About us
MEETUP GROUP RULES
1. Be Kind and Courteous
2. No Organizing Trips Outside AMC.
3. No Promotions, Spam, or Politics.
The Potomac Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) was established in 1984. It is the southernmost of the 11 regional AMC chapters and has 3,000 members that live mainly in Maryland, northern Virginia, the District of Columbia, as well as eastern West Virginia.
Chapter activities include day-hiking, backpacking, paddling, biking, and social get-togethers. In addition, the Chapter organizes various conservation initiatives and workdays, engages in non-partisan conservation activism, and offers education and leadership opportunities.
Beginner or expert, the AMC Potomac Chapter has something for everyone. With activities that include hiking, biking, paddling, backpacking, and more. We're sure you will find something you love. Beyond just the trips, training, and conservation advocacy, we are a group that encourages community and camaraderie among its members.
Open and welcoming to anyone with an interest in the outdoors, we hope that the shared knowledge and experiences between all of us will help you to grow within the outdoor community and create connections and friendships for a lifetime.
You can find more information about the Potomac Chapter or AMC.
WHAT SETS US APART THE OTHER MEETUP GROUPS?
• Trained volunteer leaders means our trips are well organized, safe, AND fun!
• Activities are open to anyone, no membership dues are required - but your support is appreciated!
• Your support helps us continue to protect more than 100,000 acres of land and 2,000 miles of trails under the care of the Appalachian Mountain Club.
While our Meetup showcases some of the best activities provided by the Chapter, they don't all make it to this page! If you would like to see the full assortment of upcoming activities offered by the AMC Potomac Chapter, please click here. Also consider following us on Facebook.
Let's get outdoors!!!
Upcoming events
3
AMC 20s–40s: Whiteoak Canyon Waterfalls & Swimming Holes Adventure
9550 Saintsbury Dr, Fairfax, Vi, USJoin the AMC 20s–40s group for one of Shenandoah National Park's most spectacular summer hikes! Whiteoak Canyon features dozens of beautiful cascades and waterfalls, along with several refreshing swimming holes, making it the perfect escape from the July heat. Don't forget to bring your swimsuit!
We will meet at Vienna Metro Station at 8:00 AM and carpool to the trailhead. The drive takes approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes. If you are willing to drive, please post in the comments. Carpooling helps reduce our environmental impact and is a great way to meet fellow hikers.
Trail Facts
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Distance: 8.3 miles
- Estimated Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
- Elevation Gain: 2,329 feet
- Park Entrance Fee: Shenandoah National Park pass required ($30 per vehicle)
- Meeting Location: Vienna Metro Station
- Trailhead Coordinates: 38.539495, -78.349128
AllTrails Map:
"https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/white-oak-canyon-and-cedar-run-trail-loop?u=i&sh=rak641" (https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/white-oak-canyon-and-cedar-run-trail-loop?u=i&sh=rak641)
Trail Description
This route combines the Whiteoak Canyon Trail and Cedar Run Trail to create a challenging and rewarding loop featuring numerous waterfalls, cascades, swimming holes, and scenic viewpoints. Expect several stream crossings and a sustained climb, but the stunning scenery more than rewards the effort.
Although rated difficult, our waterfall and swimming breaks make the hike feel much more manageable.What to Bring
- Plenty of water (at least 2–3 liters recommended)
- Electrolytes (such as sports drinks or electrolyte tablets)
- Lunch and snacks
- Swimsuit and towel
- Hiking shoes with good traction
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Trekking poles (optional but helpful)
Optional Dinner
If there is interest, we'll stop at a nearby winery or farm brewery on the way back to relax, enjoy some food and drinks, and celebrate a great day on the trail.
Park Entrance Fee
Shenandoah National Park charges an entrance fee. An annual pass is also available. For more information, visit:
"https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/fees.htm" (https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/fees.htm)
About the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC)
Founded in 1876, the Appalachian Mountain Club is the nation's oldest outdoor recreation and conservation organization. AMC promotes responsible outdoor recreation, conservation, and environmental stewardship while building community through activities such as hiking, backpacking, paddling, cycling, skiing, volunteering, and educational programs.
31 attendees
AMC×CASA Family-Friendly Hike and Picnic
Greenbelt Park, 6565 Greenbelt Road, Greenbelt, MD, USDescription
This hike is for families with children.Please register through the AMC website:
https://share.google/Gy92pfv6wHB7wQFnTDo you have children? Or do you simply believe every child deserves a safe, happy childhood?
Join us for a special collaboration between the AMC (Appalachian Mountain Club) and CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate organization). for a fun morning of hiking, nature, and community!
This family-friendly event is designed to bring together CASA children, CASA volunteers, AMC members, and families for a relaxing day outdoors. We'll enjoy a short, easy hike through beautiful Greenbelt Park, followed by a picnic lunch and time to connect.
This is also a wonderful opportunity to learn about both organizations. CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is a child protection nonprofit serving the Washington, DC area, advocating for children who have experienced abuse or neglect. AMC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring people to enjoy, protect, and understand the outdoors through hiking, conservation, and outdoor education.
Whether you're already involved with either organization or simply interested in meeting like-minded people who care about children and the outdoors, we'd love to have you join us!
🔴🔴🔴 Important Note: Every child must be accompanied by a responsible adult throughout the event. If you are bringing a child, please register under your own name and in the additional information section indicate that you will be attending with a child.
What to Expect
🌿 Easy, child-friendly hike
🧺 Picnic lunch and social gathering
👨👩👧👦 Fun for all ages
🤝 Meet volunteers from AMC and CASA
❤️ Learn how both organizations make a difference in our community
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes
Water
Sunscreen and bug spray
A smile and your sense of adventure!
Come spend a meaningful day in nature, make new friends, and help create wonderful memories for children and families. We hope to see you there!
2 attendees
Past events
480
