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
Turkey Hunt (Rating: D)
Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, 14050 Dawson Beach 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.
(6ish-mile moderately paced nature and fitness hike.)
Like many other fitness buffs attend 5K races on Thanksgiving morning, we're determined to get in some healthy hiking before our own feasts! So whether you plan to pig out on turkey or Tofurky, please join us for a roughly 6-mile nature and fitness hike on a flat dirt trail with a Virginia Master Naturalist at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, where we’ll hunt for TURKEYS, eagles, coots, winter ducks, itty-bitty kinglets, and other birds and beasts. We’ll hike at a moderate pace (2.5- 3 mph) with multiple stops for our discoveries along the way. A small flock of turkeys is sometimes spotted on the trails and even at the visitor center of this 642-acre refuge.
MEET: 8:30 a.m. by the restrooms at the main parking lot (NOT the visitor center parking lot). Copy these coordinates into Google Maps: 38.645336, -77.237648
BRING: Sense of awe, sense of humor, water, and snack. Optional: binoculars and/or camera. Dress in layers because it can feel windy and extra chilly along the bay. Hat, scarf, gloves, and optional hand/toe warmers are recommended so you feel comfy-cozy the whole time!
MISCELLANEOUS: Adults only and no pets. (Pets aren't even allowed in cars in this special refuge.) Noon finish is approximate depending on what we find, which should work for you to attend your own afternoon or evening Thanksgiving feast.
RESTROOMS: Restrooms at start and one near visitor center. (Visitor center could be closed for Thanksgiving.)
WEATHER: Rain cancels unless it's a trickle. We’ll post a weather update here by 5 pm on Nov. 26.
OCCOQUAN BAY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE:
14050 Dawson Beach Rd., Woodbridge, VA
38.645336, -77.237648
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/occoquan-bay
OBNWR BROCHURE/MAP:
https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/FINAL_OccoquanGenBrochure2018_0.pdf
WILD TURKEYS AT OBNWR:
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?nelat=38.65241649999999&nelng=-77.2331499&place_id=any&subview=table&swlat=38.64176729999998&swlng=-77.2477847&taxon_id=906
EBIRD OBNWR HOTSPOT:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L718641
JIM WAGGENER’S AUDUBON SURVEYS PROJECT ON INATURALIST:
https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/jim-waggener-s-wildlife-surveys22 attendees
Tundra Swans (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.
The Tundra Swans are back at their winter home in the Great Marsh of Elizabeth Hartwell National Wildlife Refuge! I saw 60+ very active swans a few days ago. 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.
We'll begin our 8 mile hike in Pohick Bay Regional Park, and take the connector trail to the Elizabeth Hartwell National Wildlife Refuge. From there we'll hike on the Woodmarsh Trail to the viewing platorm to view the 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. Last year I led this hike from the Woodmarsh Trailhead, but Pohick Bay has a larger parking area and this frees up the smaller Woodmarsh parking lot for other visitors.
Bio on Elizabeth Hartwell and the Refuge:
https://www.fxva.com/blog/post/herstory-masonneck/
Hike: 8 miles flat. The Woodmarsh Trail is natural surface with roots. The Pohick to Woodmarsh High Point Trail is paved. Please note that bikes also used this paved trail. We'll take a short snack break.
Pace: 2.5-3 mph. Please make sure you are comfortable with this pace.
Leader: Kris N. (618) 623-2484. Please include your name if you send a text.
Restrooms: There are restrooms at the Eagles Nest Veranda across from the parking lot where we begin our hike, and restrooms at the Woodmarsh Trail where we'll stop on the way back.
Fee: No Fee
Dogs; No dogs please
Meet: Meet at the Pohick Bay trailhead parking lot at 8:20am to allow everyone to be signed in and start on time at 8:30am. The swans are usually active in the morning, and the earlier start time means it's less likely that we''ll interfere with other hikers enjoying the limited space viewing platform.
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 8:20am so we can get everyone checked in and start on time. There are restrooms at the Eagles Nest Veranda. GPS: 38.67467, -77.16711
28 attendees
Opt Outside: Hike Rock Creek Park Southern Loop (Rating: C)
Rock Creek Park Nature Center, 5200 Glover Rd., NW, Washington, DC, 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.
5.6 mile loop with a 685 ft. elevation gain that makes the hike the equivalent to a bit over 7 miles. (400ft gain = 1 mile)
Description: A great way to work off that Thanksgiving feast! Rock Creek Park is truly a gem in our nation's capital. This 1,754 acre city park was officially authorized in 1890, making it the third national park. It offers visitors the opportunity to escape the bustle of the city and find a peaceful refuge, recreation, fresh air, majestic trees, wild animals.
This hike starts from the Rock Creek Park Nature Center (closed Mon/Tues) and heads east and then south following the creek to the Valley Trail, the Rock Creek Trail and finally to the Western Ridge Trail
through Pierce Mill and then back to the Nature Center.
Pace: pace is about 2 - 2.5 mph while moving.
Bring: adequate water/hydration, also snack/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes since there are rocky areas, tree roots.
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 in the parking lot of the Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium (Closed Monday and Tuesdays) at 5200 Glover Rd NW, Washington, DC 20015 GPS Coordinates : 38°57'34.1"N 77°03'05.6"W
Rock Creek Park
Map of Hike
Hiking in Rock Creek Park
Map of Rock Creek Park
Questions: feel free to text/call me, Dawn, at 703 533 923132 attendees
Riverbend Park, Great Falls Park, (Rating: C)
Riverbend Park Visitor's Center, 8700 Potomac Hills St, Great Falls, 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.
Post Thanksgiving Calorie Burn! 🦃
8.5 mile circuit hike with 500 feet of elevation gain.
A nice hike along the scenic Potomac River and adjoining forests of Riverbend Park and Great Falls Park.
Description:
We'll start our hike in Riverbend and then join the Potomac Heritage trail where we will travel south to Great Falls. We'll stop at the Great Falls overlook(s) for some amazing views of the falls and then continue on the River Trail as it winds along Mather Gorge and some more great scenery. We will then connect to the Ridge Trail, Swamp Trail, Old Carriage Road, back to Great Falls visitor center and begin our return to Riverbend. Lunch break about halfway through.
Hike Pace:
Pace will be about 2.5 mph.
Bring:
At least 2 liters of water/hydration, snacks/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes since there are some rocky areas/tree roots on the River Trail. Hiking poles if you normally use them. There are no stream crossings.
Fee:
There is no entrance fee at Riverbend Park, but I will need to collect $2.00 from each hiker to cover the cost of group fees at Riverbend. Group fees are required for groups of 12 or more. I will get the group permit in advance. Small bills only please!
Dogs are welcome on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Riverbend Park trail map:
https://www.hikingupward.com/OVH/RiverBend/images/Map.pdf
Great Falls Park trail map:
https://www.nps.gov/grfa/upload/GRFA-complete-map-508.pdf
Meet at the trailhead parking lot 15 minutes early to allow everyone to get signed in and ready to hike at 9:00am.
Meeting Place Instructions: Riverbend Park, Great Falls, VA. We will meet at the lower parking lot, on the right, across from the Riverbend Visitor Center. Coordinates 39.01817, -77.24599
Post hike re-hydration at Old Brogue Irish Pub, Great Falls
Any questions, please message me here or text/call @202-528-0456. If you text me, please include your name.36 attendees
Past events
4577
