What we’re about
Active-Adventurers is a welcoming and fun place for good people within Virginia, Maryland, DC, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania who want to get together and have fun enjoying active outdoor activities with like-minded people regardless of their age, sex, race, orientation, religion, country of origin, etc. Our members are diverse, interesting, and friendly.
I'm always looking for people interested in hosting activities, whether it be occasionally or on a regular ongoing basis. If you want to host activities, just let me know, and I'll set you up as an Event Organizer. The objective for this group is to have a diverse schedule of activities such as hiking, camping, backpacking, fishing, rock climbing, bouldering, caving, etc., that cover a wide spectrum of interests. Come join our great group of members, have fun with us, and bring your talents and interests to share with us too. I look forward to meeting you. If you want to lead some events, message me, Rich Bethea, using the app. I'll get right back to you. Thanks.
Bookmark us at: meetup.com/active_adventurers
DESCRIPTION: This is a 3 day, 2 night, 26.4 mile kayaking/camping trip on the scenic Upper James River, starting at the Twin River shop in Buchanan (640 Lowe St, Buchanan, VA 24066), VA, and ending at the Snowden public boat launch (river mile marker 63.7).
This trip features lots of remote wilderness scenery and fun class 1-2 rapids, with a white water section of class 2-3 rapids through the James River Gorge/Balcony falls on the last section (Glasgow to Snowden). Previous class 1-2 canoe/kayak experience required and there is an 8 person min to do this trip. An experienced guide will be available to pick up at Glasgow to guide us through the white water section if needed. If we have time Sunday afternoon, we could drive over to Natural Bridge (15 min away) and have lunch before heading home.
Day 1: Start at 1pm, paddle from Buchanan to Arcadia Campground (6 miles, mile #43.5)
Day 2: Start at 0800, paddle from Arcadia Campground to Back Run Campground (10 miles, mile #53.3)
Day 3: Start at 0800, paddle from Back Run Campground to take out spot, Snowden Boat Ramp (10 miles, mile #63.7)
Planning to use Twin River Outfitters (optional, for gear rental/shuttle)
Note: A gear shuttle service is available for $15 to shuttle camping gear to/between campsites so you don't have to carry all your gear on your kayak!
Twin River Outfitter prices for this trip:
Sit on top kayak $164
Sit inside kayak $164
Bring your own boat (shuttle service only) $126
I've booked the trip for our dates and reserved firewood/water jugs for our campsites. Please use the following link to sign up and pay individually for this trip:
https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/canoevirginia/items/37934/availability/1738649572/book/?full-items=yes
Pricing includes: Rental of boat, paddles, life jackets, safety orientation, river maps, use of dry bags, 5-gallon water jugs, access to private land for camping, and all required shuttles.
Campground is primitive, hammock friendly, right on the river, and has a bathroom (portajohn).
TRAIL MAP:
Maps - The Upper James River Water Trail
Multi-Day Trips - Twin River Outfitters
PARKING/CARPOOLING: Please arrive at the Twin Rivers Shop, 640 Lowe St, Buchanan, VA 24066 15 minutes before the start of the paddle trip. Also, I encourage carpooling wherever possible. If you need a ride or want a ride, look at the list of attendees and where they live (it says in their profile). Then, for those who live near you, hit the "Chat" button to ask if they want or can offer a ride. If you are a rider, please chip in towards gas (usually $5 - $20 depending on distance and # of riders). Additionally, you can post a request to give or receive a ride in the chat section of the event.
EXPECTATIONS: Download the trail map onto your phone before you arrive. Bring hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, river shoes plus dry bag containing change of clothes/sleeping bag/camping gear and your own boat, paddle and life jacket, or you can rent these at Twin River Outfitters. Know your physical limits and cardiovascular fitness. Bring proper clothing and gear for the weather. Water temperature in the river is in the mid 50s - wetsuit/synthetic clothing encouraged! If you have any concerns or questions, don't hesitate to contact the trip leader via the chat feature or direct messaging.
RELEASE OF LIABILITY & ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT: By attending this hike, I acknowledge that outdoor adventure in nature carries the risk of potential harm to myself up to and including the risk of injuries such as broken bones or muscle/tendon injuries, illness, disability, or death.
SICKNESS (COVID/FLU/COLD): As always, if you have been exposed to a contagious illness, or are having any symptoms at all, please do not attend. There will be plenty of future events.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Seneca Greenway Trail & Rocklands Farm Winery (12.7 miles and 800 ft. elevation)Montevideo Rd. Parking Lot, Darnestown, MD
DESCRIPTION: This is a 12.7-mile loop hike that goes along Seneca Creek. There is not a lot of elevation change but please know your limitations as this is a longer hike. Because of the minimal elevation change we will go at about a 3 MPH pace when hiking. We will take breaks ever 2-3 miles with a lunch break at about the 8-mile mark at a nice place along the creek. This is kind of a cool hike as you are by the creek or in some of the lowlands the majority of the trip. We will have to cross Rt. 28 and walk over the Rt. 28 bridge as well as the River Road Bridge crossing Seneca Creek. There is also one place you will have to cross the creek but there are very large flat boulders you can hop on. All are easy to do but just calling them out in advance. It will likely take us between 4.5 to 5 hours. It is really nice this time of year as the leaves are starting show on the trees but you can still see pretty good through the forest. Rockland Farms Winery is about .5 miles away if anyone wanted to go there to relax after the hike.
For the all trails please go here: Explore Lower Seneca Creek Greenway Trail | AllTrails
Parking Lot: 39°05'27.4"N 77°20'40.6"W
Plug in the GPS coordinates and it will take you there. The parking lot is on Montevideo Rd between Rocklands Farm and River Road.
14510 Montevideo Rd. Seneca, MD will get you pretty close.Key info:
Parking: Parking lot is on Montevideo Rd. and can hold about 15-20 cars
Meet at: Parking Lot
Time: Meet at 8:30am. We hit the trail at 8:40 sharp
EXPECTATIONS: Download the trail map onto your phone before you arrive. Bring plenty of drinking water and a lunch/snacks. Know your physical limits and cardiovascular fitness. Bring proper clothing and gear for the weather. If you have any concerns or questions, don't hesitate to contact the hike leader via the chat feature or direct messaging.RELEASE OF LIABILITY & ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT: By attending this hike, I acknowledge that hiking in nature carries the risk of potential harm to myself up to and including the risk of injuries such as broken bones or muscle/tendon injuries, illness, disability, or death. These can be caused by slipping or falling off rocks due to loss of balance or lack of coordination; twisting ankles on rocks, brush, limbs, or ice; Acts of nature such as rock falls, inclement weather, lightning, strong wind, extreme temperatures; drownings in rivers, streams, or other bodies of water; drinking unfiltered contaminated water or becoming dehydrated; succumbing to heat exhaustion; getting bit or stung by venomous reptiles, animals, or insects; and my own or other’s negligent or risky behaviors. This list is not exhaustive nor is it inclusive of all risks. In response, I release and hold harmless with respect to all injury, disability, death, or loss of property, whether caused by negligence or otherwise, the “Active Adventures” meetup group’s leadership as well as the designated hike leaders for this hike.
SICKNESS (COVID/FLU/COLD): As always, if you have been exposed to a contagious illness, or are having any symptoms at all, please do not attend. There will be plenty of future events. - Oregon Ridge Park - Baltimore County MD: 6 Miler Moderately Strenuous HikeOregon Ridge Dinner Theatre, Cockeysville, MD
This hike will allow us to see scenic trails along with getting the benefits of fresh air and exercise. We will start @ 9:15 am with a medium pace, which will our team to stay together and have ample time to appreciate beautiful natural surroundings. Definitely bring a great attitude and come with water. This hike is cross posted with other meetup groups.
PLEASE READ detailed information below (Thanks!).
OREGON RIDGE PARK has 1,043-acres. It features walking and hiking trails, nice waterways, nature center, picnic and recreation areas and a lodge.
NOTE: There are a few hills (Estimated - Elevation Gain @ 950 to 1000 feet), and some stream crossings. Terrain is mostly hard packed trail with some grounds encompassing tree roots and rocks. This is a hike for those who hike or walk at least 10 miles per week - and please RSVP only if you can maintain a medium pace and navigate through stream crossings & up and down hills - THANKS.
SUGGESTED HIKING MATERIALS:
- Long hiking pants, hiking shoes or hiking boots are highly recommended. However, trail running shoes or sneakers with treads can work.
- Hiking/trekking poles (optional).
- 2 liters of water
- Insect repellant
- Sunscreen.
WHERE TO MEET:
- Meet at the at the Oregon Ridge Dinner Theatre parking lot, 13403 Beaver Dam Rd · Cockeysville, MD.
- Use coodinates 39.49207698973582, -76.68080536441782 or click here .
WHY WE VOLUNTEER: Your organizers are volunteers and we are sharing our passion for the outdoors. We organize events for fun, to socialize, get exercise, experience nature and meet cool new people. No bad attitudes please. :)
RELEASE OF LIABILITY & ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT: By attending this hike, I acknowledge that hiking in nature carries the risk of potential harm to myself up to and including the risk of injuries such as broken bones or muscle/tendon injuries, illness, disability, or death. These can be caused by slipping or falling off rocks due to loss of balance or lack of coordination; twisting ankles on rocks, brush, limbs, or ice; Acts of nature such as rock falls, inclement weather, lightning, strong wind, extreme temperatures; drownings in rivers, streams, or other bodies of water; drinking unfiltered contaminated water or becoming dehydrated; succumbing to heat exhaustion; getting bit or stung by venomous reptiles, animals, or insects; and my own or other’s negligent or risky behaviors. This list is not exhaustive nor is it inclusive of all risks. In response, I release and hold harmless with respect to all injury, disability, death, or loss of property, whether caused by negligence or otherwise, the “Active Adventures” meetup group’s leadership as well as the designated hike leaders for this hike.
