Adventuring LGBTQ+ Outdoors Club

Join us on a hike up Little Devils Stairs in Shenandoah National Park. This hike is a rugged and scenic loop that climbs through a narrow gorge alongside Keyser Run, featuring numerous stream crossings, small waterfalls and rocky scrambles that often require using your hands. The first couple of miles are the most strenuous, with a steep ascent up the “stairs” of boulders and roots, while constant views of cascading water and the surrounding forest make the effort worthwhile. Near the top, the trail levels out and transitions to a quieter return along a fire road through woods and past a historic cemetery, offering occasional valley views before descending back to the trailhead. Overall, it’s a challenging but rewarding hike known for its mix of water features, elevation gain and varied terrain.

Total hiking distance will be approximately 5.6 miles. Combined with an elevation gain of close to 1,500 feet, this is considered a strenuous hike. Participants should have some hiking experience and be in good physical condition. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring a daypack with snacks, lunch (we’ll make a pit stop on the trip out), raingear (mountain weather can be fickle!) and at least two quarts of water.
This cost for this trip is the $5 Adventuring fee, plus $15 for your driver if you participate in the carpool. Additionally, there is a $30/vehicle entrance fee for Shenandoah National Park but usually we have enough hikers with National Park passes to cover each vehicle. There will be an optional dinner stop on the trip home.

Due to very limited parking at the trailhead, carpooling is encouraged. We will meet at the East Falls Church Metro Kiss and Ride lot at 8:30. This is the small parking lot at the corner of Sycamore and 19th St N, not the main parking lot. If you’re walking out of the station, turn right to find us. Parking in Metro lots is free on weekends if you leave your vehicle. For those meeting us at the trailhead, we will convene by 10:30. Please note we will start from trailhead at the boundary parking area on Keyser Run Road, not from Skyline Drive (use “Little Devils Stairs Loop Trail” on Google Maps).

Important Note: Everyone who registers will initially be placed on the waitlist. I will reach out to participants, in the order of sign up, with further information on how to pay the trip deposit. Once the deposit is received, your status will be updated to Going.

Join us for a weekend adventure as we explore America’s newest National Park and raft the iconic New River Gorge! We’ll depart mid-morning on Friday, June 19 and make our way to the outfitter’s campus near Fayetteville, West Virginia. Along the way, we’ll stop at Virginia's newest tourist attraction - Buc-ee’s - and enjoy the scenery as we cross from the Virginia highlands into West Virginia.

On Saturday, we’ll spend the day rafting the Lower New River, a classic Class III–V rafting stretch known for its big waves, warm water, and stunning scenery through the New River Gorge. This guided trip typically lasts 5–6 hours and includes periods of intense paddling, calm pools for swimming and a riverside lunch break. Participants should be comfortable in moving water, able to paddle vigorously as part of a team and capable of sitting on the raft’s outer tubes for extended periods. Good mobility, balance and the ability to climb back into the raft if needed are important. This trip is recommended for individuals in good physical condition who can handle moderate to strenuous activity throughout the day. The evening will be free to explore the amenities, relax or enjoy the on-site dining options.

On Sunday, we’ll check out and head to the Canyon Rim Visitor Center and partake in a short scenic walk into the Gorge—an excellent opportunity for photos of the famous arch bridge and panoramic views—before returning home. Note that the walk to the lower observation deck involves descending 178 steps. We expect to arrive back in the metro area early Sunday evening.

Transportation
Carpooling details will be worked out among participants and a meeting/departure location will be set; drivers will receive a reimbursement. In the event we don't have enough drivers, we will utilize rental vehicles.

Lodging & Sleeping Arrangements
Once we arrive at the outfitter's base camp on Friday, we’ll check into their historic Truman Lodge, which features a full kitchen, porch and hot tub and is conveniently located within walking distance of their water park, restaurants, bar and rafting check-in. Sleeping arrangements will be coordinated among participants; options include queen-sized beds, a futon, roll-aways, and foam mattresses in the sleeping loft.

Meals
Lunch on Saturday is included with the rafting trip but all other meals will be on your own; group coordination will be encouraged. We’ll make a lunch stop on both the trip down and the return trip. The outfitter has two restaurants on site and the cabin has a kitchen; we’ll bring a cooler and make a brief stop for groceries on the way down.

Trip Costs
The total estimated trip cost is $325-375. This includes transportation, lodging, rafting (includes lunch) and the Adventuring trip fee.

Important Registration Information
Participation is limited to individuals who have participated in least three prior Adventuring events. Everyone who registers will initially be placed on the waitlist. Participants will be contacted in the order they signed up in order to submit a $200 deposit which is needed to secure your rafting spot. You will have one week to respond before your spot is offered to the next person on the list. The balance payment will be due by no later than June 1. If you must cancel, your deposit and any other fees paid will be refunded in full only if your spot is filled. Maximum group size: 10 participants.