Silas Map Adventure is an annual orienteering event co-sponsored by

Kinnelon Boy Scout Troop 277 and Hudson Valley Orienteering

(In honor of late Kinnelon resident, Boy Scout ASM, and Silas Map Maker, Bjorn Waalberg).​

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Pre-registration is strongly recommended (deadline is Thursday Nov 13th, 11:59pm). Although registration is available on the day, it helps with map printing estimates if you register ahead of time to help ensure sufficient maps are available for the courses you are interested in.

 

What is ORIENTEERING?

Orienteering is a fun sport which is something like a race with a treasure map.  During a run or hike in our beautiful park, participants find checkpoints with the help of a map and a compass.  Since you use map-reading and compass skills, it is a race that requires using your head to find your way…cunning running! Find all the checkpoints in numerical order the quickest for the win! Or just enjoy the time in this gem of a park.

 

What to bring: water, dressed for the weather and a hike/run

in the woods (sneakers might get muddy), a compass if you have one (we

have some to lend you if you don’t). Bring some picnic food to enjoy after your trip. The Boy Scouts will be accepting donations and serving some hot and cold goodies near the finish line.
 

Courses (courses set by Kseniya Popova)
 

EVENT FORMAT: We're offering two different orienteering formats at this event to suit different preferences and skill levels!
 

REGULAR FORMAT COURSES: Traditional point-to-point orienteering where you visit controls in a specific numbered sequence from start to finish.
 

White (1.3 km) - Beginner-friendly course following trails and obvious features

Yellow (2.3 km) - Introductory navigation with some slight off-trail control placements

Orange (2.6 km) - Intermediate challenge requiring map reading skills and route choice

SCORE-O FORMAT: In Score Orienteering, you have 90 minutes to collect as many controls as possible in any order! Every control is worth the same value, so your goal is to find as many as you can as quickly as possible. Plan your route strategically - returning late results in point penalties, so budget your time wisely! This format is designed for advanced orienteers but anyone is welcome to give it a try.

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​TERRAIN CONDITIONS: With autumn in full swing, trails are covered with leaves and can be very difficult to see - pay close attention to your map! The good news is that visibility through the woods is excellent. Be aware that Silas Condict is very rocky terrain, so watch your footing carefully throughout your course to avoid twists and falls.

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Questions can be directed to Event Directors:

Liz Merritt and Ching-Hua Chen (email)​

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About the terrain
Silas is a medium size park that had expanded to the west and south with donated / purchased undeveloped land. Oak, Sassafras and Maple are the primary trees, with a few pine trees near the parking lots or near hill tops. Fall leaf color is near peak, with only a few green leaves left.

 

One large pond and one or two medium sized swamps are the primary water features, with plenty of side streams and re-entrants to explore. Lots of granite cliffs and rock features for intermediate and advanced courses, but plenty of trails for the beginner courses, although most will have leaf cover.

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How to get there
From the interchange of I-287 and NJ Rte 23, take Rte 23 North (I-287 exit 52B). Follow Rte 23 North for about 3.5 miles and take the ramp on the right to Kinnelon Rd / Kiel Ave (it is about 0.5 mi past the pedestrian overpass, just before the next signal). At end of ramp (signal) turn left onto Kiel Ave. Go straight across Rte 23 onto Kinnelon Road, and continue about 1.1 mi to the park entrance (William Lewis Arthur Drive) on the right.

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Follow park road about 0.8 mi to parking at the (far) end. Registration will be at the pavilion.

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NOTE: Navigation systems/websites might direct you to turn right onto Ricker Rd. Do NOT turn onto Ricker Rd! There is NO vehicular access to the park from Ricker Rd! Instead, continue straight, about 0.2 mi, to the park entrance (William Lewis Arthur Dr). 

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Google Maps – Use “Silas Condict Park” as destination, or click on the map or link above, in the left column…

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