About us
*** We have merch! Check out our shop! ***
DC UL Backpacking hosts an average of 80 backpacking events each year, specializing in high-mileage, lightweight backpacking trips throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond. Our membership structure helps backpackers gain or enhance their outdoor skills. In general, our trips are quite challenging but you’ll find a wealth of experienced backpackers who are eager to share advice. Visit our website (www.dculbackpacking.com) to learn more about our group and our membership and trip ranks, and to read our FAQs.
Our goal: To cultivate a community of independent outdoorsmen and women who want nothing more than to have a fulfilling backcountry experience–to wake early, to walk far, and to travel light.
Join us. We look forward to meeting you!
When applying to join our group, make sure to fill out our questionnaire fully. We also require that your profile photo is of yourself.
*** Read our liability waiver (https://dculbackpacking.com/about/liability-waiver/) and COVID-19 guidelines here: https://dculbackpacking.com/about/covid-19-guidelines/. ***
Upcoming events
9
LM: False Cape & Back Bay Refuge (25 miles)
Franconia-Springfield Metro Station, 6880 Frontier Drive, Springfield, VA, USExpect beachside views of the Atlantic Ocean and lots of great wildlife photo opportunities on this backpacking trip through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and False Cape State Park. False Cape SP is distinctive in that it can only be accessed via Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge by foot, bicycle, or boat. No car campers in this park!
Saturday we'll park at Little Island City Park, hike south along the road into the Refuge (the first mile of Refuge beach is closed to the public), then take the West Dike Trail through the Refuge to take in the nature on the Bay side, eventually crossing into False Cape SP. Time allowing we'll check out the VA/NC boundary marker before looping back around on the ocean side toward our campsite.
On Sunday we'll make our way back north, taking in some more views of the ocean and then exploring the East Dike Trail before retracing our steps on the road back to Little Island Park.
Caltopo of planned route: https://caltopo.com/m/H49KU4T
Map of Back Bay Refuge: https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/BBNWR_Visitor%20Map%28Accessibility-Checked%29.pdf
Map of False Cape SP: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/document/data/trail-guide-falsecape.pdfI have reserved campsite 40, which is located on the Bay side. My reservation is capped at 6 people. If there's sufficient interest, we will look to snag another nearby site availability allowing.
If you are an "applicant" (meaning that this is your first DCUL trip), please send James your gear list ASAP. For an explanation of DC DUL membership ranks: https://dculbackpacking.com/about/membership/
Waiver: By RSVPing to this trip or any other DC UL trip, you agree to these guidelines and to DC UL's waiver liability terms: https://dculbackpacking.com/about/liability-waiver/
COVID-19 policy: https://dculbackpacking.com/about/covid-19-guidelines/
Dues: Members and above, don't forget to pay your annual dues. You can check if you need to pay dues by seeing if the current year is listed next to your name in your DC UL profile. Applicants do not need to pay dues for their first trip. To pay your dues via PayPal, use this link: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/JenniferAdach/15 (10 annual dues plus a 5 suggested donation to City Kids Wilderness Project.)
Carpool: As per our carpool policy, riders should pay drivers 0.10/mile. Passengers should anticipate paying around 42 for this trip.7 attendees
VMO: Black Forest Trail (43 miles)
Vienna Metro North Parking Lot, Vienna Metro Station, Vienna, VA, USI wanted to hike the Black Forest Trail in PA for a while, but I missed David O's Octoberfest trip last year and I can't make Emily's August madness trip, so what do I do? Post my own take on Black Forest Trail. I have to admit that I plagiarized the map from this online hike description: Black Forest Trail Backpacking Guide — Into the Backcountry
We will do the loop slightly differently from other DCUL trips:
1. Leave Saturday morning from Vienna metro, drive to Slate Run PA and start from Slate Run trailhead, coordinates: 41.47138, -77.50481.
2. Hike anywhere from 13 to 16 miles and camp along County Line Stream. We will decide the hiking distance and specific campsite based on the time we arrive at the trailhead.
3. Sunday is a big hiking day. We will cover around 20 miles (maybe a bit less or more depending how far we get on Saturday) and camp along Little Slate Run.
4. Monday we will hike the rest of the miles and drive home.I am ranking this trip VMO because of the terrain difficulty and somewhat fluid itinerary, but I will allow strong members with established DCUL history.
Caltopo: Black Forest Trail - CalTopo
I’m just a co-participant on this trip, not a guide or an expert. I have no survival or medical training.
By RSVPing to this trip or any other DCUL trip, you agree to these guidelines and to DCUL's waiver liability terms (https://dculbackpacking.com/about/liability-waiver/)
Dues: Members and above, don't forget to pay your annual dues. You can check if you need to pay dues by seeing if the current year is listed next to your name in your DCUL profile. To pay your dues via PayPal, use this link: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/JenniferAdach/15 ($10 annual dues plus a $5 suggested donation to City Kids Wilderness Project.)6 attendees
IO: Bikepacking DC-Pitt via C&O-GAP (w/ weekend option)
Washington City Canal Outfall, VWXV+M3 Washington, District of Columbia, Washington, DC, USMy plan to do the ride from DC to Pittsburgh was delayed last year because, well 2025 turned out to be what 2025 ended up being. Now that 2026 is not necessarily better but slightly more manageable, time to do a ride to get that breathing space that only a long ride can really provide.
I'll be departing from Mile Marker 0 on the C&O Saturday morning and riding out 50 miles to the Bald Eagle Island Hiker-Biker site. Anyone wanting to just do the weekend can camp and ride back to DC on Sunday. I'll be continuing on the C&O and GAP with days around 65 miles, camping along the way, and finishing in Pittsburgh late Thursday morning. I plan to spend a few days exploring Pittsburgh before taking the train back to DC on Sunday. You're welcome to join for the weekend or the whole ride.
You'll need a bike with tires 32mm or wider that can handle gravel, a way to carry gear, and some basic bike maintenance experience and tools to be able to handle any flats or other issues. Riding with a backpack is not recommended - it's better to have the gear on the bike versus trying to use a backpack. Normally Cumberland or other spots would be available as points to drop off and take the train back to DC, but the Floridian route is apparently having track maintenance during October so interim train spots aren't available. The return from Pittsburgh requires going to Philly to catch a train south to DC rather than being able to do the normal direct train route.
I've done Pitt to DC previously and have some extra packing options to loan out if needed. Costs would include any of the multiple food options along the way, and any campground fees, lodging, or train tickets for the full ride to Pittsburgh. Hopefully October weather is good, but be prepared for what Maddie's crew experienced on Memorial Day.
4 attendees
Past events
1242
