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
17
CCT — Lake Audubon to Vale Rd (Rating: D)
Twin Branches at Lake Audubon, Reston, 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.
Description:
This is a 5½-6 mile hike along the CCT between Lake Audubon and Vale Road. Much of the hike follows Difficult Run and normally can be a bit muddy, but this Friday you should bring micro-spikes. There is one stream crossing across Little Difficult Run (see photo above) and some up and down, but the total elevation gain/loss is about 300 ft. Bring water and a snack as we'll stop near Vail Rd to refuel.
Trailhead:
Park on the side of the road side of Twin Branches Rd and meet at the corner of Twin Branches Rd and Glade Rd. GPS 38.9315, -77.3248
Map:
A GaiaGPS map of the route is available via the link below:
https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=13.5/-77.3241/38.9176&pubLink=rFQJOOamNEa6ZIrl02gyr0U0&trackId=a3d99e148c840d7cc9c3d19ee5b7912c
Dogs:
Permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Hiking speed: ~ 2 to 2½ mph, we will finish before noon.
Notes: We might see the infamous skunk cabbage, some goats & horses, and a possible side trip to the now abandoned Gabrielson Garden Park25 attendees
Sky Meadows State Park - Lost Mountain (Rating: A)
University Blvd Park and Ride, 7201 New Stable Way, Gainesville, 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 hike will be about 11 miles with 1,200 feet of elevation gain. The hiking pace will average about 2.5 miles per hour.
Route Overview: We’ll start from the Sky Meadows Visitors’ Center parking lot at GPS coordinates (38.991732, -77.966120) and hike to and across Route 17 to the Lost Mountain area of the park.
Route Detail: Please see the posted photo for a general path overview.
Carpools: Meet at the University Blvd Park and Ride at GPS coordinates: (38.80136, -77.59032) by 8:00 AM which is off Route 29 and across from the new Sheetz store located at 7201 New Stable Way.
Please note that the carpool meetup location is across from the Sheetz store, it is not at the Sheetz location itself.
The leader will be at the carpool location but 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.
It is about a 35-minute / 28-mile drive from the University lot to the Sky Meadows Visitor Center parking lot.
Trailhead: For those meeting at the Sky Meadows Visitor Center (GPS coordinates: (38.991732, -77.966120), please be at the Sky Meadows Visitor Center parking lot no later than 9:00 AM. Please note that the park opens at 8:00 AM.
Fees:
• Suggested carpool fee is $3.
• The Sky Meadows park entry fee is $10 or free with a REI receipt or Virginia state park pass.
Dogs: Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Leader: Jim Hollis (703-927-7189… please use text)25 attendees
Prince William Forest Park (Rating: B)
Prince William Forest Park Visitor Center, 18170 Park Entrance Rd, Triangle, 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.
10 mile circuit hike with 790 feet of elevation change.
Description: A scenic hike along the Quantico Creek and the adjoining forest. We will hike several trails - Laurel Loop, South Valley, North Valley, Taylor Farm Rd, and a few shorter connector trails.
There are several rolling hills, but they are short and spread out. It will be a good winter workout!
The pace will be about 2.5 mph.
Info: There are restrooms at the Visitor Center area where we start as well as Turkey Run Education Center where we will make a brief stop.
Bring: At least 2 liters of water/hydration, snacks/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes since there are a few rocky areas and tree roots along the way. Hiking poles if you normally use them.
Winter weather can be unpredictable, so I'll be closely monitoring weather conditions as the hike day approaches.
Fee: The park entrance fee is $20 unless you have a National Park Pass. Military, veterans, and gold star family members are also eligible for free admission. I
https://themilitarywallet.com/military-free-admission-national-parks/
Dogs are welcome. NVHC Dog policy: https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Meet at the trailhead parking lot 15 minutes early to allow everyone to sign in and get ready to hike at 9:30am.
Prince William Forest Park link: https://www.nps.gov/prwi/index.htm
You must be able to hike this distance and elevation gain, any questions regarding that please contact me.
Meeting Place Instructions:
We are meeting at the Pine Grove Picnic Area near the visitor center. There are two parking areas in an L shape - you can park in either area, but we will meet down near the playground (currently under construction).
Take the SECOND left after entering the park and continue straight ahead into the large lot. GPS Coordinates 38.56040, -77.34952
Optional post-hike rehydration at Stonebridge Potomac Town Center.
Any questions, please message me here or text/call @202-528-0456. If you text me, please include your name.34 attendees
Fit Hike on the National Mall (Rating: C)
National World War II Memorial, National World War II Memorial in Washington, District of Columbia, 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.
(7ish-mile *FUN* exercise loop hike on the National Mall with occasional nano-runs [or optional fast walks].)
We'll *BRISKLY* hike 7ish flat miles along dirt and paved trails and multiple staircases at the National Mall with stops roughly every 1/4 to 1/2 mile for 2 minutes of bodyweight exercises. Before each stop, we'll do a 30-second NANO-RUN (or fast walk or stairs). All exercises are modifiable and partner exercises are optional.
We'll cover much of the National Mall. Starting at the restrooms by the (closed) World War II Memorial, we'll head past the Washington Monument and the Smithsonian's museums to the Capitol. Then we'll head to the Jefferson Memorial and follow the Potomac River to the Watergate steps (where First Lady Michelle Obama exercised on "The Biggest Loser" TV show. We'll hit the Lincoln Memorial and Constitution Gardens before returning to the WWII Memorial. There will be SELFIES!
MEET: 9 am, bathrooms by World War II Memorial, 17 Street, SW at Independence Avenue, SW. Copy these GPS coordinates into Google Maps: 38.888064, -77.041273
CLOSEST METRO: Smithsonian Metro, 12th Street SW at Jefferson Drive SW, The National Mall.
https://www.wmata.com/rider-guide/stations/smithsonian.cfm
PARKING: Please read the meters (and/or consult Parkmobile) before you park and check DC's parking website because parking is no longer free on the Mall and you can only park for 3 hours. It appears that you can still get FREE METERED STREET PARKING if you park A COUPLE OF BLOCKS OFF THE NATIONAL MALL. There is likely free on-street parking by Virginia Avenue but I'm waiting to confirm that.
Subway or private parking lot is recommended because 4.5 hours of metered parking may not be available. Consult DC's website: https://www.parkdc.com/documents/20119eec435540ee8b6c49fcc314ac6c/explore
BRING: Mandatory water, sense of humor, and sense of awe. Optional: oversized TRASH BAG TO SIT ON if you don't want to sit on the dirt or grass, gloves for pushups/planks, fully charged cell phone, and snack.
PLEASE READ. YOU *WILL* BE GRADED ON THIS: ;)
1. Adults only. 2. No pets, including albino squirrels (which we may see on the Mall). 3. Please do NOT attend unless you are experienced with bodyweight exercises, you have done recent strength workouts, and you can and will safely and cheerfully keep up with our moderate to BRISK pace (about 3 mph while moving).
All exercises are optional and modifiable. Generally we'll do bodyweight exercises such as squats, lunges, situps, pushups, planks, wall sits, star jumps -- get that iPhone ready for the jumping pix! -- and other typical "boot camp" exercises. Hike leader is *NOT* a certified fitness trainer but just passing on exercises she has learned from fitness classes. Finish time is approximate for planning purposes.
WEATHER: Hike will likely be cancelled or rescheduled due to rain/sleet/snow. Weather forecast will be posted here on Jan. 24 by 5 p.m.
RESTROOMS: At the start and along the mall. (But there could be lines.)
WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL: (Closed for repairs but we're meeting at the restrooms.) https://www.nps.gov/wwii/index.htm
NATIONAL MALL MAP: https://www.nps.gov/nama/planyourvisit/maps.htm
PARKMOBILE: https://parkmobile.iohttps://parkmobile.io18 attendees
Past events
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