What we’re about
Want to go hiking near DC and not wake up at the crack of dawn? This is the hiking group for you!
LMH is a group of friends and volunteer organizers that enjoy hiking at some of the best spots and exploring some of the best breweries and wineries in the region. We are a group that:
-Sees the journey as the destination (BUT the destination is pretty great too).
-Prefers the company of other people more than pumping out the miles (BUT we still
enjoy the challenge of a tough hike).
-Chooses to stay up late rather than wake up at 5 am (BUT we're "late morning" for
hikers...not "late morning" for normal people).
-Thinks enjoying a drink and some food at one of the DMV's great breweries or wineries following a hike
is a fun idea. No "BUT" here. We think that's most people.
Disclaimer
Late Morning Hikers is an informal group initiating trips under the common adventurer model. While (many) of our events are not ultra strenuous hikes, we do expect our members to be familiar with the best practices of hiking – this is not a group for first time hikers and is NOT a group for those seeking hiking instruction.
Our volunteer organizers are not experts or professionals, nor are we trained hike leaders, nor do we scout out hikes. We plan hikes for fun. You are responsible for your own welfare and safety at all LMH events. Be sure to choose to attend hikes only within your own physical abilities and hiking knowledge; take maps, suitable clothing, provisions (at least two liters of water plus any food or medical supplies you might require) and equipment, and act responsibly and safely at all times. Acting responsibly and safely includes always making sure that you stay with a group (we advise using the buddy system) and staying on, or within sight of (if you need to answer the call of nature or avoid an obstacle on the trail), marked trails at all times. If you ever believe you may be lost, follow the advice of the US Forest Service.
LMH organizers and members shall not be liable for any injuries, loss or damage to persons or property, direct or consequential, arising out of any aspect of LMH activities. Just in case you haven’t memorized it yet, our waiver of liability is here.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- DELAYED TO 24 MARCH Mason Neck State Park! (Easy-ish 7.5 miles, <250' Gain)Mason Neck State Park Picnic Area, Lorton, VA
“We return now to the shores of Belmont Bay, in the withered and isolating wilderness of Fairfax County, Virginia, where we hope to witness the flights of bald eagles, ospreys, plovers, and that ever-elusive migratory bird, the DC weekend hiker.” – David Attenborough, definitely.
Hiya!
This hike is an easy-ish 7.5 mile wander through the various out-and-back trails of Mason Neck State Park, with less than ~250’ of elevation gain. We’ll start at the parking and picnic area (located here: 38°38'33.1"N 77°11'55.0"W, and can also be found by searching for “Mason Neck State Park Picnic Area” on Google Maps) and begin by hiking 1.5 miles out on the Bayview and Wilson Spring Trails along the shores of Belmont Bay, then a further 1.5 miles out on the Dogue and Meadowview Trails to a wildlife viewing area (at 3 miles total). We then double-back 1.5 miles to Outlet Drive and finish up the last 3 miles of the hike out and back on the Eagle Spur and Kane’s Creek Trails, for 7.5 miles total. The hike details can be found here:
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-february-19-2024-d1f1573-2?u=i&sh=abzsgdAnd DNR maps of the trails can be found here:
https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/document/data/trail-guide-masonneck1.pdf.The hike will start at 10:00 AM and should take around 5 hours total. We’ll make lots of stops for water and snacks and we’ll break for lunch at the picnic area near where we cross Outlet Drive, at 4.5 miles into the hike. Mason Neck State Park is surrounded by several wildlife refuges, so we will undoubtedly be stopping to take pictures of cool birds and other animals throughout the hike :) feel free to bring binoculars!
Due to the lack of elevation change and the well-developed trails, this should be a relatively easy hike; I’ve called it “easy-ish” in the title only because the 7.5 miles is a bit longer than what we normally consider just “easy.” This is a great hike to come out for if you like long nature walks or if you’ve been asking LMH leaders for easier hikes compared to what we normally put on the board. Since the hike doubles back on itself at 4.5 miles, you can also skip the last 3 miles of the hike and hang out by the shoreline and parking area if 7.5 miles is outside your normal hiking ability. For the brewery, we’ll head back up the road to Fair Winds Brewing Company in Lorton (details here: https://fairwindsbrewing.com/).
We hope to see you on the trail!
PARK INFO AND FEES:
Mason Neck State Park information can be found at: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/mason-neck#general_information
Please mind that since this is a state park, there is a $10 per-vehicle entrance fee. If you are carpooling, please chip in with your driver to cover the cost.
CARPOOLING:
We encourage those with cars to carpool others to the trailhead - you're the ones who make LMH great!
If you're a driver that is willing to drive, please post a comment on the event page with the following information:
(1) Number of seats
(2) Meeting location
(3) Meeting time (recommended departure time from DC is 9:00 AM).As a rider, please comment on the driver's post to take a seat or post in the comments that you need a ride so a driver can find you. Riders are encouraged to help their driver out with the cost of gas.
BACKGROUNG INFO ABOUT LMH: Please remember that this group is an informal group of friends and volunteers intitiating trips under the common adventurer model (http://www.ronwatters.com/CADefine.html). We do expect our members to be familiar with the best practices of hiking.
We are also not professionals, nor are we trained hike leaders, nor do we scout out hikes. We plan hikes for fun. You are responsible for your own welfare and safety at all LMH events. Be careful to choose hikes only within your own physical abilities and hiking knowledge; take maps, suitable clothing, provisions (at least two liters of water plus any food or medical supplies you might require) and equipment, and act responsibly and safely at all times.
Act responsibly and safely: if you ever believe you may be lost, follow the advice of the US Forest Service (https://www.fs.fed.us/visit/know-before-you-go/if-you-get-lost)
LMH organizers and members shall not be liable for any injuries, loss or damage to persons or property, direct or consequential, arising out of any aspect of LMH activities. By attending this event, you represent that you have read, understand, and agree to the contents of our waiver of liability in the following link (https://www.meetup.com/Late-Morning-DC-Hikers-25-45/pages/12710332/Waiver_of_Liability/)
- DELAYED TO MARCH 30: Buzzard Rock (HARD: 6.2 mi / 1,381ft) & Trouvaille BreweryNeeds location
RESCHEDULED FROM MARCH 10 to MARCH 30 DUE TO WEATHER
We're heading out to Shenandoah Valley to hike up Buzzard Rock overlook, which is an out & back trail with some pretty views and rock scrambles. This is a strenuous 6.2-mile hike beginning from the Buzzard Rock Parking Lot. You must have the proper gear (hiking boots with ankle support and good grip, poles if needed). We will move at a moderate pace (2 to 2.5 mph) with lots of water breaks along the way and a lunch break at the top (half-way point). Please be sure to bring snacks, 1-2 liters of water, and lunch.
Afterwards, we'll stop at Trouvaille Brewery, which is halfway back to DC, for some well-earned food and drinks. This brewery is just of highway 66 in Haymarket.
Trail: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/virginia/overlook-via-buzzard-rock
Parking lot: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xvaAGbS4w51mDoUs6 or 38°56'15.9"N 78°17'18.6"W
Brewery: https://www.trouvaillebrewingco.com/
Parking at this location is extremely limited so carpooling is recommended.
CARPOOLING:
We encourage those with cars to carpool others to the trailhead - you're the ones who make LMH great!
If you're a driver that is willing to drive, please post a comment on the event page with the following information:
(1) Number of seats
(2) Meeting location
(3) Meeting time (recommended departure time from DC is 8:30 AM).
As a rider, please comment on the driver's post to take a seat or post in the comments that you need a ride so a driver can find you. Riders are encouraged to help their driver out with the cost of gas.
BACKGROUND INFO ABOUT LMH: Please remember that this group is an informal group of friends and volunteers intitiating trips under the common adventurer model (http://www.ronwatters.com/CADefine.html). We do expect our members to be familiar with the best practices of hiking. This is not a group for first time hikers and is NOT a group for those seeking hiking instruction.
We are also not professionals, nor are we trained hike leaders, nor do we scout out hikes. We plan hikes for fun. You are responsible for your own welfare and safety at all LMH events. Be careful to choose hikes only within your own physical abilities and hiking knowledge; take maps, suitable clothing, provisions (at least two liters of water plus any food or medical supplies you might require) and equipment, and act responsibly and safely at all times.
Act responsibly and safely: if you ever believe you may be lost, follow the advice of the US Forest Service (https://www.fs.fed.us/visit/know-before-you-go/if-you-get-lost)
LMH organizers and members shall not be liable for any injuries, loss or damage to persons or property, direct or consequential, arising out of any aspect of LMH activities. By attending this event, you represent that you have read, understand, and agree to the contents of our waiver of liability in the following link (https://www.meetup.com/Late-Morning-DC-Hikers-25-45/pages/12710332/Waiver_of_Liability/) - Billy Goat A Extended Loop and Silver Branch Brewing (5.2mi, 276’ Gain)Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center, Potomac, MD
Billy Goat A Extended Loop and Silver Branch Brewing (5.2mi, 276’ Gain)
Typically we head further outside the DMV for hikes…but today we’re going to enjoy a local gem. Section "A" of Billy Goat is one of the most popular trails in the D.C. area. It's not quite Old Rag...but it does require scrambling over angled rocks, boulders, and a bit of a cliff scramble.
Billy Goat B is closed, so we'll be doing a few other local trails. Many of which have the phrase "Gold Mine" in them...so maybe we'll strike it rich. If so, we'll head off to Cabo after the hike for some well deserved rest and relaxation.
More likely we'll head to Silver Branch Brewing for some good food and beers.
Hike Route:
-C&O and Olmsted Island Trail: 0.9 mi, ~10’ gain
-C&O to Billy Goat A Trail: 0.4 mi, ~0’ Gain
-Billy Goat A Trail: 1.6mi, 31’ Gain
-C&O & Berma Road to Valley Trail: 0.6 mi, ~30’ gain
-Valley Trail: 0.7 mi, 22’ Gain
-Gold Mile Loop (Valley Trail to Gold Mine Spur): 0.8 mi, ~40’ gain
-Gold Mile Spur: 0.8 mi, ‘165’ gainTotal 5.2 mi, 276’ Gain
Silver Branch Brewing: Silver Branch Brewing Company
CARPOOLING:
*We'll be meeting at the hike location.
We encourage those with cars to be willing to drive - you're the ones who make LMH great!If you're a driver that is willing to drive, please post a comment on the event page with the following information:
(1) Number of seats
(2) Meeting location
(3) Meeting timeAs a rider, please comment on the driver's post to take a seat or post in the comments that you need a ride so a driver can find you. Riders are encouraged to help their driver out with the cost of gas.
BACKGROUNG INFO ABOUT LMH: Please remember that this group is an informal group of friends and volunteers intitiating trips under the common adventurer model (http://www.ronwatters.com/CADefine.html). We do expect our members to be familiar with the best practices of hiking. This is not a group for first time hikers and is NOT a group for those seeking hiking instruction.
We are also not professionals, nor are we trained hike leaders, nor do we scout out hikes. We plan hikes for fun. You are responsible for your own welfare and safety at all LMH events. Be sure to choose to attend hikes only within your own physical abilities and and hiking knowledge; take maps, suitable clothing, provisions (at least two liters of water plus any food or medical supplies you might require) and equipment, and act responsibly and safely at all times.
Act responsibly and safely: if you ever believe you may be lost, follow the advice of the US Forest Service (https://www.fs.fed.us/visit/know-before-you-go/if-you-get-lost))
LMH organizers and members shall not be liable for any injuries, loss or damage to persons or property, direct or consequential, arising out of any aspect of LMH activities. By attending this event, you represent that you have read, understand, and agree to the contents of our waiver of liability in the following link (https://www.meetup.com/Late-Morning-DC-Hikers-25-45/pages/12710332/Waiver_of_Liability/))
- Dyke Marsh: Nature Walk and Learning About EcosystemsDyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve, Alexandria, VA
Hey all,
**NOTE: This event formally opens up a week before the event, as many of our hikes do. However, as this is a different sort of event for us, anybody who is very interested in learning about the ecosystem of Dyke Marsh can message me and be added to the hike.**
This will be another hike focusing on learning a bit more about our local environment. Unlike our other hike; however, we’ll be talking a broader view this time, by looking at the ecosystems of Dyke Marsh.
Dyke Marsh is a 485 acre freshwater tidal wetlands located just south of Alexandria, Virginia. The marsh itself is currently protected by the National Park Service, and is one of the largest remaining marshes in the DMV.
On this hikes, we’ll be walking on the 0.75 mile Haul Road Trail, which runs through the park’s tidal wetlands, swamp forest, and upland forest habitats. We’ll use these habitats to learn about the different ecosystems at Dyke Marsh:
- The abiotic and biotic factors of an ecosystem
- How these biotic and abiotic factors interact to form and maintain an ecosystem.
Along the way, I’ll also talk a little bit about the history of Dyke Marsh, as well as the many benefits that wetlands like Dyke Marsh bring to humans and non0-humans
There is no formal after-hike event…however, if a group wants we’ll head over to Port City Brewing Company to enjoy a beer and some good conversation.
Hope to see you there!
CARPOOLING:
*We'll be meeting at the hike location.
We encourage those with cars to be willing to drive - you're the ones who make LMH great!If you're a driver that is willing to drive, please post a comment on the event page with the following information:
(1) Number of seats
(2) Meeting location
(3) Meeting timeAs a rider, please comment on the driver's post to take a seat or post in the comments that you need a ride so a driver can find you. Riders are encouraged to help their driver out with the cost of gas.
BACKGROUNG INFO ABOUT LMH: Please remember that this group is an informal group of friends and volunteers intitiating trips under the common adventurer model (http://www.ronwatters.com/CADefine.html). We do expect our members to be familiar with the best practices of hiking. This is not a group for first time hikers and is NOT a group for those seeking hiking instruction.
We are also not professionals, nor are we trained hike leaders, nor do we scout out hikes. We plan hikes for fun. You are responsible for your own welfare and safety at all LMH events. Be sure to choose to attend hikes only within your own physical abilities and and hiking knowledge; take maps, suitable clothing, provisions (at least two liters of water plus any food or medical supplies you might require) and equipment, and act responsibly and safely at all times.
Act responsibly and safely: if you ever believe you may be lost, follow the advice of the US Forest Service (https://www.fs.fed.us/visit/know-before-you-go/if-you-get-lost))
LMH organizers and members shall not be liable for any injuries, loss or damage to persons or property, direct or consequential, arising out of any aspect of LMH activities. By attending this event, you represent that you have read, understand, and agree to the contents of our waiver of liability in the following link (https://www.meetup.com/Late-Morning-DC-Hikers-25-45/pages/12710332/Waiver_of_Liability/))