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
23
Tri-State Harpers Ferry - Loudoun/Maryland Heights (Rating: A+)
Centreville Park and Ride, 14700 Lee Highway, 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.
THIS HIKE: Is about 14 miles and about 3200ft elevation gain—a Strenuous hike, and only suited to experienced hikers.
DESCRIPTION:
Harper's Ferry/Loudoun Heights and Maryland Heights are breathtaking vista hikes that start in the town of Harper's Ferry, where Tri-states (VA/WV/MD) meet. They offer breathtaking views as well as challenging climbs.
This hiking route not only is a challenge, but offers a spectacular view of Harper's Ferry, the Shenandoah River, and significant Civil War fortifications.
IMPORTANT!
We hike at a pace of 2.6 to 3mph when moving. You must be experienced in hikes of this distance, elevation gain and pace. If I do not already know you, please contact me directly (571-488-4449). I reserve the right to drop anyone I feel may not have the necessary skills!
If I see that you are "double-booked" on another hike on the same day as this hike, I WILL DROP YOU FROM THIS HIKE. This is a courtesy to those waiting patiently on the waitlist.
Hike Leaders: David Kondner Sr and Chris; Cellphone 571-488-4449
The hike leaders will meet at the trailhead at 8:00AM.
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 7:00AM to form carpool so all cars can leave at 7:00AM. 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: Parking area Harper's Ferry Train Station at 8:00AM
112 Potomac Street, Harpers, Ferry, WV.
Coordinates: 39.324228, -77.730978
The train station has a heated waiting room and a clean bathroom.
Park Entry Fee: $20/car if you do not have a National Park Pass or Harper Ferry parking permit.
Rating: A+
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Hiking Map:
https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/c/e/e/4/600_457312964.jpeg16 attendees
Christmas Tree Hike on the National Mall ( Rating : C & Fun)
Columbia Island Marina, George Washington Memorial Parkway, Arlington, 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 miles city hike around the National Mall with minimal elevation
Description: 'Tis the Season! To help you get into the spirit of the season, put on your favorite Christmas Sweater and Santa Cap and be a part of the First Annual Christmas Tree hike around the National Mall (see pg.2). We will leave from from Columbia Island Marina, head over the 14th street bridge, around the Tidal Basin and then up to the Mall to visit the Capitol Christmas tree. From there we will continue on the mall to the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse. Share with us the joy of the season!
From there we will head back to the Marina to enjoy a lovely something warm to drink at Island Time Bar & Grill
Pace: pace is about 2 - 2.5 mph while moving.
Bring:
- Hydration and snacks as you desire or purchase a snack at the Sculpture Garden.
- The route is basically level. Most of the hike will be on paved surfaces so wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Dress in layers for the weather.
Post hike re-hydration at Island Time Bar and Grill.
Dogs: Dogs are NOT welcome on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy.
Weather: weather in this location is HERE.
Meetup Location: We will meet up at Columbia Island Marina at 8:45 am to get checked in and ready to leave by 9 am. GPS Coorinates:
GPS Coordinates: 38.87651,-77.04947
Maps
1/ Map National Mall
2/ Map National Mall
US Botanical Garden Train Display
National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden
Ice Rink National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden
Questions: feel free to text/call me, Dawn, at 703 533 923127 attendees
Tundra Swanfall at The Great Marsh (Rating: C)
Pohick Bay Regional Park, 6501 Pohick Bay Drive, Lorton, 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.
About 8 miles with 150 foot elevation gain.
Let's greet the migrating Tundra Swans at the Great Marsh in Elizabeth Hartwell Wildlife Refuge as we also enjoy a bit of Pohick Bay Regional Park.
The Tundra Swans are back in town! These magnificent birds are spending the winter in the Great Marsh of Belmont Bay and will leave in mid-March for their breeding grounds in the tundra of far northern Canada near the Arctic Ocean.
“Swanfall” is the term used to describe the annual return of swans to their winter home here at Elizabeth Hartwell Wildlife Management Area.
The Tundra Swans are wintering in the Great Marsh, one of the largest freshwater marshes in Virginia.
Description:
We'll begin our hike in Pohick Bay Regional Park and make our way to Elizabeth Hartwell Wildlife Management Area and the Woodmarsh Trail to the bird viewing stand to see the Tundra Swans. We will retrace our hike back to Pohick Bay Park and the parking lot. There will be a great view of the bay area as well as a lake and marshes.
The pace will be about 2.5 mph.
There are restrooms at the Eagles Nest Veranda where we begin our hike.
Bring
Adequate water/hydration also snacks/lunch. The route is mostly level on a mix of hard and dirt surface. Some sections may get muddy after heavy rains. A good portion of the hike is on the multi-purpose paved bike trail and High Point Trail. The Woodmarsh trail is natural surface. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes. I recommend good hiking shoes as parts of some of the trails are covered by fallen leaves and tree roots.
Fee: No Fee
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Elizabeth Hartwell Wildlife Management Area:
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/elizabeth-hartwell-mason-neck
Pohick Bay Regional Park:
https://www.novaparks.com/parks/pohick-bay-regional-park
Meet at the trailhead parking lot 15 minutes early to allow everyone to be signed in and get ready to hike at 9:30am.
Meeting Place Instructions:
From Interstate 95 North:
- Take exit 161 to Lorton, Rt. 1 N.
- Go about 1.8 miles to first stop light and turn right on to Gunston Rd.
- Go about 3.2 miles on Gunston Rd to park entrance on left.
- Drive straight into the park all the way down to the marina area.
From Interstate 95 South:
- From I95 S, exit 163 to Lorton.
- Left onto Lorton Rd at the end of exit ramp.
- Go under second overpass and turn right onto Lorton Market St. (You will see Shoppers Food Warehouse)
- Go about 1.1 mile to traffic light at RT. 1.
- Go straight through light (road name changes to Gunston Rd) and go about 3.2 miles to park entrance on left.
- Drive straight into the park all the way down to the marina area.
Make sure to go past the Pohick Bay Golf Course and Meadowood Stables on Gunston Rd. Turn left on Pohick Bay Drive, at the park entrance. After entering the park, go straight down the road to the marina area. When you get to the Eagle’s Nest, there is a parking lot just around the loop. Park there and we will meet at 9:15am so we can get everyone checked in. There are restrooms at the Eagles Nest Veranda. GPS: 38.67467, -77.16711
Any questions, please message me here or text/call @202-528-0456. If you text me, please include your name.34 attendees
Duncan Knob Short Version (Rating: C)
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.
This is a 7 mile out and back hike with an elevation gain of 1400 feet in the Massanutten Mountains of the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests. This hike is on the upper end of a C rating.
This is your chance to visit the beautiful Duncan Knob by doing a short version of the hike. We will start from Crisman Hollow Road, near Luray on the Scothorn Gap Trail (stream crossing near the beginning and end) and then take the Gap Creek Trail to the Duncan Knob Trail. Once at the base of the Duncan Knob rocks we will scramble a couple of hundred feet to the top. Some scrambling and some maneuvering on rocks required . Your reward will be lunch with breathtaking views of the surrounding valley. We hike at a 2.0-2.5 mph pace when moving.
No dogs permitted on this hike
Rating: C
Park Entry Fee: $0.00
Leader: Ed Brimberg 703-944-9920
Carpools: Plan to arrive at the Centreville Park and Ride at 7:30am carpools depart at 7:45am. The leader will be at the carpool location. Suggested carpool fee is $10. GPS Coordinates: 38.836038, -77.455371, https://goo.gl/maps/hc3LRG7Hsy2wMJs18
If you are meeting at the Scothorn Gap Trailhead be there at 9:20am hike starts at 9:30am. The parking lot is a small dirt area. park efficiently. GPS Coordinates: 38.691773, -78.580054 https://goo.gl/maps/wnTNxHYdXHSA9c2n7
Driving Time to trailhead from carpool location: 1 hour, 35 minutes.
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.
AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/duncan-knob-short-version-db182d2?u=i
****You must be experienced in hikes of this distance and elevation gain. ****19 attendees
Past events
4599
