COMPASS TRAIL 4
Red - Odd Years
The Shiloh Military Trail Hike No. 4 is a Compass Hike.
This is a rugged cross country hike. Shiloh battlefield has much thick undergrowth present today--just as it did before the great battle occurred there. Snakes are also present during warm weather so be prepared for such. This trail is especially recommended during fall and winter seasons when undergrowth and leaves are not as thick, visibility better, and cross-country hiking much easier. However this compass trail can be hiked any time during the year you care to tackle it.
A good compass including knowledge of how to use it is a must. A liquid-filled compass is highly recommended, as it will increase your speed in taking accurate bearings. ALL DEGREE READINGS GIVEN IN INSTRUCTIONS ARE MAGNETIC READINGS--therefore no correction is required for Magnetic Declination. Set compass to the reading given as accurately as possible for each azimuth. Distances given in instructions are approximately only. The length of each compass leg was scaled from a (to the nearest 50 ft) so is "flat land" distance and no allowance was made for hills and ravines. You should know how to offset your course around obstacles. CONSULT YOUR MAP FREQUENTLY TO CHECK YOUR LOCATION AND ROUTE. If you should get lost either try to return to your last point or go to the nearest road or determine your location. If you should encounter high water anywhere along the trail consult your map and take a route on roads to get you around the water and to the next plaque or monument sought.
Start early--this trail takes time. Go by buddies or groups and not alone. Wear long pants and boots (or good leather shoes). In summer carry a snake bites kit. Take a canteen and pencil--both needed. Each group should be equipped with a first aid kit.
Leaders--please see that there is no smoking in the woods. We must practice fire prevention at all times. This hike is through woods and fields, which are often very dry. Leaders must see that no one in their hiking group smokes along this trail.
PLEASE READ ALL OF THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY! THEY ARE IMPORTANT.
Before making this hike, again read the Rules on Part B of the yellow unit application blank concerning Scout conduct. Remember no rock throwing; do not mark on any monument or plaques; be a credit to scouting.
REQUIREMENTS
Hike the entire compass trail as specified on foot following all instructions given.
Write answers to the questions asked about the plaques and monuments visited and submit the completed credential card for this hike.
Read the interesting four page newspaper reprint) by Paul Vanderwood from the Memphis Press-Scimitar) describing the Battle of Shiloh. This reprint is available from the Shiloh Military Trail Committee.
ROUTE
Start early--this trail takes time. Go by buddies or groups and not alone. Wear long pants and boots (or good leather shoes). In summer carry a snake bite kit. Take a canteen and pencil--both needed. Each group should be equipped with a first aid kit.
LEADERS--please see that there is NO SMOKING in the woods. We must practice fire prevention at all times. This hike is thru woods and fields, which are often very dry. Leaders must see that no one in their hiking group smokes along this trail.
PLEASE READ ALL OF THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY! THEY ARE IMPORTANT.
Before making this hike, again read the Rules on Part B of the yellow unit application blanks concerning Scout conduct. Remember no rock throwing; do not mark on any monument or plaque; be a credit to Scouting.
DO NOT CUT OR BLAZE THE TRAIL - Leave the woods and trees as undisturbed as you found them. Do not discard paper or trash in the woods.
ALL SHILOH MILITARY TRAIL HIKES ARE APPROVED BY B.S.A. NATIONAL CAMPING SERVICE.
REQUIREMENTS FOR AWARDS:
- Read (or listen attentively to it being read) the story which accompanies the hike directions. It is recommended that this be read aloud by a leader to a hiking group before, then again as the hike is made.
- Take the self-guided automobile tour of the battlefield as per the National Parks Service map and brochure given out in the Visitor Center.
- Take the entire hike exactly as specified.
- Each hiker fills out his own Credential Card as he makes the hikes. Each is to write answers to questions asked on the Trek Instruction Sheet.
- Visit the Shiloh National Military Park Visitor Center and Museum and while these see the movie "Shiloh - Portrait Of A Battle".
- Abide by all rules of the Shiloh Military Trail Committee and the National Parks Service at Shiloh National Military Park.
A. All hikers must be under the supervision of a responsible adult leader at all times while in Shiloh National Military Park. Scout groups should wear uniforms.
B. Hike Safely, be especially careful when hiking along or crossing roads.
C. Do not leave any litter along the way. Be a good example for other park visitors. It is recommended that hikers do a good turn by picking up any litter observed on the route and placing it in trash cans located throughout the park.
D. Be courteous, orderly, and most cooperative when visiting indoor areas such as the Visitors Center, Ed Shaw's Restaurants, the Park Book Store, ETC.
AWARDS:
Upon successfully completing the requirements for the Shiloh Military Trail Compass Hike you are entitled to purchase if you wish an attractive Compass Trail Patch. This patch is fully embroidered in four colors. Small pins also available.
NOTE--Due to the tremendous popularity of the Shiloh Military Trail original Compass Hike a path became worn between many checkpoints. This revised route takes compass hikers over new terrain not formerly covered. In the future these two routes for compass hikers will be periodically alternated.

COMPASS TRAIL #4
ANSWER CARD
COMPASS TRAIL
#4 MAP
COMPASS TRAIL #4 INSTRUCTIONS
COMPASS TRAIL 4 Hiking Instructions
Start
START AT SMALL CONCRETE MARKER LOCATED ABOUT 23 FT. EASTt(135 deg) OF THE ENTERING SHILOH NATIONAL MILITARY PARK SIGN LOCATED ON TENN. HIGHWAY #22 NORTHWEST OF PEACH ORCHARD RESTAURANT. THIS MARKER IS LABELED 'HWY RW'. .
Now you many want to take a break, eat lunch, visit the museum, see the movie, etc., before resuming the trail.
From this plaque hike 184 degrees for 2500 feet to reach the blue plaque in Fraley Field - this is where you were at point 2 or question number 2, early in the hike.
From this blue plaque in Fraley Field hike 256 degrees for 900 feet to a red plaque in Wood Field.
From here finish the trail by following 193 degrees for 1400 feet to the Starting Point.