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
21
Harpers Ferry Short Version (Rating: C)
One Loudoun Park and Ride, 20360 Savin Hill Dr, One Loudoun, 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 an 6 mile hike with 1000’ elevation gain to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia and is perfect for those that want to experience Maryland Heights without having to do a long hike. We will begin at the Harpers Ferry Train Station parking lot. We will do a loop around town and then take the Appalachian Trail across the Potomac River on the footbridge. Taking a left we go briefly along the C&O Canal before taking the steep trails up to Maryland Heights for lunch. We hike at a pace of 2.0-2.5 mph when moving.
Rating: C (Upper level C hike, almost a B)
Leader: Ed Brimberg 703-944-9920 (C)
Park Entry Fee: $20 or free with National Park pass.
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Carpools: Arrive at the One Loudoun Park and Ride at 7:45am, carpools leav at 8:00am GPS Coordinates: 39.053141, -77.459133, https://maps.app.goo.gl/MUJ2c9E1oVYRu5Rp7 . Suggested carpool fee is $4. The leader will be at the carpool location. Driving time to the trailhead from the carpool location ~1 hour.
If you are going to the trailhead, meet at the Harpers Ferry Train Station at 9:00am, hike starts at 9:15am. A national park pass (leave on car dashboard) or $20 payment upon arrival using a smartphone and a credit or debit card via a QR code system.
GPS coordinates: 39.324540, -77.731047 https://goo.gl/maps/yLmDLB9cx44Bkr4z7Neither 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/custom-routes/copy-harpers-ferry-maryland-heights-6-5-miles-53a7297?u=i&sh=7cs7ov
You must be experienced in hikes of this distance and elevation gain.
24 attendees
NEW DATE: Beaverdam Reservoir (Rating: C)
Brambleton Park West, 22404 Water Vista Drive, Brambleton, VA, 20148, Ashburn, 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 pleasant 7.3 mile/ 212 foot elevation gain hike around Beaverdam Reservoir with plenty of water views. For those of you who like numbers the reservoir is 350 acres and holds between 1.3 and 1.5 billion gallons of water.
We will meet in front of the Visitors Center at 8:45. The Visitor Center, with the trailhead, is new and the GPS mapping apps are still updating.
The Reservoir Park Main entrance is located within the Brambleton Community Park West Baseball field complex, accessed from Belmont Ridge Road in Ashburn.
The address is 22211 Water Vista Drive Ashburn, Virginia.
The GPS coordinates are: 39.00223 N, 77.53529W.We hike at a pace of ~ 2.5 mph while moving. You must have experience with hikes of this length and elevation gain.
Meet in front of the Visitor Center at 8:45am for sign-in. Restrooms are available.Dogs are welcome on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicyhttps://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolic
Leaders: Steve Frith cell 703-629-0174
Park Entry Fee: $0.00
Map for hike:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/reservoir-park-trail?sh=iypgzx&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality24 attendees
Historic Fairfax and 3 Parks (Rating: D)
Fairfax Old Town Square, 10415 North Street, Fairfax, 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 me for a loop hike starting in Old Town Fairfax through Belle's Bird Sanctuary, Van Dyck Park and Daniels Run Park along Accotink Creek. We'll pass colorful murals and historical sites including Town Hall, the oldest home in Fairfax, Jail and Courthouse, the home of a Confederate Spy and Blenheim Civil War Interpretive Center. After the hike for those who are interested, we'll enjoy lunch at Commonwealth Brewery, 10426 Main St. This is a short walk from the start of our hike. Please arrive at 9:15 am so we can get everyone checked in and start on time.
DISTANCE: 5 miles
ELEVATION: 300 ft.
PACE: 2.5-3 mph
TRAILS: Paved and dirt plus urban sidewalks, no water crossings
MEET: 9:15am at Old Town Square (next to Town Hall), 10415 North St.
PARKING Fairfax Public Library across street, or several free outdoor lots
RESTROOMS: one portable restroom at the start and midway point
FEES: None
DOGS: Dogs are permitted on this hike per NVHC policy https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
LEADER: Kris N., 618-623-248437 attendees
Mason Neck State Park - Total Lunar Eclipse Viewing (Rating: Fun!)
Mason Neck State Park, 7301 High Point Rd, 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.
Total Lunar Eclipse Viewing
Mason Neck State Park which is situated on a peninsula formed by Pohick Bay on the north, Belmont Bay on the south and the Potomac River on the east. The peninsula is the site of an active heron rookery. The park also attracts several other migrating and non-migrating species of birds, including whistling swans and assorted species of duck. Bald eagles also inhabit the area.
Description:
Rise and shine, astronomy lovers - a Total Lunar Eclipse is happening on March 3rd! Come on out to Mason Neck State Park, for one of nature’s most breathtaking celestial events - a Blood Moon.
During this rare phenomenon, the Moon will glide through Earth’s shadow, transforming from its familiar silver glow into a deep, coppery red. The eclipse will reach its peak in the early morning hours, offering an unforgettable view. What better way to kick off your day?
The park gates will open early this morning to view the eclipse from the Visitor Center's back patio. Interpreters will be available to share information about the eclipse.The next Total Lunar Eclipse won't occur again until January 2028.
There are restrooms at the main picnic area as well as at the Visitor Center which is near where we gather for the viewing.
After the eclipse, for those interested, we can do a short hike of about 3-4 miles, then go get some breakfast. I'll be hungry and in need of some coffee! Breakfast location TBD
Bring:
Something warm to drink.
Dress warmly, as the eclipse occurs right at dawn. Bring binoculars or your telephoto cameras for an enhanced view!Park Entrance Fee:
$10.00 park entrance fee (no fee for state park pass holders) or use your REI purchase receipt parking coupon.
Provide your REI receipt parking coupon from a participating Virginia REI, to the contact station ranger or insert it in a self-pay envelope at the contact station. Use the self-pay envelope to pay the entrance fee if the contact station is not open and hang the tear-off tab on your rear view mirror.Dogs:
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicyMason Neck State Park:
https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/mason-neckMeet at the Visitors Center at 6am The gate at the contact station will be open early. You can park at the main picnic area or at the Visitors Center whichever is more convenient. Restrooms will be open.
Meeting Place Instructions: Mason Neck State Park, 7301 High Point Road, Lorton, VA. Access to the park is via U.S. 1, then five miles east on Route 242 (Gunston Road) to the park entrance. Continue into the park on High Point Rd, and take a right onto Outlet Rd. toward the Visitor Center. The main picnic area veers off to the left just before the Visitor Center. We will meet at the main picnic area parking lot. GPS 38.642150, -77.197876
Any questions, please message me here or text/call @202-528-0456. If you text me, please include your name.
30 attendees
Past events
4696
