NOVA Trailblazers - 20s - 40s Backpacking and Hiking

UPDATE - Changed from Sat to Sun due to weather

A low-key classic - Billy Goat A.
Note: Meet up in front of the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center (MD side)

The Billy Goat Trail is a great little hike right outside the Beltway. Should be a quick hike with some great views. Afterwards, we can grab a drink and some food at The Old Anglers Inn, a restaurant with a huge beer garden patio out back.

## Trail Facts

• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Length: 4.6 Miles
• Duration: 2-3 hrs
• Elevation Gain: 184 Feet
• Permits: Great Falls Parking Pass
• Parking: Great Falls Parking Lot (off MacArthur Blvd)
• Trailhead Coordinates: 39.001063, -77.247684
• AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-june-5-2024-c215b44?u=i&sh=rak641

Trail Details:
Billy Goat Trail Section A is thought of as the harder of the three Billy Goat sections, but hikers are rewarded with breathtaking views of Mather Gorge and the Potomac River. Section A is a one-way trail with rugged terrain, including small rock scrambles. It is highly recommended to wear boots or hiking sneakers on this trail. We will loop back on the canal towpath for an easy walk back to the car.

People often start this hike from the parking lot near Old Angler's Inn - However that lot is very small and typically fills up. I suggest parking in the Great Falls parking lot (entry fee required). I will park here and we can walk across the foot bridge to the trailhead.

GENERAL FEE: Great Falls charges a fee to enter - $10 on foot or $20 for a vehicle. You can also use the annual "America The Beautiful" pass.

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.​

Mason Neck State Park was dedicated in 1985 and was initially targeted for conservation to protect the bald eagles and natural habitats of the area. This 1,856-acre property features over 9 miles of trails, views of the Occoquan and Belmont Bays, and boardwalks taking visitors through marshy areas.

We will meet at the Franconia-Springfield Metro Station at 9:30 AM and carpool to the trailhead. Drive time is about 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: 7.6 Miles
• Duration: 2-3 hrs
• Elevation Gain: 236 Feet
• Permits: You must purchase either a $10 daily parking pass or a Virginia State Parks Annual Pass. In either case the pass covers everyone in the same vehicle.
• Parking: Franconia-Springfield Metro Station
• Dogs: Must be leashed and under control at all times.
• Trailhead Coordinates: 38.64243234694945, -77.19970350094123
• AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/nova-trailblazers-mason-neck-state-park-f461285?u=i&sh=kucj8c

Trail Details:

Our route through Mason Neck State Park will feature beautiful forest and marsh habitats and overlooks of Occoquan Bay, Belmont Bay, and Kane's Creek. The park is home to bald eagles and other types of wildlife that we may see during our journey. If you have binoculars you may want to bring them so you can better take in the waterfront views. :)

On the way back, I plan to stop at Glory Days Grill in Lorton, VA. The address is 9459 Lorton Market St, Lorton, VA 22079.

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.​

Otter Creek Wilderness is a 20,698-acre property in West Virginia that lies in a bowl between Shavers and McGowan Mountains. This U.S. Forest Service land includes 45 miles of hiking trails and is home to second-growth timber, rhododendron, and various types of moss and lichen. The fall foliage that we'll be passing through should be beautiful. This is a three-day trip with significant mileage and elevation gain, and as such is NOT recommended for first-time or inexperienced backpackers.

We will meet at the Vienna South Metro Station at 8:00 AM and carpool to the trailhead. Drive time is about 3 hours. Please post a comment below if you are willing to drive. Carpooling saves the environment and makes friends.

## Trail Facts

• Difficulty Level: Strenuous
• Length: 24.1 Miles
• Duration: 3 Days
• Elevation Gain: 4,098 Feet
• Bear Canisters: Not Required
• Permits: None
• Dogs: Allowed
• Parking: Vienna South Metro Station
• Trailhead Coordinates: 38.942232288335696, -79.66811374718421
• AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/nova-trailblazers-october-backpacking-trip-option-1-9a96876?u=i&sh=kucj8c

Trail Details:

The maximum group size for wilderness areas is 10 people, so please only sign up if you are 100% committed to attending.

Day 1: After arriving at the Condon Run Trailhead we will put on our packs and hike about 7 miles on the Otter Creek, Yellow Creek, McGowan Mountain, and Moore Run Trails. Along the way we will pass by McGown Mountain. Once we turn onto Moore Run Trail we will start looking for a campsite. Once we've found a suitable site we'll set up camp and relax before the next day.

Day 2: During the second day we'll get an early start and will hike another 12.5 miles on the Turkey Run, Big Springs Gap, Otter Creek, Green Mountain, and Shavers Mountain Trails. Along this segment of the trip we will pass by Green and Shavers Mountains. We will camp near the intersection of the Shavers Mountain and Mylius Trails.

Day 3: We'll wrap up our trip by hiking the remaining 4.5 miles on the Shavers Mountain and Hedricks Gap Trails back to the Condon Run Trailhead.

I plan to stop at Box Office Brewery in Strasburg on the way home -- the address is 177 E King St, Strasburg, VA 22657.

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 (Saturday: snacks/dinner, Sunday: breakfast/snacks/dinner, Monday: breakfast)
• 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.​

⚠️IMPORTANT⚠️ – PLEASE READ BEFORE ATTENDING

• No rentals available. You must bring your own kayak, canoe, or SUP and have a way to transport it.
• RSVP must include:

1. Make/model of your watercraft
2. Confirmation that you can safely operate it

• Be prepared for potential whitecaps and rough water. You must be capable of handling your craft without capsizing.

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Philpott Lake is a scenic reservoir located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Henry, Virginia. The lake was created in the 1950s by the damming of the Smith River by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, primarily for flood control, hydroelectric power, and recreation.

Size & Setting: The lake spans roughly 3,000 acres of water with more than 100 miles of wooded shoreline . Unlike some larger, busier reservoirs, Philpott has a calm, unspoiled atmosphere — almost all the land around it is undeveloped and protected, creating a very natural feel.

Love backpacking and have a SUP/kayak/canoe? Imagine the possibilities if we combined these activities?

This is a great opportunity for those who want to prepare for a trip to areas like BWCA or Quetico Provincial Park.

Logistics

Carpool & Parking