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
31
Crusher Ridge, Stoney Man (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 strenuous hike of about about 11.5 miles and about 3,000 feet of elevation gain that will likely be a new hike for most of you. Be warned that pretty much all of the elevation gain is at the end.
We will start from the Stoney Man parking lot and get on the AT to the Stoney Man Trail, which will take us to the Stoney Man Overlook. We'll hang out there for a few minutes and then get back on the AT and head to the Crusher Ridge Trail. From there, we'll take the long (and lovely) descent to the bottom, where we'll reach a gate. That is the point where we'll decide if we want to add another 1/2 mile (see note below with map). We'll have lunch (before our big climb so eat wisely) and head back up, retracing our steps until we get to the Passamaquoddy Trail to the Furnace Spring Trail back to the cars.
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 30 minutes with no stop. Please arrive at the Park and Ride a few minutes before 6:30 AM to form carpools so all cars can leave by 6:35 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 8:15 A.M.
- Parking Coordinates: 38.59323,-78.37596
- Hike starts: 8:30 A.M. SHARP
- Park entry fee: $30.00, free with National Park Pass
- Pace: 2.25-2.75 mph when moving
- Terrain: Rocky in part, Steep in parts, Smooth and gentle in other parts.
- Bring: Adequate water, food/snacks, hat, layers, basic first aid kit, map, hiking poles, hiking shoes, rain gear
- 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-a191476
Please note, I started my tracking for this hike a bit late, so the start point is a bit off. Also, I may add another 1/2 mile at the turnaround point, which I didn't do when I scouted this hike. We'll see how everyone feels about it.
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) 963-89394 attendees
Little Stony Man, Stony Man, Millers Head - SNP (Rating: A)
Gainesville Park and Ride, Virginia, 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.
This hike is about 9.5 miles with an elevation gain around 1,760 ft.
Description:
A very nice hike in Shenandoah National Park to three iconic overlooks with great western views of the Shenandoah Valley.
Details:
We will hike starting at Skyland Lodge parking area and connect to the Passamaquoddy Trail to Little Stony Man for the first overlook. We will then make our way on the Appalachian Trail to Stony Man Trail and to the summit of Stony Man. After enjoying the view and snack at the summit, we will depart and connect to the AT and make our way over to White Oak Canyon trail, then onward to the Limberlost trail. We will then begin our return toward Skyland on the AT, with a stop at the Skyland Stables then onward to Millers Head where we will have another great overlook opportunity. We'll then return back to the Skyland 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 4.5 hours.
Bring:
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 leafy areas. Hiking poles are helpful if you usually hike with them.
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:
Dogs are not permitted on this hike due to park restrictions on Stony Man and Limberlost.
CARPOOLING: For those who are looking to carpool, meet at University Blvd - Gainesville Park and Ride and plan to leave at 7:50am to arrive at the trailhead in time to get signed in and start hiking at 9:30am.
A new Sheetz has opened in the Park & Ride, this would be a good meeting point. New Stable Way, directly across from the Sheetz store.
GPS 38.801119, -77.589532
Suggested carpool fee is $6. Driving time to Skyland Lodge is about 1 hour 25 minutes. Carpoolers should plan to leave the Park & Ride by 7:50am.
**NOTE: The hike starts at the Skyland Lodge parking area 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. Feel free to make comments if you're looking for another carpool option.
If you are driving directly to the trailhead at Skyland, please be there a few minutes before 9:30am so we can get everyone signed in. Skyland Lodge parking is at mile marker 41.7 on Skyline Drive , GPS 38.59194, -78.38100
Optional post-hike rehydration at Skyland Lodge.
If you have not hiked with me before, please provide your 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.37 attendees
Mount Vernon Estates - Fort Hunt Park Loop (Rate: C)
Fort Hunt Park, 8999 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria, 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 mile loop from Fort Hunt Park Picnic area C to George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate. Elevation is essentially zero.
Description: This is a lovely hike along the Potomac River on the Mount Vernon Trail to George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens.
Fee: There is no fee to enter Fort Hunt Park.
Restrooms: there are facilities near Picnic Area C in Fort Hunt Park as well as at the GW's Mount Vernon Estate
Pace: pace is about 2.5 mph while moving.
Bring: adequate water/hydration, also snack/lunch, and sturdy hiking
shoes.
Dogs: Dogs are welcome on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy.
Weather: weather in this location is HERE.
Meetup Location: Fort Hunt Park, Picnic Area C, 8999 Fort Hunt Rd, Alexandria, VA 22308. GPS: 38.7152° N, 77.0531° W. I have a Honda Fit Hatchback that will be up. Please be ready to hike at 8:45am so we can get signed in and leave at 9 am.
MAP: Fort Hunt Map
Leader: Dawn K. Feel free to reach out to me at 703 533 923128 attendees
Occoquan Regional Park to Lorton Workhouse (Rating: C)
Occoquan Regional Park, 9751 Ox Road, Occoquan, 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.
7.5 miles 500 feet elevation gain
Description:
Occoquan Regional Park offers paved and unpaved hiking trails that wind through forests and offer scenic views of the Occoquan River. Highlights of the park include the Turning Point Suffrage Memorial as well as the Beehive Brick Kiln.
From Occoquan Park, we will hike to the Lorton Workhouse which was the site of the original Lorton Prison, officially known as the Lorton Reformatory and later the Lorton Correctional Complex, closed in 2001. It was the last of seven prisons in the Lorton complex to close as part of a plan to revitalize the District of Columbia. The facility had been in operation since 1910. We'll hike a few trails there before returning to Occoquan Park.
Info:
There are restrooms at the start of the hike as well as halfway through where we will stop for lunch/snack break.
Bring:
Plenty of water/hydration. Recommend comfortable walking/hiking shoes as well as lunch/snacks.
Fee:
There are no fees to enter and park.
Dogs:
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Please arrive by 8:45am so that we can get everyone checked in and start on time.
Optional post-hike rehydration at Brickmakers Cafe.
How to get there:
Physical Address: 9751 Ox Road, Lorton, VA 22079
From I-95 take exit 160 and go north on SR 123 for 1.6 miles to the park entrance on the right, just after the bridge. Park in the parking lot adjacent to the Turning Point Suffrage Memorial. I'll be in a white SUV with the rear hatch open. Please arrive by 8:15 am so we can get everyone checked in and ready to hike.
GPS 38.68188, -77.25269
Occoquan Regional Park
https://www.novaparks.com/parks/occoquan-regional-park
Lorton Workhouse
https://www.workhousearts.org/
Any questions, please message me on Meetup or text /call @ 202-528-0456. If you text, please include your name.48 attendees
Past events
4570
