About us
Welcome Hikers!
Our goal is to help you explore on foot the abundance of wonderful natural places Virginia has to offer. If you're a beginner, we'll make sure that you never hike alone (unless you want to!). We'll also teach you how to become an intrepid hiker capable of exploring wherever (the rugged Shenandoah National Park, for instance) and whenever (at night!). We're aided in our efforts to get out and explore by Great Outdoor Provision Co., which provides us space for clinics and meetings, and pays the fee for our Meetup site.
Membership Information:
Our leadership team consists of dedicated volunteers who work hard and give generously of their time so that we have a calendar full of fun events. As a Member, you can help show your appreciation by helping with the following:
Member Profile & Photo:
Name: Please refrain from using an alias – use your first name or first name and initial from last (i.e. Jane or Jane D).
Introduction: Write a line or two about yourself…
Picture: Please include a picture of yourself – not your dog, random landscape, group photo, etc… This is extremely helpful to event organizers who are trying to identify you. As a point of safety concerns – many hike leaders/event organizers will REQUIRE A PROFILE PHOTO FOR ATTENDANCE IN AN EVENT!!! Without an acceptable photo, you may find that you’re moved from attending an event to being waitlisted. If you have difficulty in uploading a photo, any event organizer will be happy to try to help you. If you have a personal reason for not wanting to post your photo, please include “No Photo” at the end of your Profile Introduction and be sure to communicate this to your event organizer(s).
Hike Ratings: You will find upcoming events posted on the Home Page as well as the calendar. Please read each event/hikes description to see if it’s a good fit for you. If you have any concerns about your ability to do a hike, please contact the Hikes Event Organizer. We want to the experience to be fun and safe for both you and your fellow hikers. If you are new to the group and/or new to hiking please review Hike Ratings - Hike Ratings.
Know your capabilities before you sign up for a hike. The ratings system was developed so you have a good idea what you’re signing up for. Hike Leaders may screen prospective hikers to make sure that each participant can finish the hike. Self-evaluation and screening are important because someone who can’t finish a hike puts himself in danger and ruins the enjoyment for all.
Code of Conduct: Members of GetHiking Charlottesville are required to show their organizers, hike leaders, sponsors and other members the utmost courtesy and respect. Disrespect or harassment of any kind will not be tolerated and you will be immediately removed and banned from the group. If you feel you’ve been a victim of such behavior please bring it to the Organizer’s/Co-Organizer’s attention.
GetHiking Charlottesville is NOT a dating MeetUp group. We promote being in the outdoors, friendships, fitness and fun. Do not assume because someone is single and in the group that they are waiting for you to sweep them off their feet. Chances are, they aren’t. There are plenty of other MeetUp groups and websites, that are meant specifically for dating. Please join one of those, if you’re looking for someone to date…As member of GetHiking Charlottesville you agree to Code of Conduct
Disclaimer:
GetHiking Charlottesville Organizers are not professional guides. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking alone. By signing up for and/or attending our events, you acknowledge, understand, accept and agree that the activities we organize can be dangerous and can cause serious bodily injury and possibly death.
GetHiking’s Charlottesville's Organizer, Co-Organizers, Event Organizers and Sponsors are not responsible for the safety of participants, members and guest. We will try our best to prevent accidents, but we are not responsible if something happens to you.
By joining GetHiking Charlottesville you acknowledge and accept this disclaimer - GetHiking's DisclaimerRSVP:
When you RSVP for an event, you take up one of the allotted spaces for that event. If you don't show up, you deny another member the opportunity to attend. The same applies to changing your RSVP from "yes" to "no" just before an event. Even if an event is not full, the organizer must often make arrangements based on the number of people that RSVP'd and sometimes make last minute adjustments based on the number that actually attend.
Please be respectful of both the person organizing the event as well as other members who would have enjoyed the opportunity to join in the fun but were denied that opportunity due to a no-show.
Only RSVP, if you plan to attend! If your plans change and you are no longer able to attend, please update your RSVP as soon as possible. Not showing up for an event results in a “No Show”. Three No Shows can lead to membership suspension and/or being dropped from events with a waitlist. It is each member’s responsibility to keep up with their RSVP’s… For more info see - RSVP and No Shows
Hiking With Dogs:
Dogs are allowed on hikes at the discretion of the Hike Leader and the policies/regulations of the trails and area being hiked. Rather than assume that your pup is welcome on a hike, please ask in the hike's comment section if this is a "dog friendly hike". Prior to bringing your dog, please review our - Dog Policy
Dogs must be kept on a short (max 6’, non-retractable) leash
Owners must pick up after their dogs
Owners must bring plenty of water for their dog
Dogs must be well behaved and capable of keeping up with the group
Despite all the necessary policy and guidelines, you will find that we’re a friendly and easy to get to know group. We hope you’ll get outside and join us on the trail soon!
Upcoming events
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Kayak/Paddle Board at Douthat State Park and Lake Moomaw (Rescheduled)
Douthat SP Boat Ramp, Douthat State Park Rd, Clifton Forge, VA, USA traditional family park since 1936, Douthat is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for the role its design played in the development of parks nationwide. Amid some of Virginia's most breathtaking mountain scenery, visitors enjoy interpretive programs, four miles of stream fishing, a 50-acre lake stocked with trout, a sandy swimming beach with a snack bar, boat rentals, a gift shop and camp store, cabins, and more than 43 miles of hiking, mountain biking and bridle trails. Plus, there are playgrounds, an amphitheater, picnic areas, tent and trailer camping. The park also has 32 cabins and three lodges that accommodate 15, 16 and 18 guests each.
Up in the Alleghany Highlands, nestled into a canyon once called Kincaid Gorge, lies Gathright Dam. This massive earthen structure backs up the Jackson River for over 12 miles, forming Lake Moomaw. A U. S. Army Corps of Engineers project, Lake Moomaw was constructed for downstream flow augmentation (water quality), flood control, and recreation.
Lake Moomaw is the second largest impoundment in western Virginia. It covers 2,530 surface acres and has a maximum depth of 152 feet. The impoundment is “drawn down” between 10–15 feet annually, beginning slowly in June and reaching its lowest level usually by September. There are 43 miles of undeveloped, wooded shoreline.My plan is to go boating on Douthat Lake on Tuesday (8/25) and Lake Moomaw on Wednesday (8/26). Then, we can hike at Douthat SP on Thursday (8/27) before going home. You have the option of doing one, two, or three days.
Disclaimer: GetHiking Charlottesville Organizers are not professional guides. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were boating or hiking alone. With your RSVP, you agree with this disclaimer.
Weather: TBD
Notes:
1. Cost - $7 parking and admission. For camping reservation and more information, please go to https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/douthat and https://dwr.virginia.gov/waterbody/lake-moomaw/.
2. Mandatory Equipment: PFD (personal flotation device) and whistle.
3. Suggested packing list:
a. Kayak or paddle board with paddle.
b. Swimsuit, towel, change of clothes/footwear, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, lunch/water, waterproof bag, water shoes/sandals.
c. Hiking/camping gear and food/water.
4. The meeting location at Lake Moomaw is Coles Point Boat Ramp, Coles Point Dr, Hot Springs.
5. A tentative itinerary or cancellation notice will be posted a few days before the event.Rules on the water:
- No alcohol or glass bottle/container;
- Wear life jacket;
- Assign buddy system;
- Maintain safe distances: no greater than 25 ft between buddies and 50 ft between groups);
- Use of whistle:
a. 1 long blast- stop in place;
b. 2 short blasts- all clear, continue;
c. 3 short blasts- emergency (stop, assess, assist). - Check experience/swim level;
- Check for equipment: PFD, whistle, water.
3 attendees
Lewis Peak Hike - 9.3 miles, ~1800 Elevation Gain - Mod Strenuous
Browns Gap Parking, Grottoes, VA, USLewis Peak is a majestic summit in Shenandoah's southern district. It's not as well-known or traveled as other hikes in the park, but it has spectacular view of the Shenandoah Valley and the Massanutten range.
The route is moderate and traverses rolling terrain. There are no lengthy ascents or descents, so it's a good choice for anyone looking for a longer hike devoid of tough climbs.Parking: https://maps.app.goo.gl/G7jdGdGUVAqDLQxp6
Hike: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/lewis-peak-a629266?u=i&sh=jbc54iHIKE DESCRIPTION: We'll start the hike at Brown’s Gap parking. Following the Appalachian Trail northbound to the junction with the Big Run Loop Trail. We will turn left on the Big Run Loop Trail and hike to the junction with the Rockytop Trail. We will continue straight to the junction with the Rockytop Trail, and continue through the Austin Mountain Trail to the Lewis Peak Trail. We will stay on the Lewis Peak Trail to the Lewis Peak Summit Trail and climb Lewis Peak, our turn around and lunch spot. Along the way to the summit of Lewis Peak, we will have multiple views. After enjoying the views from Lewis Peak, we will retrace our steps back to the cars, where we will have an optional tailgate. If you want to participate in the tailgating - bring a chair, your beverage of choice, and snacks at your discretion.
Dusclaimer: GetHiking Organizers are not professional guides. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would if you were hiking alone. You are solely responsible for your own safety and well-being. With your RSVP you agree to participate at your own risk and are solely responsible for any damage to your property and/or any injury to yourself or your guest. When joining GetHiking you affirm that you knowingly and voluntarily agree not to bring any type of claim arising out of/or related to this event against the organizers of this group.
Weather: If inclement weather necessitates canceling or postponing the hike, the decision will be made no later than 7:00AM - cancellations will be posted on the hike comments section. Steady rain with not much chance of clearing and/or dangerous conditions will call for postponing the hike.
RSVP: If you find that you are NOT going to be able to attend the hike, please update your RSVP to “No” as soon as possible. This allows those on the waitlist to have the opportunity to attend.
Recommended items to bring: - Broken in Hiking Boots, Trekking Poles, Lunch/Snacks, 2-3 Liters of Water, Clothing appropriate for the weather14 attendees
Past events
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