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Sunday
Pre-registration is required and will open Monday, October 12 at 6pm, closing at 12 noon on Saturday Oct. 17, the day before the event. There will be no day-of registration.
Note the updated date! We have switched the dates of Hemlock event with the PWF Oak Ridge due to the potential limited parking situation at Oak Ridge.
Hemlock Overlook Regional Park is a classic location in QOC’s portfolio, regularly hosting meets in the late fall and winter, including two national-ranking (A-meet) events over the years, including a day of the Intercollegiate Championships.
Course Setter Chris Gross had designed a full set of classic courses for Winter 26/27, but due to the Snowcrete winter storm, the event was cancelled (and rescheduled and re-cancelled!). We’re excited though that we’ll finally be able to run Chris’ courses in this slightly warmer weather.
We will be hosting the event from the Kincheloe Soccer Fields location, which will mean most courses will involve a remote start (review your course notes when they’re posted!). It is earlier in the fall, so we are expecting some other park users, and as such, carpooling is encouraged. Look for volunteers directing parking to ensure we make optimal use of all the spaces.
Volunteer
Have a bit of time to help? Join the crew by signing up via this form or email the Event Director for other volunteering opportunities.
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| Course Details |
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| Course Notes |
The location of the parking/finish area relative to the main mapped area requires us to pass through a narrow corridor of public land bounded by the river and private land.
The blue course will cross an area at the far north end of the map that has mapped small buildings that appear to have been removed. This shouldn’t affect navigation into any control. |
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| Registration | Pre-registration is required. Registration opens at 6pm on the Monday before this event and closes at 12 noon the day before the event. |
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| Schedule |
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| Location | Hemlock Overlook Regional Park, Kincheloe Soccer Parking, Clifton, Virginia | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Driving Directions |
Hemlock Overlook Regional Park, Kincheloe Soccer Parking, Clifton, Virginia
Google Maps Link Apple/iPhone Link
From Clifton VA, take Main Street (route 641) south for 1 mile. Then GO STRAIGHT and continue on this road (now called Kincheloe Rd) for another 1.2 miles. The soccer parking area will be on your right.
A printable graphic overview is available here. |
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| Entry Fees | Individual Entries Note: juniors = under 21
Group Entries Participants are welcome to orienteer together as a group (up to the maximum for that event; usually 4). Each member of a group is charged their individual rate as shown above, up to a group total of $30 (maximum), and each receives a map. A group receives one epunch. Important Notes
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| FAQ |
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Volunteers
- Event Director : Aaron Linville
- Event Director : Matthew Knight
- Course Designer : Chris Gross
Course Details
| Course Name | Length (km) | Climb (m) | No. Controls | Scale |
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| White | 1.8 | 15 | 9 | 1:5000 |
| Yellow | 3 | 55 | 11 | 1:5000 |
| Orange | 4.4 | 120 | 12 | 1:7500 |
| Brown | 3.2 | 80 | 9 | 1:7500 |
| Green | 5.1 | 185 | 11 | 1:10000 |
| Red | 6.8 | 235 | 15 | 1:10000 |
| Blue | 8.7 | 360 | 20 | 1:10000 |
Course Notes
The location of the parking/finish area relative to the main mapped area requires us to pass through a narrow corridor of public land bounded by the river and private land.
This results in the following:
- An approximately 700 meter walk to a remote start for all courses except white.
- A relatively short white course that uses the fields near the parking/finish area. The white course will have its own start near registration.
- A viable route choice along a trail for brown, red and blue will be marked as an out-of-bounds route. This trail runs along the edge of private property and is just outside the public property line.
- MOST IMPORTANTLY: a need to respect the private property boundaries so we can continue to use this park. Your map will show the boundary line slightly north of the main trail west of the soccer fields. This is necessary to allow you to read the map, but in fact the main trail is the boundary. Please stay out of the fields north of the main trail and note the out-of-bounds trail route on brown, red and blue.
The blue course will cross an area at the far north end of the map that has mapped small buildings that appear to have been removed. This shouldn’t affect navigation into any control.
Registration
Pre-registration is required. Registration opens at 6pm on the Monday before this event and closes at 12 noon the day before the event.
Schedule
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Sunday, October 18
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location
Driving Directions
Google Maps Link
Apple/iPhone Link
A printable graphic overview is available here.
Entry Fees
Individual Entries
Note: juniors = under 21
| Club Member, adult | Club Member, junior | Non-Member, adult | Non-Member, junior |
| $10 | $5 | $20 | $5 |
Group Entries
Participants are welcome to orienteer together as a group (up to the maximum for that event; usually 4). Each member of a group is charged their individual rate as shown above, up to a group total of $30 (maximum), and each receives a map. A group receives one epunch.
Important Notes
- If you wish to become a QOC member you should join online in advance via this webpage (which also explains the member benefits). Membership is completely optional.
- Most of our events use an 'epunch' timing chip for electronic timing. Individuals or groups without their own epunch will be loaned one for that event. Loaned epunches that are lost incur a $60 replacement fee. Epunches (also known as SI-cards or finger sticks) can be purchased from online vendors as described here.
- Former QOC members who have let their membership lapse pay non-member fees.
- Compasses are available at no charge, but if lost incur a $15 replacement fee.
- After completing their first course, orienteers who'd like to try a second one may do so with approval from the Event Director.
- There is no planned, on-site beginner instruction, but beginners are encouraged to watch relevant videos such as this one created by QOC's instructional guru David Onkst
FAQ
- What should I expect at a QOC orienteering event?
Participants navigate through diverse terrain — wooded areas, open fields, and sometimes waterways — using a map and compass. QOC offers a full range of courses to suit every skill level, from beginner-friendly to advanced, so newcomers and experienced orienteers can compete side by side. Events test your navigation skills and endurance, and, for groups, teamwork, all at your own pace.
- What should I bring to a QOC event?
Comfortable outdoor clothing and sturdy footwear suited to the terrain and weather, a water bottle and snacks, and a compass and whistle if you have them — loaners of both are available if needed.
- Do I need experience to try orienteering with QOC?
No experience is necessary. Beginner instruction is offered on-site at every event, and newcomers can prepare in advance with QOC's Your First Event and For Beginners pages, including this instructional video from QOC's David Onkst. Any other questions can be sent through our Contact Form.
- Can I orienteer with a group?
Yes — QOC welcomes groups of orienteers at most events. See our Group Leaders page for tips on running as a group, and check each event's Entry Fees section for group size limits and pricing.
- What is QOC's registration policy?
QOC uses pre-registration only — there is no day-of, on-site registration, and refunds are issued only if an event is cancelled. Each event's own Registration section lists that event's specific sign-up window.
- Are pets allowed at QOC events?
Well-behaved pets are welcome at most venues, but must be kept on a leash and under the owner's control at all times. Check each event's own announcement for any venue-specific restrictions.
- How can I volunteer at a QOC event?
QOC runs on volunteer support, from course setting and registration to control pickup — no experience is necessary for most roles. Each event's announcement includes a way to sign up (usually a SignUpGenius link) or to contact that event's director directly to offer help.
