The route between checkpoints is also your choice - take a longer trail option, or head off cross country across hills and over logs...you decide!
Schedule
11:xx Can start when we are all set.
11:30 Can definitely start.
2:00 No more starts
3:00 Courses closed; flags may get pulled at any time. If you are new and/or taking on a difficult course, you may want to start earlier.
Course Descriptions
White/Beginner - 1.2K. Takes 30-60 minutes to walk. Points are on trails.
Yellow/Intermediate - 3.2K. Takes 45-90 minutes to walk. Flags are visible from the trail, but on nearby major features.
Orange/Advanced - 3.9K. Takes 90-120 minutes to walk. Flags are generally not visible from trails. Cross-country travel is common/generally necessary at some points.
Brown/Expert Short - 4.6K. Takes 90-120 minutes to walk (w/out mistakes). This course has the highest technical difficulty - flags are on small features well off trail. Mistakes will take a long time to correct, as strong relocation features are not nearby.
Green/Expert - 5.1K. Takes 120-150 minutes to walk (w/out many mistakes). This course also has the highest technical difficulty.
Red/Expert Long - 6.0K. Takes 150-180 minutes to walk (w/out many mistakes). This course also has the highest technical difficulty.
What to wear/bring
Your mileage may vary; you can't go too wrong with this:
- Long pants (potential for ivy off trail)
- Long sleeves, ideally in orange.
- Layers for the temp
- Shoes that can get dirty. Trail running shoes work great (whether you are running or not)
- Shoes for afterwards in case you find mud or marshes
- Snacks and water for on the course
- Insect precautions
- Ivy precautions
We have loaner compasses if you don't have one.