About us
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
24
4H Center to Mosby (Rating: A ***FAST***)
Centreville Park & Ride, 14700 Lee Hwy, 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.
The hike is about 11 miles with 2000 feet elevation gain on the AT.
We will begin at the 4H Center near Front Royal (park at the first lot after the 4H gate, if you see the swimming pool, you have gone a tad too far), pick up the Appalachian Trail heading north until we reach the Mosby Campground, where we will turn around. This hike is mostly pointless as far as view is concerned. The purpose of this hike is to get a quick workout before the end of the week.
We hike at a pace of 3-3.5 mph when moving. Faster on flat/downhill sections. This is considered a fast hike. You must be experienced in hikes of this distance, elevation gain and speed.Leader: Xiaobin 857-408-1070
The hike leader will meet at the trailhead at 8AM.For those wishing to carpool, the suggested carpool location is at the Centerville P&R. The driving time from there to the trailhead is about 1 hour. Please arrive at the Park and Ride a few minutes before 7AM to form carpool so all cars can leave at 7AM.
Suggested carpool fee is $7.
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 they participate at their own risk.Trailhead: 4-H Center Parking Lot by the GATE at 8AM
GPS Coordinates: 38.86418073943538, -78.16974356847578 https://goo.gl/maps/oTdG2BfeYMTP1cu16
Park Entry Fee: $0Rating: A
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Hiking Map: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QbMTzgij77CBpzaaNC5RWQ2ld1dOg5gV/view?usp=share_link4 attendees
Neabsco Creek Boardwalk to Leesylvania State Park (Rating: B)
Neabsco Regional Park, 15125 Blackburn Rd, Woodbridge, 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.
8.5 mile hike with 515 feet of elevation gain.
Join us as we hike from Neabsco Creek Boardwalk to Leesylvania State Park and back.
Description: We will start off at Neabsco Regional Park and make our way to the boardwalk and across the marsh at Neasbsco Creek. We have the potential to see various water birds and even a family of beavers. Once across the boardwalk, we will hike a short distance through the Julie Metz Wetlands area and then enter Leesylvavnia Park on the Potomac Heritage trail. We will hike several trails within the park which includes views of the Potomac River.
You must be capable of hiking this distance and elevation.
The pace will be about 2.5 mph.
There are porta-johns at the parking area at Neabsco Regional Park as well as restrooms at Leesylvania State Park where we will break for lunch.
Bring: Sufficient water/hydration, snacks/lunch, and good hiking shoes. There are no stream crossings. Hiking poles if you normally use them.
Fee: There is no parking fee at Neabsco Regional Park parking lot.
Dogs are welcome. NVHC Dog policy: https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Please ensure your dog is capable of this distance.Meet: At the trailhead parking lot 15 minutes early to allow everyone to sign in and get ready to hike at 9:00 am.
Leesylvania State Park: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/leesylvania
Neabsco Creek Boardwalk: https://www.visitpwc.com/listing/neabsco-creek-boardwalk/1648/
Meeting Place Instructions: We are meeting at Neabsco Regional Park parking lot at 15125 Blackburn Rd., Woodbridge, VA. Coordinates 38.61595,-77.27503
Leader: Gail Markulin (703) 402-5902 (C)
24 attendees
Bull Run Occoquan Trail Bull Run Marina-Coe Creek (Rating: B)
Bull Run Marina, 12619 Old Yates Ford Rd, Clifton, 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.
7.8 mile out and back lariat hike with 970 feet of elevation gain.
Description:
Join us for a scenic hike along Bull Run and in the adjoining forest. We will hike on the Bull Run Occoquan Trail from Bull Run Marina heading east toward Coe Creek area. There are rolling hills but they are short and spread out. This will be a nice workout!There is a stream crossing (twice) on Coe Creek which is fairly easily crossed on large stepping stones.
NOTE: Make sure you are physically able for the distance and elevation gain. Any questions, please contact me.
Hiking Pace:
The pace will be about 2.5 mph.There should be a porta-potty at the trailhead marina parking lot across the street from our trailhead, but you may want to schedule a pit stop on the way before you arrive.
We will stop for snack/lunch break about halfway through.
Bring:
At least 2 liters of water/hydration, snacks/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes since there are some rocky areas and tree roots. Hiking poles if you use them. Recommend insect repellent and sunscreen. Most of the hike is in the forest canopy.Meet at the trailhead parking lot 15 minutes early to allow everyone to sign in and get ready to hike at 8:30am.
Fee: There is no parking fee.
Dogs are welcome.
NVHC Dog policy: https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicyBull Run Occoquan Trail:
https://www.novaparks.com/parks/bull-run-occoquan-trailMeeting Place Instructions: We are meeting at the large parking lot on the left side of Yates Ford Rd, (coming from Clifton), across from the road going down to the Marina. If you come to the Marina road or the bridge, you've gone too far. NOTE: We park in the large parking lot across the road from the marina parking.
GPS coordinates 38.74399, -77.38327Optional post-hike rehydration in Clifton.
Any questions, please message me here or text/call @202-528-0456. If you text me, please include your name.
49 attendees
Billy Goat B & C Trails, C&O Towpath - (Rating: B)
Billy Goat Trail Section C, Naval Surface Warfare Center 38.972500, -77.200000, Carderock, 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.
9 miles with 480 feet elevation gain.
Let's hike Billy Goat C and the recently reopened Billy Goat B trail which has been closed for several years. One of my favorite sections, I'm glad it's back!
This trek will include a hike on Billy Goat B & C trails with great views of the Potomac River, as well as a bit of the Gold Mine trail and Burma Road. This route includes a very scenic section of the towpath.
Description:
We'll start our hike on Billy Goat C trail and hike until we connect with the C&O Canal towpath. We'll hike to Anglers Inn area for a break before we connect with Burma Road and a portion of the Gold Mine trail. After that, we're back on the towpath where we will connect to the Billy Goat B trail. After completing Billy Goat B, we'll then connect back to the towpath and return to the trailhead parking.Note: Billy Goat B and C each have a stream crossing which are fairly easily crossed by stone stepping.
The pace will be about 2.5 mph.
Bring:
Adequate water/hydration, snacks/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes since there are some rocky areas and tree roots on both Billy Goat B & C.
Restrooms are available at the Carderock Picnic Area parking lot where we start as well as at Anglers Inn parking. Hiking poles may be useful if you normally use them. Recommend sunscreen and insect repellent.Trailhead:
We will meet in the Carderock Picnic Grounds parking lot in Carderock Recreation Area.
Please plan on being there at 8:15am so we can get everyone signed in and start the hike on time.Dogs are welcome.
Dog Policy https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicyThere are no fees.
Map of Hiking Trails at Great Falls, Maryland:
https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/upload/Great-Falls-Hiking-Map.pdfDirections to Carderock Picnic Grounds Parking at Carderock Recreation Area:
From I-495, take the exit for Clara Barton Pkwy, continue on the Pkwy until you see the exit for Carderock near the Naval Surface Warfare Center. After exiting at Carderock, you will pass under the towpath tunnel. Turn left after going under the towpath tunnel and continue into the picnic grounds parking lot.The parking lot is also labeled with signage as Parking Lot 1.
GPS 38.97122, -77.19874Any questions, please message me here or text/call @202-528-0456. If you text me, please include your name.
35 attendees
Past events
4960
