Adventuring LGBTQ+ Outdoors Club

A 10 mile circuit hike on Massanutten Mountain near Strasburg in the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests . Sweeping views from overlooks. The high point is Signal Knob, used as a signal relay station during the Civil War. Elevation gain 2300 feet.

We will stop at the Sheetz on your way (Sheetz, 15315 Washington St, Haymarket, VA 20169) the distance is about 144 miles round trip to the parking lot.

Here is a link from the parking area to the trail head. If you are meeting us at the trail head please be there by 9:15 am. GPS coordinates at the trail head: [38.934984, -78.319957]( "Get Directions") https://maps.app.goo.gl/aMdTbEwGymWAnUNV8

We will have lunch at the top of Signal Knob also if you would like additional information on the hike here is a link that should help you. http://www.hikingupward.com/GWNF/SignalKnob/

Now the warning: PLEASE DON’T SIGN UP FOR THIS HIKE UNLESS YOU’VE BEEN HIKING A LOT RECENTLY. This is not a beginner's hike, nor is it suitable for dogs. Bring plenty of beverages, lunch, sunscreen, bug spray and sturdy boots.

We will meet at 8:00 a.m. to form our carpool in the East Falls Church Metro Kiss & Ride lot. We will promptly leave at 815.

In addition to your hiking gear and plenty of water, please bring $5 for the Adventuring Trip Fee and a $12 carpool fee for your driver.

Effective immediately, Adventuring will waive the $5 trip fee for any federal employee or contractor who has been furloughed during the current Shutdown. Trip participants will still have to pay their share of transportation costs.

Please click here to review our release form. When you RSVP to an event, you affirm that you have read and agree to the terms of the release

Let's take this traditional Adventuring winter hike (previously nicknamed The Ice Hike). Not just waterfalls and more waterfalls, these will be some of Shenandoah’s most iconic. This hike is part of the Hike All the Named Waterfalls in SNP series (number 4). If you’re into waterfalls, this is surely the best hike in all of Shenandoah National Park. If the falls are iced over, then this hike upgrades to transcendent.

There will be nine waterfalls in all, ranging from a series of gorgeous cascades to the spectacular Upper and Lower Whiteoak Canyon Falls. For the water to fall so dramatically, the terrain must be steep; we will be ascending and descending next to where the water is falling. We'll take plenty of short stops to savor the views (to catch our breath and to take those all-important selfies). With its 8.5 miles length, and 2306 feet of elevation gain, this circuit route is very strenuous. Also, be prepared for two shallow stream crossings on the return leg along Cedar Run, so leaving a pair of dry sox and street shoes in the car is recommended.

Bring lunch, 3 liters of water, and sunscreen, and be sure to wear waterproof hiking boots with good treads (the path is steep and rocky and those rocks can be slippery). Dressing in layers is essential. You will be peeling them off and adding them back on throughout the day. Packing a set of ice traction cleats or crampons is suggested, but not required. This ice gear must not be worn on wet rocks, where it becomes a hazard.

If you carpool, transportation and trip fees will be $20, which includes the $5 Adventuring fee (paid by all) and $15 for your driver. Also factor in the cost of our restaurant stop on the return. This is a full day hike. We'll meet for forming our carpools at 8:30 a.m. at the East Falls Church Metro Kiss & Ride parking lot. We will make a convenience pit stop half way to the trailhead (Sheetz). We may return as late as 9 p.m.

Please click here to review our release form. When you RSVP to an event, you affirm that you have read and agree to the terms of the release.

disclaimer: the text above must have come from AI; I had nothing to do with it, although I can't quibble with any of it-- RH

Explore these two jewels of the Pacific Northwest

RSVP Prerequisites
(1) At the time of RSVP, participants must have already completed at least four Adventuring events (hikes and/or social gatherings) in the past year

(2) Must be fit enough for moderately strenuous hiking (our hikes could range up to 6-8 miles, with up to 2,000 feet of elevation gain)

(3) A $200 deposit will be required to secure your spot on the trip

Trip Details

Let's escape the worst of our summer heat and head to the opposite end of the country to spend a week exploring these two beautiful national parks, which are in the far corner of the Pacific Northwest.

We'll be hiking an amazing variety of terrain-- up forested canyons to tall waterfalls, across subalpine meadows of wildflowers past glacier-capped mountains, walking through cathedral-like old-growth rainforest, soaking in hot springs and hiking out to dramatic ocean beaches.

We’ll all stay in a big house together, sharing the cooking and kitchen duty, and riding to our hikes each day in the group cars. We’ll be spending three nights in Ashford, WA (for Mt. Rainier) and two nights each in Port Angeles and Forks, WA (for Olympic). Couples will have their own rooms. Singles will have their own beds, which may be in shared rooms or the living room.

Participants will share equally in the cost of the lodging, the rental cars and gas, the shared groceries and beverages, and any other group costs. Estimated at $1,300-1,600 each, all-in, for the week, plus participants will be responsible for their own travel costs to Seattle and back.

Limited to 7-9 participants (depends on how many additional couples sign up).

NEW POLICY: Click here to review our release form. When you RSVP to an event, you affirm that you have read and agree to the terms of the release.

After a ten-year hiatus, Adventuring is returning to the subalpine highlands of West Virginia! This summer, we will explore the Dolly Sods Wilderness and the greater Monongahela National Forest. While this mountainous region is relatively close to home, it is a rare destination for our group—making this outing a special treat. (See photos here.)

### Accommodations & Logistics

• Duration: 8/21/2025 - 8/27/2025
• Basecamp: We have reserved Cairn Ridge, a luxury vacation home in the Old Timberline community, that comfortably accommodates 8-10.
• Location: The house is located directly across the road from the Dolly Sods’ Rocky Ridge Trail, allowing for car-free access to the wilderness.
• Amenities: Features a fully equipped kitchen, outdoor grill, spacious deck with sunset views, an indoor hot tub, and a sauna.
• Transportation: Carpools will be organized from the Baltimore/Washington region.
• House Rules: No pets and no smoking (homeowner policy).

### Planned Activities

The itinerary is still being finalized, but potential highlights include:

• Day Hikes: Dolly Sods, Seneca Rocks, Blackwater Falls State Park, Swallow Falls State Park, Roaring Plains, plus the MD and WV high points Spruce Knob, and Hoye Crest.
• Difficulty: A mix of easy to strenuous hikes, most moderately strenuous.
• Special Option*:* One night of primitive backcountry camping for those interested.
• Dining: We will pool resources for most meals, featuring cook-outs and Harris’ internationally famous lasagna.

### Cost & Registration

• Estimated Cost: $350 (includes housing, Adventuring fee, and carpool transportation). Meals and incidentals are extra.
• Deposit: A $100 deposit is required to secure your spot. Balance due by June 1st, though appreciated sooner.
• Waitlist Policy: All sign-ups begin on the waitlist. You will be moved to "Going" once your deposit is received.
• Cancellations: If you must back out, please let me know as soon as you become aware that you are not coming.
• Flexibility: You are welcome to stay for less than a week or skip activities, but the base cost remains the same.

### Requirements

1. Experience: Participants must have completed at least three previous hikes with Adventuring.
2. Agreement: Please click here to review our release form. When you RSVP to an event, you affirm that you have read and agree to the terms of the release.

Questions? Want to help? Please contact the trip leader, Harris, if you would like to help plan the itinerary or lead a specific activity such as a hike, meal or BBQ.