What we’re about
Established - May 2024
http://novatrailblazers.com/
Trying to find hike-minded people? Look no further.
This group is for hiking and backpacking enthusiasts in their 20s to 40s, though we do accept people of all ages. Our group is largely informal, with events mostly consisting of backpacking trips with day hikes as schedules permit. New members are always welcome regardless of skill level.
If you think you might be interested but aren't quite sure, feel free to attend one of our occasional informal meetings/happy hours to meet some organizers and find out what we have scheduled.
INHERENT RISK: Organizers carefully plan events and check public sources for weather and safety. Conditions may change or reports may contain errors. Inherent natural hazards are associated with backcountry travel. Organizers do not accept any liability for accidents/injuries in connection with the activities published herein or on linked sites.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- 2-Day Backpack - Caledon State Park (13.5 Miles) + Pancho Villa4808 Franconia-Springfield Pkwy, Springfield, VA
Caledon State Park is a 2,500-acre property in King George County that has been designated as a National Natural Landmark. The park includes 16 miles of hiking trails and is home to old growth forests and American bald eagles. Given the low mileage and modest elevation gain, this backpacking trip is a great choice for those who are new to the sport or who are trying to get back into it.
We will meet on the sidewalk between the parking garage and the bus lane at the Franconia-Springfield Metro Station at 8:00 AM and carpool to the trailhead. Drive time is about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Please post a comment below if you are willing to drive. Carpooling saves the environment and makes friends.
## Trail Facts
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Length: 13.5 Miles
- Duration: 2 Days
- Elevation Gain: 702 Feet
- Bear Canisters: Not Required
- Permits: Not required, although I ask that each person chips in $5 to help cover the cost of the camping reservation. You can give me cash or send me money via PayPal or Venmo.
- Dogs: Allowed on leash at the park, but not at the post-trip meal location.
- Parking: Franconia-Springfield Metro Station (Free garage parking is available if you aren't driving to the trailhead.)
- Trailhead Coordinates: 38.33376579936516, -77.14297900500688
- AllTrails Maps: Day 1, Part 1 / Day 1, Part 2 / Day 2
Trail Details:
Day 1, Part 1: After arriving at the park we will put on our packs and hike about 7 miles with 456 feet of elevation gain. During this leg of our journey we will stop by a few overlooks of the Potomac River and, if we're lucky, we may see some bald eagles. This loop will take us back to the Visitor Center, where you'll have the opportunity to top off your water supplies and check out the exhibits while Jonathan checks in on behalf of the group. You should be prepared to carry enough water to last you until we get back to our cars on Sunday, as there is a chance that the water that we'll be camping near is brackish.
Day 1, Part 2: Once the group is ready we'll hike another 3.5 miles with 75 feet of elevation gain to our camping location near the Potomac River and Jones Pond. I have reserved four camping sites, with two tents allowed per site. We will set up camp, eat dinner, and relax around the fire as we wind down the day. There will likely be a lot of free time, so consider bringing games or some other form of entertainment.
Day 2: While during many backpacking trips it is helpful to start early the second day, on this trip we can take our time in the morning as we wake up, eat breakfast, and pack. I still anticipate that we'll be able to depart our camping spot by 10:00 a.m. and hike a slightly different route of 3 miles with 171 feet of elevation gain back to our cars.
I plan to stop at Pancho Villa in Stafford on the way home -- the address is 155 Garrisonville Rd, Stafford, VA 22554.
Gear List
Note: Be prepared for varying temperatures; layering is key.Essential Items:
- Tent
- Sleeping pad
- Sleeping bag suitable for expected temperatures
- Backpack (appropriate for overnight backpacking)
- Backpacking stove with fuel
- Pot, cup, dish, and utensils
- Dehydrated meals and snacks (for lunch and dinner on Saturday and for breakfast on Sunday)
- Water bottles or hydration system (3-liter capacity)
- Bag or canister for securely storing food and other scented items
- Water filter or purification tablets
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Rain gear
- Dry bags or pack cover
- Warm clothing layers (non-cotton)
- Trowel and toiletries for Leave No Trace compliance
Optional Items:
- Personal first aid kit
- Map and compass or GPS device
- Power bank or external battery
- Trekking poles
- Camp shoes
- Electrolyte supplements
- Alcohol
- Books, games, or other entertainment
- Gaiters
- Sunscreen, lip balm, insect repellent
LIABILITY NOTICE:
Please remember that this group operates under the common adventurer model. We are a group of friends and volunteers organizing trips for fun and shared experience. Participants are expected to be familiar with best hiking practices and choose hikes that align with their physical abilities and experience. Organizers and members are not liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to persons or property arising from group activities. By attending this event, you agree to assume all risks associated with the activity.For more information on the common adventurer model, please see Ron Watters' definition.
If you believe you may be lost during the hike, follow the advice of the US Forest Service.
See you on the trail!
- Backpack - Old Rag + Whiteoak Canyon - 2 Days - 23 MilesLower Whiteoak Canyon Fee Station, Syria, VA
Got to love an Old Rag backpacking trip. This one is not for the faint of heart - but, oh man, the views...
IMPORTANT - READ
This trip is very challenging and is NOT appropriate for inexperienced hikers. First time backpackers will not be allowed to join this one, sorry.## Trail Facts
- Difficulty Level: Extremely Strenuous
- Length: 23 Miles
- Duration: 2 Days
- Elevation Gain: 6,411 Feet
- Bear Canisters: Not Required
- Permits: Pre-Purchased - Please bring $10
- Parking: Lower Whiteoak Canyon Parking Lot
- Coordinates: 38.539472, -78.349190
- AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/saddle-ridge-corbin-hollow-corbin-mountain-indian-run-nicholson-hollow-appalachian-and-w?u=i&sh=rak641
This is a hard one. It will require stamina and spunk. But this backpacking trip goes through the best Shenandoah has to offer.
This route is brutal and is NOT recommended for inexperienced hikers. First time backpackers will not be allowed to join this one, sorry. Please ensure you are able to manage 10-15 miles per day.
Trail Details:
On Saturday morning, we will meet at the trailhead at 9am. If you're driving from the DC area, it might be easier to stay in the area the night before. We will need to get an early start so dont be late.Day 1 (13.75 miles)
On the first day, we will leave the parking lot and travel up the Whiteoak Canyon trail. This trail is steep, but amazing - it includes 20-30 waterfalls and a great swimming hole, complete with a slide. Call it nature's water park. At roughly 5.5 miles, we can optionally stop at a bar at Skyland Resort for food/drink. At 6.6 miles we will arrive at Stony Man Lookout, a beautiful view. We will then continue another ~7 miles to our campsite on the Corbin Hollow trail.Day 2 (9.51 miles)
Day 2 is shorter, but requires us to summit Old Rag - no easy feat with gear. For those that haven't hiked Old Rag, expect decently vertical scrambles and a trail that meanders through interesting crevasses and along cliffsides. We will reach the summit after roughly 6 miles. The last 2.6 miles to the car should be easy.Depending on how late we get to the cars, I may stop for food and drink at Rappahannock Pizza Kitchen (RPK), 3710 Sperryville Pike, Sperryville, VA 22740.
I've purchased backcountry permits for this trip - please bring $10. Also, Shenandoah requires drivers to have a park pass to enter the park (I have an America the Beautiful Pass). There are no entrance stations to get to the parking lot - but I'd recommend drivers have a park pass to leave with the car.
(Event is crossposted)
LIABILITY NOTICE:
Please remember that this group operates under the common adventurer model. We are a group of friends and volunteers organizing trips for fun and shared experience. Participants are expected to be familiar with best hiking practices and choose hikes that align with their physical abilities and experience. Organizers and members are not liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to persons or property arising from group activities. By attending this event, you agree to assume all risks associated with the activity.For more information on the common adventurer model, please see Ron Watters' definition.
If you believe you may be lost during the hike, follow the advice of the US Forest Service.
See you on the trail! - 4th of July White Water Rafting TripVienna Metro South Kiss & Ride Parking, Vienna, VA
**Signing up for this trip requires being prepared to send up to $200 for the rafting reservation. Caleb will dm you to confirm with venmo details. Limited attendance list up front but can expand if we have enough hard commitments**
Let's celebrate the 4th of July with a trip to West Virginia near New River Gorge National Park to camp and raft the New River! The New River hosts some of the best rapids in the country! But for you beginners (like me) fear not - in the summer the water isn't quite as high. This should be a nice experience for all skill levels.
The trip will also involve camping for two nights. I have two tents that could comfortably fit 8 people total, plus a few extra sleeping bags and a ton of cookware. If you need gear (or have extra gear to spare) please post in the comments and we can set up some exchanges! This will be "car camping" - meaning we can bring excessive amount of items to have a super comfortable camping experience :)
Please also comment if you'd be willing to drive and also have space to pack camping gear in your car.
Costs: If you want to attend, you need to be ready to pay up to $200 within the next two weeks (late March / early April) so I can reserve our spot! Other costs will include the campsite (~$20 per person), gas (~$30 per person), and food (~$40 per person). In total, I'd recommend budgeting around $300 for this trip.
Should be an awesome weekend, can't wait. See the tentative itinerary below with some links:
Friday July 4th
- 9am - leave from Vienna metro station at 9am. Appx 5 hour drive to Fayetteville, WV.
- 3pm - Arrive at campsite in Babcock State Park (campsite has a central building with bathrooms, showers, and coin-operated laundry); set up camp
- 4pm - Attend the July Jamboree in Fayettteville, WV to see fireworks. May be within the National Park.
- Optional "Fireside Jams" folk music performance
Saturday July 5th
- 9am - Rafting trip at Ace Adventure Resort. Rafting will last 6 hours. Lunch will be included. All-in cost will be $150-200 depending on group size.
- 4pm - Return to camp site. Clean up, chill out, have a wonderful evening by the fire with cool people.
Sunday July 6th
- 11am - Return to NOVA
- 4pm - Arrive at Vienna station
Let me know if you have any questions!
