You can see a lot from your trails, but sometimes the best places are stumbled upon by accident. Get off the beaten path and explore your woodlot with the help of a map, compass, GPS unit, or smart phone.
This 12-minute video reviews the parts of a compass and map and explains how to use these tools to navigate through the woods.
There are hundreds of compass models out there. This guide from outdoor supplier REI explains the different kinds of compasses and their features to help you pick the right one for you.
Similar to the compass guide, this REI article gives tips on choosing a handheld GPS unit. It includes a description of features, discusses the role of smartphones in outdoor navigation, and includes a video with more information.