Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC)-- Potomac Chapter

Start Location
Greenbelt Metro Dr., Greenbelt, MD, 20770, US
End Location
Same as start location
Start
Sunday, June 28, 2026 | 10:00 AM
End
Sunday, June 28, 2026 | 2:00 PM
Description
Join us for another refreshing Sunday morning hike through one of the DC area's hidden gems, followed by an optional brunch at a local café.

We'll explore the scenic trails of Greenbelt Park, a 1,100-acre forest managed by the National Park Service. Despite being only minutes from the city, the park feels surprisingly remote, with shady woodland paths, towering trees, gentle hills, and opportunities to spot birds and other wildlife.

Our route will follow a combination of the park's loop trails, offering a pleasant mix of forest scenery and easy-to-moderate hiking. We'll maintain a social pace with time to enjoy nature and get to know fellow hikers.

Distance: Approximately 5–6 miles

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Terrain: Natural dirt trails with some roots and gentle hills

Please Bring:

Water

Comfortable hiking shoes

Weather-appropriate clothing

A positive attitude!

Optional Brunch:

After the hike, those interested are welcome to join us for brunch at New Deal Café in historic Greenbelt, a cozy community gathering spot known for its coffee, breakfast options, and relaxed atmosphere.

Whether you're new to hiking or a regular trail enthusiast, come enjoy a morning of fresh air, conversation, and good food.

Looking forward to hiking with you!

This backpacking trip will follow a loop trail in the George Washington National Forest near Wardensville, West Virginia. You will drive 10 or 15 minutes to the trailhead on Waites Run Road from Wardensville . Part of this hike is along the Tuscarora Trail, originally assembled as a western alternative to the Appalachian Trail. This will be a moderately paced backpacking trip with about 5 miles the first day and 5 miles the second day. The third day is about 3 miles, mostly downhill, with several stream crossing. After setting up camp the second day, there will be a 3 mile additional hike without your backpack to a great overlook. There are large campsites with water both nights. You will need to bring a treatment method for the water as well as your own food and a stove to prepare it. This backpack trip is suitable for those who have been hiking this season distances of 5 or more miles. This is a volunteer led trip organized by the Potomac Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club. No dogs. The AMC Potomac Chapter has some equipment to loan if you are new to backpacking. Carpooling is certainly possible.

This is perfect if you are a backpacker, want to move from hiking to backpacking, have not backpacked in a long while, or just want to get away and outdoors for the 4th of July. We will take breaks, but reasonable fitness is expected for continuous hiking with a backpack.

Come join the Appalachian Mountain Club in the pristine West Virginia wilderness during peak blueberry season! The trip includes camping in tents Saturday night, and backpacking back to the trailhead on Sunday morning. Dolly Sods in West Virginia is a part of the National Wilderness Preservation System, and is considered a high-altitude plateau. It's unique geography, climate, and vegetation make it a popular recreation destination for outdoor goers. Contact the trip leaders Hannah and David for more information.

Registration is required, sign up at the following link to also get more necessary info: https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UVX0000015T0n2AE/act00020282