What we’re about
We're an adults-only group that walks and hikes in VA, DC, and MD. There are no event or membership fees.
Upcoming events (2)
See all- Historic Germanna and SalubriaHistoric Germanna Visitor Center, Locust Grove, VA
Let's hike along the Rapidan River in the Seigen Forest at Historic Fort Germanna!
After the hike we will make an optional visit Salubria, an 18th century Georgian-style house about 10 minutes' drive from Germanna that is having its once-a-year open house. Those interested can sign up for a ticket (optional donation of $10) to tour the house and grounds.
❶ What we'll do:
- From the parking lot in front of the Visitor Center we'll walk southwest to the Open-air Cloister and hike the Chimney and Witness Tree Trail, about 0.5 miles. Returning to the start point, we'll hike the Red Trail along the Rapidan River to Flat Run Church and return, about 4.5 miles.
- The total hike is about 5 miles and should take around 2 hours, not including the visit to Salubria afterwards. The surface is mostly dirt trails. After the descent to the riverbed, the first half of the Red Trail is mostly flat; after the rock outcropping over the Rapidan, the trail rises and falls over several 100-foot elevation changes. This is a easy to moderate hike.
- Please review the Google map: https://tinyurl.com/2px95b35
- After the hike, those wishing to tour Salubria can get back in their cars and drive west for about 8.6 miles on VA-3W/Germanna Highway to 19173 Salubria Ln, Stevensburg, VA 22741. See https://maps.app.goo.gl/gQtdLPFvVubEmDxh6 . Remember to get a ticket in advance here!
❷ How to get there:
- From the I-495 Capital Beltway (either direction), take I-95 south for about 38 miles. Take Exit 130B from I-95, and head west on VA Route 3. Proceed approximately 17 miles, and the Historic Germanna Visitor Center is on the left (south) side of the road. See https://maps.app.goo.gl/XUwmxqj3uexxEsB78
- Sorry, this is not a Metro-accessible hike.
❸ What to bring: Water, comfy shoes, and your furry friend (leashes please). Sunscreen and possibly bug spray are recommended. A change of shoes is recommended for the Salubria tour.
❹ Weather: The forecast is partly cloudy and a high of 69F with light NW winds and a 15% chance of showers, increasing after 4 pm. Updates here: https://tinyurl.com/29ckekv4
❺ Advisory: As a reminder, this is an adult group, and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety and well-being during events. No one under 18 years of age is allowed at this event, either as members or as guests, to include babies in carriers and/or strollers.
❻ Administrative stuff: Restrooms are located in the Germanna Visitor Center, but it doesn't open until after the hike, at 1 pm! You may want to make a pit stop on your way to the hike at the museum. See recommended locations in the notes below.
❼ Notes:
- Historic Germanna Visitor Center, 2062 Germanna Hwy, Locust Grove, VA 22508, (540) 423-1700. https://germanna.org/
- Salubria, 19173 Salubria Ln, Stevensburg, VA 22741, (540) 423-1700. https://germanna.org/salubria/
- Burger King, 36061 Goodwin Dr, Locust Grove, VA 22508
- McDonald's, 5480 Germanna Hwy, Locust Grove, VA 22508
- Sheetz, 5504 Germanna Hwy, Locust Grove, VA 22508
- Starbucks, 2222 A And K Blvd, Locust Grove, VA 22508
- Walmart Supercenter, 2533 Germanna Hwy, Locust Grove, VA 22508
- Glen Echo & C & O Canal Towpath HikeGlen Echo Park Parking, Glen Echo, MD
Saturday will be a fine day to meet at the Glen Echo Park and then tromp on the C & O Canal. Glen Echo is a neat venue which includes a carousel, an art gallery, a photography gallery, and a dance hall. Details here
❶ What we'll do:
- We'll hike about 5 miles from the Glen Echo Amusement Park to the C & O Canal Towpath and back. The hike is mostly on paved trails or on the Towpath. Apart from the descent into and especially the steep steps out of the Potomac River basin, it's fairly level and easy going.
- Google map: https://tinyurl.com/4h9am8ee
❷ How to get there:
- From the I-495 Capital Beltway (either direction), take exit 39 to merge onto MD-190 E/River Rd toward Washington. Follow MD-190 E/River Rd for 1.5 miles and turn right onto MD-188 W/ Wilson Ln. After following MD-188 W/ Wilson Ln for almost a mile, turn left onto Macarthur Blvd. Follow Macarthur Blvd for just under half a mile and turn right onto Oxford Rd. The parking area will be on your left, in front of the Clara Barton National Historic Site (temporarily closed). See https://goo.gl/maps/WfwewxJoJwqEWrnw8
- Sorry, this is not a Metro-accessible hike. But there is bus access via Montgomery County Rt. 29 via Friendship Heights Metro station.
❸ What to bring: Water, comfy shoes and your furry friend if desired (leashes are mandatory).
❹ Weather: The forecast is for a high around 68 F and sunny. Updates here: https://tinyurl.com/2xfsr9w6
❺ Advisory: As a reminder, this is an adult group, and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety and well-being during events. No one under 18 years of age is allowed at this event, either as members or as guests, to include babies in carriers and/or strollers.
❻ Administrative stuff: Glen Echo Park has a top notch bathroom that people can use before or after the hike. There is one portable restroom along our route.
❼ Notes:
- Glen Echo Café, 7300 Macarthur Blvd, Bethesda, MD 20816
- Irish Inn At Glen Echo, 6119 Tulane Ave, Glen Echo, MD 20812
- 7-Eleven, 7305 Macarthur Blvd, Bethesda, MD 20816
- Glen Echo Exxon, 6729 Goldsboro Rd, Bethesda, MD 20817
