Program Notes
for a Printer Friendly version of this page, click here

Motts Run Orienteering Course

___________Important Information_______________

WELCOME!

Learning to use a map and compass together can be a challenge and also a thrilling experience.  Our orienteering course seeks to be very user friendly, and if done successfully will provide great exercise and fun for the entire family.

This course was designed and built as an Eagle Scout Service Project by Zach Bailey (Troop 179) in the summer of 2003.  It is patterned after the popular (and much larger) course at Prince William Forest Park.  The project involved numerous trips on site with a GPS unit, developing corresponding maps and course layout, and finally construction of the orange topped posts which mark the course waypoints.

LOCATION

The Motts Run Orienteering Course is located at Motts Run Reservoir, located on River Road in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, but owned and operated by the City of Fredericksburg.

PARK HOURS:  6am-Dusk, April through October.  Park Phone:  540-786-8989. 

Please check in at concession stand.  If park is closed, you may park at gate (do not block gate!) and walk in, but you do so AT YOUR OWN RISK! 

Directions:  Route 3 west from Fredb’g.  Approx. 1 mile west of I-95, turn RIGHT onto Bragg Road (at Giant food store).  Continue 1 mile.  Turn LEFT onto River Rd.  Park is 2.4 miles on LEFT.  (You will wind along the Rappahannock River, past Clore Bros. Canoe Outfitters, then up steep hill.  Park is another ½ mi. past crest of hill).  Follow gravel road into park.

Course begins near the Motts Run Nature Center.  Look for the orange-topped post behind port-a john, approx. 100 feet from center.  This is STARTING POINT for all maps.

COURSE USE (READ THIS!)

The course is designed for individuals or groups.  The terrain is HILLY throughout---this is NOT an easy stroll in the woods!   Maps and compasses are available for checkout from the Motts Run Nature Center, open on weekends from 12-5pm, April through October.  You may also print out maps from this website. 

• If purchasing a compass, a Silva Starter Compass works very well. (under $10)
• PRACTICE using compass BEFORE beginning course or bring experienced person
• If your compass can be preset for declination, know how to use it (won’t apply to most)
• Each course map STARTS and ENDS at POST #900!!
• Take all bearings while standing AT the posts (not a distance away)
• Always hike with a partner, especially if this is your first time on course
• Look at BACK of MAP for specifics on using map and compass together
• Use SCALE on map to get an idea of distances between posts
• Do the contours of land match the contours on map?!  (This can be helpful)
• Bring plenty of water
• Be on the lookout for underground yellow jacket nests from May-Frost.(carry medication if allergic)
• IF LOST:
  • Hike DOWNHILL (SW) toward WATER and trail along shore
  • OR, Hike UPHILL (NE) toward ROAD and walk to entrance

Please REPORT course use or questions to Linda Bailey, Nature Specialist, 540-372-1086, ext. 213 or lbailey@fredericksburgva.gov.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
(click on course name below to open map)

_______________________________________________________________

Course Name    Description      Terrain         Notes
_______________________________________________________________

 The Rounds            A good beginner loop              MODERATE       *Fallen trees b/w

 which circles Turkey                                                 stops 4 & 5    
             Ridge Trail.

__________________________________________________________________________

 The Four Corners A good beginner course           MODERATE       *Fallen trees b/w

                                                                                                                         stops 2 & 3

__________________________________________________________________________

 The Horn                 A good intermediate loop         MODERATELY        

with long scenic stretches.        STRENUOUS

__________________________________________________________________________

 The Hook                 A difficult beginning, but           MODERATELY

                                     otherwise gently sloping          STRENUOUS
                                     and scenic.

__________________________________________________________________________

 The Grand Loop    This course takes in all             MODERATE       *Fallen trees b/w

                                     posts.                                         STRENUOUS        stops 10 & 11

__________________________________________________________________________

 The Figure Eight    A challenging figure-eight        STRENUOUS     *Fallen trees b/w

                                     with a long end stretch.                                             stops 2 & 3

                                    Check bearing accuracy.

__________________________________________________________________________

 The Trio                   This course has two very          VERY                         

 long stretches with a                STRENUOUS

 large margin of error. 

 Make certain that your

 compass bearing is accurate.
            Check distances and VERIFY

 post numbers!

__________________________________________________________________________

 The Gully                 This course is relatively            VERY

 short, but crosses a                 STRENUOUS

 major draw and ridge.

__________________________________________________________________________

*NOTE:  Fallen trees from Hurricane Isabel in September, 2003, pose some additional challenge to these otherwise moderate routes.  If you need to get a bearing beyond a pile of downed trees, use the TOP of a specific tree for your landmark, then hike AROUND the debris!