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 were 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 (4+)
See all- Buck Ridge-Marys Rock-Buck Hollow (Rating: A)Centreville Park & Ride, Centreville, VA
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 hike is 9 miles’ circuit with an elevation gain of approximately 2600 ft., featuring Mary’s Rock Vista. The hike starts from parking area on route US-211.
Parking is limited near the trailhead, recommend carpool and try to be on time. In case if we run out of space in the main parking lot (coordinate location), we may need to park couple of cars in next parking lot which is few hundred meters ahead. Also there are some small parking spots available on both sides of 211, within few hundred meters from the trail starting point. If you have to park any of these spots please make sure to park safely & properly to avoid any issues and walk carefully. If you plan to meet at Centreville Park and Ride, be there NLT 06.45 AM to sort out carpool and we leave sharp 7.00 a.m. from park and ride.
Safety is paramount for all of us. This circuit is steep on descend at places and may be slippery and wet so please bring hiking poles and wear proper hiking shoes to enjoy the trails safely. Additionally, given the warm weather please bring minimum 3 liters of water.
This hike is suitable for experienced, fit hikers who did similar distance/elevation in past few months. This circuit has uphill/downhill climbs so please be prepared. If you have ANY question about your ability to complete this hike, please contact me.
Need to know details:
Distance: 9 miles
Elevation gain: 2600 feet
Pace: 2 mph
Terrain: Steep
Park entry fee: None
Carpool Fee: $7
Trailhead Coordinates: 38.658276, -78.281928
Directions from Centreville Park and Ride: https://goo.gl/maps/2VepbpipEwjFpsLa8Trailhead meetup time: 8:15 a.m. We aim to start the hike at 8.30 a.m.
Dogs permitted in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy: https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicyBring: Adequate water, food/snacks, hat, layers, basic first aid kit, map, rain gear (depending), hiking poles, hiking shoe (It’s steep trail on descend) sunscreen, bug spray, water shoe (for water crossing, if any), additional pair of socks and your big happy smile 😊.
Quiz: At lunch stop we can have 3 quizzes related to this hike. First correct answer gets the prize 😊
Thanks: To the teams, individuals and volunteers who contributes to keep the trails safe, beautiful and updates the portals to keep the trail data up to date which helps fellow hikers.
Any questions? Message or text me! Looking forward to this awesome hike.
Saran
(848) 248-0555 - Get Fit Hike #4: Sweden! (Rating: D)Francis Scott Key Memorial Bridge, Washington, DC
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.
(6ish-mile out-and-back exercise hike with occasional nano-runs or fast walks.)
We're hiking to SWEDEN for our April Fit Hike! After our hike ends at noon, we'll visit the Sweden Embassy on the Potomac River in Georgetown for a Swedish fika (Sweden's "sacred" coffee break with sweet treats). IT'S MANDATORY TO BRING A GOVERNMENT-ISSUED ID along with cash or Venmo if you want to join us.
Hiking is heavenly but hiking alone won't get your whole body in shape. This is the FOURTH of our monthly "Get Fit" (while having fun!) hikes in 2024 that combines hiking and exercise to help us become healthier, stronger, and more physically fit. We'll hike 6ish miles along dirt and paved trails along the river and the National Mall with stops roughly every 1/4 to 1/2 mile for 2 minutes of bodyweight exercises. Before each stop, we'll do a 30-second NANO-RUN (or fast walk). All exercises are modifiable and partner exercises are optional.
We'll start at Key Bridge Park and follow the C&O Canal Towpath and Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway Trails along the river and onto the National Mall. We'll stop at some of the memorials and monuments for JUMPS and the great views. We'll end at the Swedish embassy (2900 K St., NW) so hikers will return to Key Bridge Park on their own.
MEET: 9 am, gazebo at Key Bridge Park, across the street from 3411 M St., NW, Washington, DC on the Georgetown end of Key Bridge.
CLOSEST METRO: Rosslyn Metro, Rosslyn, VA
https://www.wmata.com/rider-guide/stations/rosslyn.cfmIMPORTANT NOTES: Please stay RIGHT on public trails so cyclists, runners, & walkers can safely pass. All exercises are optional and modifiable, but generally we'll do squats, lunges, situps, pushups, planks, wall sits, star jumps -- get that iPhone ready for the jumping pix! -- and other typical "boot camp" exercises. Hike leader is *NOT* a certified fitness trainer but just passing on exercises she has learned from fitness classes. Finish time of noon is approximate for planning purposes. The embassy's "coffee house" opens at noon so we'd like to arrive there promptly. It will also take you about 15 minutes to walk back to the start.
BRING: Sense of humor and water. Optional: oversized TRASH BAG TO SIT ON if you don't want to sit on the dirt or grass, gloves for pushups/planks, fully charged cell phone, and optional snack.
PLEASE READ. YOU *WILL* BE GRADED ON THIS: ;)
1. Adults only. 2. No pets, including Eurasian Elk (Sweden's national animal). 3. Please do NOT attend unless you are experienced with bodyweight exercises, you have done recent strength workouts, and you can and will safely and happily keep up with our moderate to brisk pace (about 3 mph while moving).RESTROOMS: In nearby restaurants at start, during the hike on the National Mall, and at the embassy at the end.
https://visitsweden.com/what-to-do/food-drink/swedish-kitchen/all-about-swedish-fika/
SWEDISH Allemansrätten (RIGHT TO ROAM):
"The Right of Public Access is a principle, protected by the law, that gives all people in Sweden the freedom to roam free in nature. Sleep on mountaintops, by the lakes, in quiet forests or beautiful meadows. Take the kayak out for a spin or experience the wildlife firsthand. Pick berries, mushrooms and flowers from the ground – all completely free of charge. The only thing you have to pay, is respect for nature and the animals living there."
https://visitsweden.com/what-to-do/nature-outdoors/nature/sustainable-and-rural-tourism/the-right-of-public-access/ - Dolly Sods Wilderness/BFSP Day 2 (Rated: A)Red Creek Trailhead, Davis, WV
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.
**By request, this is being listed separate from the camping trip in case you only want to come for 1-2 days of hiking**
The Dolly Sods Wilderness is a U.S. Wilderness Area in the Allegheny Mountains of eastern West Virginia, US, and is part of the Monongahela National Forest of the U.S. Forest Service. Wilderness areas have a max of 10 ppl per group. Therefore this trip is currently limited to 20 ppl, split into 2 groups with 1 leader with each group..
***Due to length of the hikes, If I am not familiar with your hiking abilities, you must send me have hikes completed of similar distance/elevation in the last 3 months. Contact me directly***
Planned Itinerary: (Hikes may be changed based upon conditions, but will be within similar distance/mileage)
Saturday: Hike 11-12+/- miles/1500+/- ft elevation gain (Rating: A). Due to limited trailhead parking we will meet at the Blackwater falls campground to carpool to Dolly Sods. Meet at 8:00am. (Trailhead at 9am) This is a rocky trail & the trails can be wet, which can make for a difficult hike. However it is a great hike and there are really beautiful views. There are a few water crossings on this hike and there is a very good chance that your feet will get wet on this hike (depends upon water levels), so I suggest that you bring water shoes for this one just in case..
*PROBLEM GETTING LINK TO WORK, I AM BRINGING PRINTED MAPS
CARPOOL MEET AT 8:00AM @ Campground Office Parking Lot:
GPS: 39.115452439803605, -79.48904045720263Approx 45 minute drive to:
DOLLY SODS/RED CREEK TRAILHEAD Stepping off at 9:00:
GPS: 38.972108014149455, -79.39929117753653We hike at a 2.5-2.8 mph pace. Slower on steep inclines, declines, wet trails and rocks.
DOGS: Well behaved dogs with responsible owners are welcome. Make sure you pet can hike with hike distance and elevation and is ok on rocks, YOU MUST KEEP DOG LEASHED AT ALL TIMES ON ALL TRAILS WE HIKE. In addition make sure you have water and food for your pet and bags as you MUST clean up after them. NVHC Dog policy: https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
CANCELLATION DUE TO WEATHER: Hike in light rain, may be cancelled if heavy steady rain or thunderstorms.
Ratings: Vary
Park Entrance fee: $0Carpools: No carpools will be organized by the leader. However, YOU MAY post carpool information or requests in the comments section below. Neither the Club nor the hike leader is 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 they participate at their own risk.
- Rapidan Camp/Camp Hoover -Big Meadows (Rating: A)Gainesville Park and Ride, Virginia, VA
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 hike is about 11 miles with an elevation gain of about 1725 ft.
Description:
A very nice hike in Shenandoah National Park, to the iconic Camp Rapidan, or better known as Camp Hoover, President Hoover's summer mountain retreat. To add to the adventure, after we leave Camp Hoover, we will hike to Big Meadows for a nice stroll to this well known majestic meadow area.We will hike starting at the Byrd Visitor parking area and connect on the Appalachian Trail (AT) to the summit of Hazeltop Mtn, (600 ft elevation over 4 miles). We will depart the AT to Laurel Prong trail and descend to Camp Rapidan. We will stop for lunch at Camp Hoover with some time to look over the Camp. We will then begin our return on Mill Prong trail and Mill Prong horse trail to Big Meadows and back to the parking lot.
You should be in good physical condition to deal with the mileage and elevation gain. If you haven't hiked with me before, I may contact you to discuss this hike. If you have any questions about this, please contact me.
Hiking Pace: The pace will be about 2.5 mph, slower on the uphill. Hiking time with lunch, about 5 hours.
Hiking Upward hike details for Camp Hoover:
https://www.hikingupward.com/SNP/CampHoover/
We will be hiking counter clockwise to this routeBig Meadows:
https://www.nps.gov/places/big-meadows.htmBring:
Adequate water/hydration (at least 2-3 liters), snacks/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes for some of the rocky areas, tree roots, and potential wet areas. Hiking poles are helpful if you usually hike with them. There are several stream crossings, which are usually easily crossed. Recommend insect repellent and sunscreen.Park Entrance Fee:
$30 entrance fee for Shenandoah National Park unless you have a National Park pass or a Shenandoah annual park pass. Military and Veterans are eligible for a military pass, just show your military/retired/veterans ID.Dogs:
Are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Please ensure your dog is up to the distance and elevation gain.Carpools:
Meet at the Gainesville Park & Ride, University Blvd, Gainesville GPS 38.80005, -77.58586 Northeast corner of the parking lot. Park immediately on the left as you enter the park & ride lot.Suggested carpool fee is $8. The hike leader will be at the carpool location. Driving time to Byrd Visitor is about 1 hour 45 minutes. Carpoolers should plan to leave the Park & Ride by 7:30am. The hike leader may leave the Park & Ride by 7:15am.
**NOTE: The hike starts at the Byrd Visitor Center at 9:30am
The hike times listed above include starting from and returning to Gainesville Park & Ride.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 they participate at their own risk.
If you are driving directly to the Byrd Visitor Center, please be there a few minutes before 9:30am so we can get everyone signed in. Byrd Visitor Center is at mile marker 51 on Skyline Drive , GPS 38.51795, -78.43678.
Optional post-hike rehydration at Big Meadows Lodge
If you haven't hiked with me before, please provide you full name, cell phone number, and emergency contact number. You can provide the info to me on Meetup message or text me at the number below.
Any questions? Message me on Meetup messenger or text me, 202-528-0456. If you text me, please include your name.