Adventuring LGBTQ+ Outdoors Club

This is a demanding hike in the beautiful southern reaches of Shenandoah National Park. We stand a good chance of seeing a magnificent fall color display.

We’ll avoid the Parking Lot sometimes known as Skyline Drive entirely and start this trek at the western foot of the Blue Ridge. First we'll ascend Trayfoot Mountain, a long incline including an almost pure stand of witch-hazel and punctuated by some outstanding scenic overlooks. At the top we’ll reach the spectacular rock outcrop known as Blackrock Pinnacle, where we’ll Lollygag Dynamically™ no little time while inhaling vast panoramas. The top of Blackrock provides a breathtaking 360 degree view of the surrounding mountains and is reached with a short scramble.

After lunch at Blackrock, and a brief stroll down the Appalachian Trail, most of our descent will be on the Paine Run Trail, which will allow us to ford more than one of its various slippery stream crossings. (Wardrobe hint: Leave a pair of dry socks and street shoes in the car.)

Total length of this strenuous circuit hike is 9.5 miles, with 2200 feet of elevation gain. Bring beverages, lunch, sturdy boots, and bug spray. There will be a brief Sheetz stop about halfway to the trailhead for last minute supplies. Also, we plan to stop for a meal on the way back; expect a late return, possibly 9 p.m. or later. (Please contact the trip leader if you plan to meet at the trailhead.)

NOTE: Attendance on this trip must be limited to 12 because of limited trail head parking. Please be experienced and aerobically fit because of the elevation gain. If you RSVP, please be sure to reverse your RSVP status if you have to back out. Costs will include a transportation fee of about $20 for your driver if you carpool, a $5 trip fee for Adventuring, and your food bill.

[Update 10/1: This hike will occur as scheduled, with slight route changes, if necessary.]

In this version of our continued series of Greenbelt exploration hikes, we will promenade through the city in a figure-8 shaped hike. We will see the old, the newer, and the natural green space surrounding one of the first planned communities in the United States of the 1930's New Deal era. This is an easy-to-moderate hike of approximately 7 miles on paved and natural trails with some elevation changes.

Our hike begins in the heart of Old Greenbelt and winds through the historic city and small walkable community as we pass by some of the historic homes of Greenbelt's North End.

Next, we will make our way over to Greenbelt National Park for lunch and a quick trip into nature inside the beltway. After a small circuit in Greenbelt Park, we'll find our way back into Old Greenbelt.

Meet at Greenbelt Metro Station at 11:00 am, where we will form carpools just outside the station entrance. Bring lunch, water, comfortable shoes, and any other urban hiking gear you may need. Trip fees will be $5. RSVPs will open 2 weeks before the event.

This close-by natural area has been an Adventuring favorite in years past and the Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve has undergone some changes in the last few years. On this Daylight Saving Time Adjustment Day, we'll visit and explore to allow nature to help us adjust our body clocks and recover from yesterday's pancake-palooza.

Our moderate hike is approximately 5.3 miles in length with 700 feet of elevation gain in several steep sections. A moderate hike is generally suitable for novice hikers who want a bit of a challenge. The terrain will involve a moderate incline and may have some steeper sections.

Bring beverages, lunch, snacks, sturdy footwear, and about $10 for transportation and trip fees. There will *NOT* be a pitstop on this trip enroute to the trailhead. Meet at 9:00 a.m. in the East Falls Church Metro Kiss & Ride lot to form carpools. RSVPs will open 2 weeks before the event and close at 7pm the day before the hike.