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
22
Fairfax CCT Georgetown Pike to Colvin Run Mill (Rating: D)
Difficult Run Stream Valley Trail, Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA, 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.
This is a 6.8 mile on the Fairfax Cross County Trail with little elevation gain. We will start at the Georgetown Pike Difficult Run parking lot and hike south to Colvin Run Mill near route 7 where we will have a short break for a snack and then retrace our steps. There are two stream crossings each way, one on big boulders and another on cement pylons.
We hike at a pace of 2.0-2.5 mph when moving.
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Due to parking and permit restrictions the hike will be limited to 24 attendees.
If there is a lot of rain prior to the hike it may need to be rescheduled.
Leader: Ed Brimberg 703-944-9920 (C)
Rating: D
Meet: 8:30am at the Georgetown Pike Difficult Run parking lot.
GPS coordinates: 38.978760, -77.249163
https://maps.app.goo.gl/uNmf6hM3zzx5xFJL9
All Trails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/activity-august-5-2024-29c0c0e?u=i&sh=7cs7ov
Park Entry Fee: $0.00
Colvin Run Mill Web Site: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/colvinrunmill/8 attendees
Workhouse to Occoquan and Bunnyman Brewing (Rating: C)
Workhouse Arts Center, 9518 Workhouse Wy, 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.
DISTANCE: ~ 7 miles
ELEVATION GAIN: ~ 600 feet
PACE: ~ 2.5-3 mph
TRAILS: Dirt and paved, uneven surfaces with roots
MEET: Picnic tables across from the big green barn as you come in the entrance closest to Workhouse Rd. Arrive by 8:45am to check in.
RESTROOMS: None at hike start, restrooms at snack break
PARK FEE: None
DOGS: Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
POST-HIKE: Bunnyman Brewing in the Workhouse Campus
LEADER: Kris N. (618) 623-2484
We will be hiking on a mix of dirt trails and paved blacktop walking paths from the Workhouse into Occoquan Regional Park, with an additional mile on the Slaughterhouse Loop Trail behind the Workhouse. There are a couple hills in Occoquan Regional Park where you may want your poles, plus the Slaughterhouse Loop hill at the end. We'll have a short snack and restroom break at Occoquan Regional Park. Please arrive by 8:45am so that we can get everyone checked in and start on time.
History: The Occoquan Workhouse (later known as Lorton Prison) opened in 1910 as a self-sustaining, open prison with a working farm and railroad. This eventually grew into the 3,000 acre Lorton Prison complex, which expanded to include women's and youth facilities and a Nike missile site. The suffragists who fought for women's voting rights were imprisoned here and force-fed, which was considered the turning point in passing the 19th amendment. While the prison opened as a model facility during the Progressive Era, it closed in 2001 with a history of overcrowding, riots, gangs and drugs. We'll pass the Turning Point Suffrage Memorial, located within Occoquan Regional Park.
Post-hike rehydration for those interested at the Bunnyman Brewing Cafe, located within the Workhouse Arts Center campus. They offer a full lunch menu as well as beer, usually wine and cider, and other non-alcoholic beverages including coffee.
How to get there: From I-95 South, exit 163. At the end of the exit ramp take a right onto Lorton Rd. Follow Lorton Rd for 2.1 miles then turn left on to Workhouse Road. In 0.5 miles turn left at the sign for the Workhouse. Then take the first right and park (one of the North Parking lots). I'll be at the picnic tables across from the big green barn. Please arrive by 8:45 am so we can get everyone checked in and start on time.38 attendees
Dickey Ridge to Visitors Center/Return (Rating: B)
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 is an 8 mile out and back hike to the Dickey Ridge Visitors center with approximately 1,400 feet of elevation gain.
We are hiking from outside the Shenandoah National Park into the park to the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center and then back out. We are NOT meeting at the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center.
Speed: Our pace will vary from 2.0 to 2.5. The trail is well maintained with some short rocky areas.
Leader: Gail Markulin (703) 402-5902 (C)
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Trailhead Parking: Parking is on the side of the road by the trailhead and before the Front Royal Entrance Station. If you have gone to the park entrance, you have gone too far. The Dickey Ridge trailhead is right by the parking area. https://www.google.com/maps/place/Dickey+Ridge+Trailhead/@38.9062115,-78.19661,15z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x89b5c5e0b5d9c4f1:0xee10b295aebb171d!8m2!3d38.9062115!4d-78.19661!16s%2Fg%2F1tfj411p?entry=ttu
Meet at the trailhead parking lot 15 minutes early to allow everyone to be signed in and get ready to hike at 9am.
Carpool Location: For those wishing to carpool, the suggested carpool location is at the Centreville Park & Ride, 14700 Lee Hwy in Centreville.
GPS Coordinates: 38.836038, -77.455371, https://goo.gl/maps/hc3LRG7Hsy2wMJs18
The driving time from there to the trailhead is about 1 hour. Please arrive at the Park and Ride by 7:50 AM to form carpool so all cars can leave at 8:00AM. The leader will be at the Park & Ride.
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.
Suggested carpool fee is $6.00.
Entry Fee: None
Map for hike: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ofxLeFFmHZ90xZKEleK_S6YaTbLx4OzO/view
You must be experienced in hikes of this distance, pace and elevation gain.
Terrain: Well maintained trail with some rocky areas.
Recommended Equipment: Insect repellent, Hiking boots or shoes, snack/lunch, 2 liters water, hiking poles if you use them11 attendees
Fountainhead West - Bull Run Occoquan Trail (Rating: B)
Fountainhead Regional Park, 10875 Hampton Road, Fairfax Station, 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.
9 mile out and back lariat hike with 984 feet of elevation gain.
Description:
Join us for a scenic hike in the forest of Fountainhead and along Occoquan Reservoir. We will hike on the Bull Run Occoquan Trail from Fountainhead Regional Park heading west to the Wolf Run, Coe Creek areas and back. There are rolling hills, but they are short and spread out. We'll get an enjoyable workout!
Hiking Pace:
The 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 with tree roots and leaves. For the hills, hiking poles if you normally use them.
WHERE TO MEET:
After pulling into Fountainhead Park (10875 Hampton Road, Fairfax, VA), continue driving in on Fountainhead Access Rd, past the maintenance building on the right. The large parking lot is the next turn; it's on the right. Meet at the trailhead parking lot 15 minutes early to allow everyone to sign in and get ready to hike at 9:30am. GPS 38.72483, -77.33010
Fee: There is no parking fee.
Dogs are welcome.
NVHC Dog policy: https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
There are porta-johns at the trailhead at Fountainhead Park parking lot.
Bull Run Occoquan Trail:
https://www.novaparks.com/parks/bull-run-occoquan-trail
Optional post-hike rehydration at Bunnyman Brewing Cafe at Lorton Workhouse.
Any questions, please message me here or text/call @202-528-0456. If you text me, please include your name.25 attendees
Past events
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