What we’re about
THE CLUB www.nvhc.com
The Northern Virginia Hiking Club (NVHC) offers a range of hikes of various difficulty levels in Virginia, Maryland, DC, and beyond. The club also offers other outdoor events occasionally. NVHC members reflect the rich diversity of the Washington DC Metro area. Annual membership fee is $5. Guests are welcome and enjoy a month’s free participation in the club events. NVHC is a nonprofit organization and donates funds to local parks and trail maintenance organizations from time to time. The selection of the parks and organizations is based on club usage - it is our way of giving back. Monies vary each time - $7,200 was donated in 2023.
Members are required to accept the liability disclaimer by typing “Accept” in the fields presented when they join the club.
DIFFICULTY RATINGS
NVHC hikes are assigned difficulty ratings. A combination of linear distance and elevation gain is used to determine the rating, with 400 feet of elevation gain considered to be equivalent of 1 mile of linear distance. With the “miles” derived from elevation gain added to the linear distance, following are the ratings:
A+= Very Difficult (19 miles or more)
A = Difficult (13 miles or more, but less than 19 miles)
B = Moderately Difficult (10 miles or more, but less than 13 miles)
C = Moderate (7 miles or more, but less than 10 miles)
D = Easy (Less than 7 miles)
For example, a nine-mile hike with 1,000 feet of climbing would be rated B (9 + 2.5 = 11.5).
Elevation loss is not measured in this system. Also, the difficulty rating is separate from the pace of the hike, which is determined by the leader, and is usually specified in the individual hike descriptions.
RSVP ETIQUETTE
Often there are limits on the number of participants on NVHC events, set by our leaders. This creates wait lists on Meetup. If you find yourself in this situation, we request that you keep in mind the interest of the leaders and your fellow hikers, and follow the guidelines below:
- If you RSVP’d “yes” for a hike, change your RSVP to “no” as soon as you decide not to go, so that someone else can go.
- If you RSVP’d “yes” to overlapping events on the same day, decide on one as soon as possible, and change your RSVP to “no” for all others.
- If you are on a wait list and decide not to go, remove yourself from the list.
DOGS ON HIKES
Dogs are welcome on NVHC hikes at the discretion of the hike leader. Several restrictions apply including advance notification to the leader, dogs being well behaved, and their being kept on a six foot leash. See dog policy located at [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy] for details.
Upcoming events
26
Sam’s Ridge, Hazel Mountain and Hazel River Trails (Rating: A+)
Centreville Park and Ride, 14700 Lee Highway, Centreville, VA, USREQUIRED: You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike.
**** This is an A+ hike due to distance and elevation and is ONLY suitable for those who have recent experience hiking this distance and elevation gain. Participation will be screened. If you have NEVER been on one of my A+ hikes and/or I don't know you, you MUST message me within 24 hours of signing up with a recent A+ hike you have done or a hike leader who can vouch for you. Otherwise, you will be moved to “Not Going”. ****
Join me on this beautiful and strenuous hike of about 12.5 miles and about 3,100 feet of elevation gain. We immediately begin the difficult climb up the Sam’s Ridge Trail to the Hazel River Trail, to the White Rocks Trails then to Hazel Mountain Trail. We'll then get on Hazel River Trail back to the cars.
NOTE: There are multiple water crossings (which shouldn't be bad based on the lack of rain) so bring extra clothing and/or socks and/or boot covers/water shoes. Parts of this trail are very overgrown, so I would suggest long pants.
Need to know details:
For those wishing to carpool, the suggested carpool location is at the Centreville Park and Ride, 14700 Lee Highway, Centreville, VA. The driving time from there to the trailhead is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes with no stop. Please arrive at the Park and Ride a few minutes before 6:40 AM to form carpools so all cars can leave by 6:45 AM sharp. I WILL BE MEETING EVERYONE AT THE TRAILHEAD. Carpool Fee: $8.00
PLEASE NOTE: Neither the Club nor the hike leaders are responsible for coordinating transportation to/from the trailhead. Hikers are not guaranteed to get a ride to the trailhead from the carpool location. Carpooling is organized by the participants and participation is at your own risk.
************* THE GOOD STUFF **************************
- Trailhead meetup time: parking lot 8 A.M. Parking is VERY limited along Route 600, so carpooling is encouraged. I am limiting this hike to 20 people, perhaps less if people don't carpool
- Parking Coordinates: 38.61436,-78.25661
- Hike starts: 8:15 A.M. SHARP
- Park entry fee: $0.00
- Pace: 2.25-2.75 mph when moving
- Terrain: Rocky, Steep. There are several water crossings, which should be fine, but please be prepared
- Bring: Adequate water, food/snacks, hat, layers, basic first aid kit, bug/tick spray, map, hiking poles, hiking shoes, water shoes or boot covers, additional pair of socks/liner (to protect feet from water, if needed)
- Pets: Not allowed
PLEASE PRINT OUT ANY MAPS THAT YOU MAY NEED AS I DO NOT PROVIDE COPIES OF MAPS. ALL THE LINKS AND COORDINATES YOU WILL NEED ARE PROVIDED BELOW.
All Trails MAP: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/afternoon-hike-a470721-861
AND FINALLY!
- Don't come if you’re not feeling well.
- Avoid the most severe, unspeakable bad karma by CHANGING YOUR RSVP if you're not able to attend within a reasonable time - not hours before - so someone on the wait list can have your spot.
- No Complainers allowed :-)
Any questions? Message the Hike Leader:
Susan M (703) 963-89398 attendees
Blockhouse Point Conservation Park and C&O Canal Towpath (Rating: B)
C&O Canal Lock 22, Lock 22, Potomac, MD, USYou must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike.
10 mile circuit hike with about 650 feet of elevation gain.
Join us for a scenic hike along the C&O Canal towpath and the forest trails of Blockhouse Point Conservation Park.
Description: Starting from Lock 22 Pennyfield Lock parking lot off of River Road we will hike on the C&O Canal towpath. We will then hike to Violette's Lock and on to Riley's Lock where we'll cross the Seneca Creek Aqueduct and take a short side trip to the Seneca Mill & Quarry Ruins. We'll retrace our steps and take a lunch/snack break at Riley's Lock before heading back to Violette's Lock where we will make our way into Blockhouse Point Park. We will take several trails in the forest and stop at a couple of overlooks of the Potomac and Canal Towpath on our way back to the parking lot to complete the circuit.
This is a B hike due to the mileage, but most of the hike is level. There is one short but somewhat steep hill going up into the forest. You might want to bring hiking poles if you normally use them on hills. The overlooks are short out and backs and descend slightly from the forest area. These rocky overlooks offer great views of the Potomac!
The pace will be about 2.5 mph.
There are porta-johns at the locks.
Bring: Adequate water/hydration, snacks/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes since there are some rocky areas and tree roots with a lot of leaf coverage on the ground. There is one small stream that is easily stepped across. Insect repellant and sunscreen recommended.
Fee: There is no park fee.
Dogs are welcome. NVHC Dog policy: https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Meet at the trailhead parking lot 15 minutes early to allow everyone to sign in and get ready to hike at 8:30am.
Blockhouse Point Park:
https://montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/blockhouse-point-conservation-park-trails/C&O Canal Pennyfield, Violette's, and Riley's Locks:
https://birdersguidemddc.org/site/co-canal-pennyfield-violettes-rileys-locks/C&O Canal Pennyfield Lock:
https://www.canaltrust.org/pyv/lock-22-parking/Meeting Place Instructions: We will meet at Pennyfield Lock, Lock 22 parking area on Pennyfield Lock Road. GPS 39.053641, -77.288893. See attached directions in the link.
After turning onto River Road west from I-495, Pennyfield Lock Road is about 8.5 miles on your left. Keep your eyes open and look for the sign for the turnoff onto Pennyfield Rd intersection. Proceed to the end of Pennyfield Road. I will be in a white Nissan SUV with the rear hatch open.
Optional post hike rehydration at Rocklands Farm Winery.
If you have questions, please message me here or call/text me at 202-528-0456. If you text me, please include your name.
17 attendees
Upper White Oak Canyon Trailhead to Hawksbill (Rating: B)
White Oak Canyon Parking, 400 Skyland Upper Loop Mile 42, Luray, VA, USYou must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike.
Join us for a MODERATE PACE 8.5 mile hike with 1,650 feet elevation gain in the central section of Shenandoah National Park. We start at the UPPER White Oak Canyon TH off Skyline Dr. and go south on the AT to Hawksbill. After lunch we'll return via the Crescent Rock, Limberlost, and White Oak Canyon Trails.
Need to Know Information:
*Hike Starts: 9:00 AM (Please arrive a 15 minutes early to sign in)
*Distance: 8.3 miles
*Elevation: 1,650 feet elevation gain
*Pace: Moderate Pace of 2.0-2.5 mph when moving.
You must be experienced in hikes of this distance, pace and elevation gain.
*TRAILHEAD Location: UPPER White Oak Canyon Trailhead. 38.58586,-78.38309 https://maps.app.goo.gl/6x8UfrpikMqbJAaK9
*CARPOOLING: For those who are looking to carpool, feel free to use the comment section to organize.Neither the Club nor the hike leaders are responsible for coordinating transportation to/from the trailhead. Carpooling is organized by the participants and they participate at their own risk.
*Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicyhttps://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolic
Leaders: Becky M. 703-229-9699 and David C. 571-643-38974 attendees
Strickler Knob (Rating: A)
Centreville Park & Ride, 14700 Lee Hwy,, Centreville, VA, USYou must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike.
Neither the Club nor the hike leaders are responsible for transportation to or form the trailhead. Hikers are not guaranteed to get a ride to the trailhead from the carpool location. Carpooling is organized by the participants and they participate at their own risk.This is an 11 mile out and back hike in the Massanutten Mountains of the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests. We will start from Rte 211, near Luray on the Massanutten Connector Trail and then take the Massanutten Trail to Strickler Knob. The Strickler Knob trail is a unofficial trail (one mile each way) that requires some scrambling and just a little bit of climbing. Your reward will be breathtaking views of the surrounding valley. Elevation gain of 2000 feet.
We'll be going at a 2.5-3 mph pace while moving. If you haven't done a hike like this before, please call or text so we can decide whether it's a good fit.
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy.
Leader: Will Martyn (703-994-9098)
Carpoolers Meet: Centreville Park & Ride Lot, at 8:00. Please arrive a few minutes early so we can get organized and leave at 8.
If you want to meet us at the trailhead, coordinates are: https://maps.app.goo.gl/QaG5g22Jya4YjUjU9. We will depart from there at 9:45.
This is a bit of a late start, and we will likely get back to Centreville around dinnertime. Anyone who'd like to join me for dinner is welcome.
Carpool Fee: $6.00
Park Entry Fee: $0.00
Map for hike: http://files.meetup.com/1835201/Strickler%20Knob.pdf
10 attendees
Past events
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