What we’re about
THE CLUB www.nvhc.com
The Northern Virginia Hiking Club (NVHC) offers a range of hikes of various difficulty levels in Virginia, Maryland, DC, and beyond. The club also offers other outdoor events occasionally. NVHC members reflect the rich diversity of the Washington DC Metro area. Annual membership fee is $5. Guests are welcome and enjoy a month’s free participation in the club events. NVHC is a nonprofit organization and donates funds to local parks and trail maintenance organizations from time to time. The selection of the parks and organizations is based on club usage - it is our way of giving back. Monies vary each time - $7,200 were donated in 2023.
Members are required to accept the liability disclaimer by typing “Accept” in the fields presented when they join the club.
DIFFICULTY RATINGS
NVHC hikes are assigned difficulty ratings. A combination of linear distance and elevation gain is used to determine the rating, with 400 feet of elevation gain considered to be equivalent of 1 mile of linear distance. With the “miles” derived from elevation gain added to the linear distance, following are the ratings:
A+= Very Difficult (19 miles or more)
A = Difficult (13 miles or more, but less than 19 miles)
B = Moderately Difficult (10 miles or more, but less than 13 miles)
C = Moderate (7 miles or more, but less than 10 miles)
D = Easy (Less than 7 miles)
For example, a nine-mile hike with 1,000 feet of climbing would be rated B (9 + 2.5 = 11.5).
Elevation loss is not measured in this system. Also, the difficulty rating is separate from the pace of the hike, which is determined by the leader, and is usually specified in the individual hike descriptions.
RSVP ETIQUETTE
Often there are limits on the number of participants on NVHC events, set by our leaders. This creates wait lists on Meetup. If you find yourself in this situation, we request that you keep in mind the interest of the leaders and your fellow hikers, and follow the guidelines below:
- If you RSVP’d “yes” for a hike, change your RSVP to “no” as soon as you decide not to go, so that someone else can go.
- If you RSVP’d “yes” to overlapping events on the same day, decide on one as soon as possible, and change your RSVP to “no” for all others.
- If you are on a wait list and decide not to go, remove yourself from the list.
DOGS ON HIKES
Dogs are welcome on NVHC hikes at the discretion of the hike leader. Several restrictions apply including advance notification to the leader, dogs being well behaved, and their being kept on a six foot leash. See dog policy located at [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy] for details.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Signal Knob (Rating A+)Centreville Park and Ride, Centreville, VA
You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike.
This is an A+ hike due to distance and elevation. PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE POST BEFORE RSVPING.
PLEASE NOTE: **** This is a pretty difficult hike and is only suitable for those who have recent experience hiking this distance and elevation gain. If I don’t know you, you MUST message me with 24 hours of signing up with a recent A+ hike you have done or a hike leader who can vouch for you. Otherwise, you will be moved to “Not Going”. ***
************* THE GOOD STUFF **************************
Join me on this lollypop A+ hike of approximately 12.3ish miles and about 2,600 feet of elevation. This is a different version of Signal Knob than what most people are used to doing and it allows us to avoid the super rocky portion of the hike that I personally don't like. We'll start the hike from the Signal Knob parking lot and head up the Tuscarora Bear Wallow Trail until we hit the Meneka Peak Trail. We'll then make a left on the Massanutten Trail to the Signal Knob overlook, then head back down on the Tuscarora Bear Wallow Trail to the cars. There should be only 1 stream crossing with rocks that should not be an issue.
*For those wishing to CARPOOL, the suggested carpool location is at the Centreville Park and Ride, 14700 Lee Highway, Centreville, VA. The driving time from there to the trailhead is approximately 1 hour (with no stop). Please arrive at the Park and Ride before 6:45 AM to form carpools so all cars can leave at 6:45 AM sharp. I WILL BE MEETING EVERYONE AT THE TRAILHEAD.
PLEASE NOTE: Neither the Club nor the hike leaders are responsible for coordinating transportation to/from the trailhead. Hikers are not guaranteed to get a ride to the trailhead from the carpool location. Carpooling is organized by the participants and participation is at your own risk. Suggested carpool fee: $7.00 per rider.
- Meet at the trailhead @ 7:45 am. We will start hiking at 8:00 am SHARP.
- TH Parking Coordinates: 38.93495,-78.31999
- Park entry fee: $0
- Carpool Fee: $7
- Distance: 12.3ish miles
- Elevation: About 2,600 feet
- Pace: 2.25 – 2.75 when moving. We will take short breaks at intersections and a regular lunch break.
- Terrain: Rocky,
- Dogs are allowed (leashed) in accordance with NVHC policy
Bring: Adequate water, food/snacks, hat, basic first aid kit, map, tick spray, rain gear (depending) and hiking poles.
PLEASE PRINT OUT ANY MAPS YOU MAY NEED AS I DO NOT PROVIDE COPIES OF MAPS. ALL THE LINKS AND COORDINATES YOU WILL NEED ARE PROVIDED ABOVE.
All Trails MAP: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/afternoon-hike-d516b13-652
AND FINALLY!
- Don't come if you’re not feeling well.
- Avoid the most severe, unspeakable bad karma by CHANGING YOUR RSVP if you're not able to attend within a reasonable time - not hours before.
- No complaining allowed :-)
For questions, message or call the hike leader:
Susan M. (703) 963-8939Not open - Sky Meadows State Park (Rating: B)Gainesville Park and Ride, Virginia, VA
You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike.
8.5 miles with 1500 feet elevation gain.
Let's hike to see the sights and activities of Sky Meadows!
Description:
Sky Meadows State Park is rich in history, the park has rolling pastures and woodlands, scenic vistas and is also a working farm. The park also has access to the Appalachian Trail which we will hike our way up to.Starting from Sky Meadows State Park visitors center parking area, we will combine several trails including the South Ridge, North Ridge Trails, the Old Trail, a portion of the Appalachian Trail and the Ambassador Whitehouse Trail. We'll also check out a new trail. There a some nice scenic overlooks including the Paris, VA overlook where we will take a break before returning back down to the visitor center. Most of the elevation gain is when we ascend South Ridge trail to the top of the ridge to the AT. Make sure you are up to doing the elevation gain. After that, its mostly level and downhill.
The pace will be about 2.5 mph, slower uphill.
Bring:
At least 2 liters of water/hydration, snacks/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes since there are some rocky areas, and tree roots. Recommend insect repellent and sunscreen. Hiking poles if you normally use them.Fee:
The park fee is $10 unless you have a Virginia State Park Pass or use your REI purchase receipt parking coupon from a participating Virginia REI.
Provide your REI receipt to the contact station ranger or insert it in a self-pay envelope. If main entrance contact station is not staffed you must use the self-pay envelope provided at the gate and hang the stub on your rearview mirror.Dogs are welcome. NVHC Dog policy: https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
CARPOOLING: For those who are looking to carpool, meet at University Blvd - Gainesville Park and Ride and plan to leave at 8:15am to arrive at the trailhead in time to get signed in and start hiking at 9am.
A new Sheetz has opened in the Park & Ride, this would be a good meeting point. New Stable Way, directly across from the Sheetz store.
GPS 38.801119, -77.589532Sky Meadows trail map link: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/document/data/trail-guide-skymeadows.pdf
NOTE: The hike starts at 9am at the parking lot at Sky Meadows State Park. If you are carpooling from Gainesville Park and Ride plan on leaving there by 8:15am. The hike leader may depart around 8:10am.
Suggested carpool fee is $3.00Meeting Place Instructions: We are meeting at the parking lot closest to the Visitor Center where the hike starts GPS coordinates 38.991732, -77.966120
This parking lot is in front of the Mount Bleak House. You may want to arrive early to secure a parking spot.
Optional post hike rehydration TBD, but a winery nearby😊
Any questions please message me here or text/call me at 202-528-0456. If you text me please include your name.
- DC and Maryland 50-Mile Bike Ride (Rating: Moderately difficult ride)MARC train station, Kensington, MD
*** New Trial Process - No More Signing In ***
Step 1: Read the Liability Disclaimer: https://www.nvhc.com/signin.pdf
Step 2: When prompted, type:
"I Accept" followed by full name, phone, and emergency contact"
Example: "I accept Jane Doe (703)555-5555 (301)666-6666"
LENGTH: 63 mi. ELEVATION: Flat. PACE: 7 to 8 mi/hr** Not suited for fast riders **
DESCRIPTION
LENGTH: 30+20 = 50 mi. ELEVATION: 800 feet. PACE: 7-8 mi/hr.
Join us for a ride through the picturesque bike trails in Washington DC, along Rock Creek, and through the Maryland neighborhoods. If you are planning on bike events such as the Seagull Century, this would be a good practice ride to test out equipment and endurance. Starting at the Kensington, MD MARC station, we will follow Rock Creek Trail upstream to Grosvenor Lane, where we will switch over to the Bethesda Trolley Trail and ride it to downtown Bethesda. After a quick stop at Dunkin Donuts, we will ride the Capital Crescent Trail to Georgetown. We will stop at a restaurant on water street below Key Bridge for an optional brunch - bring money ($25?). We will continue our ride along Water Street to pick up Rock Creek Trail at the other (east) end of Georgetown. We will ride along the Rock Creek Trail and Beach Drive (closed for car traffic) to the edge of DC and continue along Rock Creek Trail back to our starting point. That will be 30 miles.
Those needing to do an additional 20 miles will ride the Rock Creek Trail to Lake Needwood and back.
Helmets required; we will minimize riding with cars and stick to the paved bike trails. Speed will be SLOW (7-8 miles/hour).
DOGS: Not applicable.
CARPOOLS: Not applicable.
- Strickler Knob Short Version (Rating: C)Centreville Park and Ride, Centreville, VA
You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike.
This is your chance to visit the beautiful Strickler Knob by doing a short version of the hike. This is a 5.8 mile out and back hike with an elevation gain of 1000 feet in the Massanutten Mountains of the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests. This hike is an upper level C but with some rock scrambling. We will start from Crisman Hollow Road, near Luray on the Scothorn Gap Trail (stream crossing near the beginning and end) and then take the Massanutten Trail to Strickler Knob Trail. The Strickler Knob trail is a unofficial trail (one mile each way) that requires some scrambling and some maneuvering on rocks. Your reward will be lunch with breathtaking views of the surrounding valley.
We hike at a 2.0-2.5 mph pace when moving.
No dogs permitted on this hike
Leader: Ed Brimberg 703-944-9920
Park Entry Fee: $0.00
Carpools: Plan to arrive at the Centreville Park and Ride at 7:30am carpools depart at 7:45am. Suggested carpool fee is $10. **The leader will be at the carpool location.**
GPS Coordinates: 38.836038, -77.455371, https://goo.gl/maps/hc3LRG7Hsy2wMJs18Driving time from Centreville to trailhead is ~1 hour 40 minutes.
Trailhead: Plan to arrive at Scothorn Gap trailhead on Crisman Hollow Rd at 9:30am hike will start at 9:45am. There is a small dirt parking lot at the trailhead so park efficiently.
GPS Coordinates 38.691692, -78.580046, https://goo.gl/maps/2iGiZb2JqzCi3cu86Neither the Club nor the hike leaders are responsible for coordinating transportation to/from the trailhead. Hikers are not guaranteed to get a ride to the trailhead from the carpool location. Carpooling is organized by the participants and they participate at their own risk.
Map for this hike: https://drive.google.com/open?id=19nWQdDtDOlIEBPnzbnxKbj2OHBvrDHX5
AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-september-3-2024-4558dbb?u=i&sh=7cs7ov
**You must be experienced in this distance, pace and elevation gain.**
