What we’re about
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DC UL Backpacking hosts an average of 80 backpacking events each year, specializing in high-mileage, lightweight backpacking trips throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond. Our membership structure helps backpackers gain or enhance their outdoor skills. In general, our trips are quite challenging but you’ll find a wealth of experienced backpackers who are eager to share advice. Visit our website (www.dculbackpacking.com) to learn more about our group and our membership and trip ranks, and to read our FAQs.
Our goal: To cultivate a community of independent outdoorsmen and women who want nothing more than to have a fulfilling backcountry experience–to wake early, to walk far, and to travel light.
Join us. We look forward to meeting you!
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*** Read our liability waiver (https://dculbackpacking.com/about/liability-waiver/) and COVID-19 guidelines here: https://dculbackpacking.com/about/covid-19-guidelines/. ***
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- LM: Spruce knob and Seneca creek (~23 miles)Vienna Metro - North Parking Lot Kiss & Ride, Vienna, VA
Let’s backpack! Been wanting to check out this one
Leave Vienna at 4, meet at the spruce knob parking area and (dry) camp at one of the many spots near the parking lot.
Saturday we’ll meander north down the ridge, hike back south along the creek, and then turn around and follow the Allegheny mountain trail north until dropping back down to the creek and hopefully camping near a nice swimming hole.
Sunday hike back up the ridge to spruce knob and stop for some food on the way home.
Splits are ~1/13/9
Applicants, please send me your gear list and/or any questions to m8356423@gmail.com by 7/30! Will hold a few spots for applicants.
The fine print -- • As per our carpool policy, riders should plan to pay drivers $0.10/mile. (330 miles RT = $33) • DCULers have maps! Purple Lizard has a dolly sods/seneca rocks map that includes spruce knob i think • Members and above, make sure to pay your annual dues. You can check if you need to pay dues by seeing if the current year is listed next to your name in your DCUL profile. To pay your dues via PayPal, use this link: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/JenniferAdach/15 ($10 annual dues plus a $5 suggested donation to City Kids Wilderness Project). • By RSVPing to this trip or any other DCUL trip, you agree to DCUL's waiver liability.
I’m just a co-participant on this trip, not a guide or an expert. I have no special training, such as organizational, medical, or navigational. This is my first time hiking this trail even You are officially on the trip if you both RSVP on Meetup and you meet me at the trailhead. Otherwise, you are doing your own trip until you make physical contact with me and I recognize you as a co-participant. I’m open to questions.
- MO: Graves Mill and Rapidan with Lewis and Rose River Falls (~30 miles)Vienna-Fairfax Metro North Parking Lot, Vienna, VA
This is somewhat of a last minute trip, but the weather next weekend looks gorgeous, and I can't miss the opportunity to get on the trails. This is an easily accessible loop within 1 hr 30 min drive from Vienna metro, no shuttle required. There is plenty of water, the path follows rivers and creeks for the majority of the way. There are multiple water crossings, and you will get your feet wet. We will visit Lewis and Rose River waterfalls and stop by the historic Camp Hoover along the way. The majority of the route passes through SNP backcountry, but we are camping outside the park, so no permit is required. I have a park pass to cover hiking through the park. Please note that Day 1 is 20+ miles with 5K+ ascent, please make sure you are physically prepared for it. Splits are 22/8.
Meet at 6:45 am on Saturday 8/2 at Vienna Metro or at TH NLT 8:30 am. We will be leaving at 8:30 am sharp.
Caltopo: Graves Mill and Rapidan - CalTopo
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The fine print --- As per our carpool policy, riders should plan to pay drivers $0.10/mile.
- DCULers have maps! There are multiple maps of SNP backcountry you can use.
- Members and above, make sure to pay your annual dues. You can check if you need to pay dues by seeing if the current year is listed next to your name in your DCUL profile. To pay your dues via PayPal, use this link: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/JenniferAdach/15 ($10 annual dues plus a $5 suggested donation to City Kids Wilderness Project).
- By RSVPing to this trip or any other DCUL trip, you agree to DCUL's waiver liability.
- I’m just a co-participant on this trip, not a guide or an expert. I have no special training, such as organizational, medical, or navigational. You are officially on the trip if you both RSVP on Meetup and meet me at the trailhead. Otherwise, you are doing your own trip. I’m open to questions.
