Fall foliage, tremendous trees, 8:30 a.m., all ages, Nov. 1, North Tract of Patuxent Research Refuge, Md. 198 between the B/W Pkwy. and Md. 32, Laurel. Guided walk. 301-497-5887.

Owens Creek Campground open for family camping through Nov. 15, Catoctin Mountain Park, Thurmont . 301-663-9388.

Hikes

Fall color walk, 1:30 and 3 p.m. today, Hog Rock parking area in Catoctin Mountain Park, Thurmont . Ranger-led hikes. 301-663-9388.

Gambrill State Park, Wednesday with the Mountain Club of Md. 8.6-mile circuit hike. 410-730-5957.

Sugarloaf Mountain hike, Nov. 1, with the Mountain Club of Md., lunch at White Rocks, circuit hike. 805-300-4698 for details.

Catoctin Mountain Park hike, Nov. 1, with the Mountain Club of Md. 10-mile circuit hike. 410-747-1081.

Birds and butterflies

Bird walk, 10 a.m. Wednesday ages 12 and older, National Wildlife Visitor Center, Powder Mill Road between the B/W Pkwy. and Md. 197, Laurel. Free. 301-497-5887.

Van trip to Hawk Mountain, Pa., 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Nov. 14, sponsored by Frederick County Parks and Rec. Trip departs from and returns to Fountain Rock Park, 8516 Fountain Rock Court, Walkersville . Ages 12 and older. BYO lunch, water and money for dinner on return trip. $25. Register at 301-60-2936.

Washington County bird club meets 7:30 p.m., fourth Tuesday of the month, Mount Aetna Nature Center, Mount Aetna Road, Hagerstown. 301-797-8454.

Hunter education classes

These classes require registration. Students under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Monday to Thursday, Cresap Rifle Club, Plant Road, Frederick . 301-845-2611.

Saturday, home study and Internet education course classroom/field program. Must register at least two weeks prior and complete independent study prior to class held at Mount Airy IWLA, 6642 Woodville Road, Mount Airy . Register at The Gun Center, 1713 Rosemont Ave., Frederick or Gun Shack/Crosswind, 101 S. Main St. Mount Airy .

Nov. 4, 6, 7 and 9, Mount Airy , IWLA, 6642 Woodville Road, Mount Airy . 301-698-5277.

Nov. 5 to 7, Frederick IWLA, 4719 Reels Mill Road, Frederick . 301-473-7210.

Other activities

Orienteering (map and compass reading), 1 p.m. Nov. 7, 15, 21 and 22, Catoctin Mountain Park visitor center, Md. 77, Thurmont . Classroom and hands-on instruction. Free. Register at 301-663-9388.

Cresap Rifle Club, open to the public 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Located on Plant Road. Pistol range; rifle and black powder range 50 and 100 yards; shotguns slug only. Donation of $2 per shooter and $1 for each target you shoot (provided by the club). 301-662-0443 or 301-662-6669.

Tuscarora Gun Club, Md. 28 near Point of Rocks , open to the public 6 to 9 p.m. on Mondays for skeet shooting, 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays for skeet and trap shooting, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays for skeet and trap shooting. 301-874-2620.

Send items for Compass to: Compass/Travel & Outdoors section, The News-Post, 351 Ballenger Center Drive, Frederick MD 21703; fax 301-662-8299; or e-mail to sguynn@newspost.com. Items submitted for publication must be received at least 10 days prior to publication.

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