What we’re about
SCPRO is a special activities section of the Sierra Club Virginia Chapter that organizes hikes and other events for the general public on behalf of the Sierra Club's Washington, DC chapter and the close-in groups of the Maryland and Virginia Chapters. No Sierra Club membership is necessary to participate. We welcome all people on a variety of outdoor adventures, nature walks, conservation outings, and exploration of our natural and regional history.
Sierra Club Virginia Chapter Events Calendar
Upcoming events (4)
See all- Inn-To-Inn AT Hike at Shenandoah NP, VirginiaPollock Dining Room at Skyland, 400 Skyland Upper Loop Mile 42, Luray, VA 22835, Luray, VA
Join us for a unique experience of hiking the Appalachian Trail (AT)-hiking the trail Inn-To-Inn. The AT is a scenic backcountry footpath stretching approximately 2200 miles from Georgia to Maine. It is situated mostly away from civilization along some of the most magnificent mountains and ridges of the Appalachian Mountain chain. It is intentionally routed away from towns and passes less than a dozen towns. Shenandoah NP (SNP) offers the unique opportunity to continuously hike the AT over several days with using only a day pack due to the lodges/inns, camp stores, and/or restaurants near the AT. We will be hiking North to South through the central section of the SNP and will see some spectacular views on our hikes.
DETAILS: Trails are mostly natural and generally well marked, but can be challenging at parts w/ occasional strenuous climbs, rocky footings, and bouldering. This is backcountry hiking, thus access to medical care may be delayed. Pace will be 2.5-2.8mph (slower going uphill). Please make sure that you are able and comfortable to hike at this capacity and pace. If neither of the leader has hiked with you in the past, then you may be contacted by one of the leaders to inquire about your past hiking experiences.The hikes involve car shuttling between sites A and B. You should be comfortable driving, if needed, and carpooling. There is poor cell/wi-fi signal at the park. You may want to download maps for direction for offline use or print out your maps in advance.
Please Note: **Everyone will start on the Wait List until they have made a lodging reservation. Once the reservation is made, please write "Booked" in the Comments section. It is recommended that your lodging is cancellable. This event will be dual posted w/ NVHC (Northern VA Hiking Club) and is a limited attendance event (10 in each group, first come basis based on "Booked" status).
ITINERARY(may be adjusted by leaders, if needed):
Day #1 (9/16/25): (A) Thornton Gap (Panorama upper parking lot) to (B) Skyland-meet at B (outside, in front of Skyland Pollock restaurant) to shuttle, 9AM. 9.5mi., 2100ft. Pollock Dining Room at Skyland, 400 Skyland Upper Loop Mile 42, Luray, VA 22835
Lodging: Skyland.Day #2 (9/17/25): (A) Skyland to (B) Big Meadows- meet at B (outside, in front of hotel lobby) to shuttle, 8:30AM. 10.6mi, 2250ft.
Lodging: Big Meadows. Big Meadows Lodge | Skyline Dr Mile 51 | Shenandoah National Park, VA 22835 | 877-847-1919.Day #3 (9/18/25): (A) Big Meadows to (B) Lewis Mt.-meet at B (picnic area) to shuttle, 9AM. 9mi, 1250ft.
LODGINGS: Lodge for Skyland and Big Meadows- https://www.goshenandoah.com/lodging/skyland. Limited rooms are available w/ a generous cancellation policy. Leaders will be staying at the lodges listed. You may choose to camp or use a different accommodation.
Big Meadows Campground: https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/big-meadows-campground.htmCOSTS: National Park Pass or $30/car. A voluntary $2.00 donation per event is requested. Your donation funds SCPRO leader training and administrative costs.
BRING: sunscreen, hat, hiking shoes, electrolytes/water, snacks, tick repellent, appropriate clothing, hiking poles (if you use them), comfortable clothes for exercise, medicine (if you use any), personal first aid.
MEALS: Group dinners(opt.) at Skyland and Big Meadows restaurants. There are camp store, dining room, tap room, and box lunches available at Skyland and Big Meadows. Lewis Mt. only has a camp store.
MEDICAL FORM: Once you are on the Going List, please send completed form to Kelly by Mon., 8/25/25, kelly.nguyen3693@gmail.com. This form would only be used by the emergency medical care team and treating physician(s), in case of a medical emergency. Medical Form MUST be completed and forwarded to Kelly by Mon, 8/25/25, in order to join the group for the trip. The form will be returned to you at the end of the trip for use on future trips. If you do not complete a Medical Form by 8/25/25, then you will be moved to Not Going. If you have an updated Medical Form within 1 year from a past SCPRO trip, then you may forward that form to the email listed. Everyone will also need to sign the Waiver onsite on the first day of attendance.
CANCELLATION: Steady heavy rain or thunderstorms will cancel the hike(s).
You can become a Sierra Club member by clicking "join" on the Virginia Sierra Club website: http://www.sierraclub.org/virginia.
- CAMPING, HIKING, AND YOGA at James River State Park and Yogaville, VirginiaJames River State Park Visitor Center, Gladstone, VA
Come out and enjoy a four day Sierra Club PRO getaway of hiking at James River State Park and yoga at the Yogaville Ashram in rural Buckingham County, Virginia. Located on the shoreline of the scenic James River below the distant Blue Ridge Mountains, James River State Park offers hiking and a clear sky that is ideal for night time viewing. James River State Park is a member of the International Dark Sky Association. Our getaway also includes a day at nearby Yogaville, where we will enjoy yoga instruction and hiking the trails on this beautiful landscape as we reconnect with nature, nurture our spirits, and focus on our well-being. This is a beautiful time of the year for cool weather camping and fall foliage enjoyment.
Hope you can join us on this enjoyable and uniquely special Sierra Club PRO outing!Daily Itinerary (may be changed by leaders depending on weather or uncontrolled circumstances): More details to follow in early June.
Monday, 10/13/25: Drive to James River State Park. Meet at Visitor Center at 2PM for a brief group introduction, followed by a short hike. 4PM: check-in and set up camp.
Tues., 10/14/25: Day of yoga instruction and hiking at Yogaville! (See below for further details.) Hike may involve numerous steps.
Wed., 10/15/25: hike day at James River SP; 3-5mi. approx., minimal elevation.
Thurs., 10/16/25: Break camp followed by a short hike and drive home around 1PM.Details: This will be a limited attendance trip on 1st come basis, once you've made a lodging reservation. Everyone will start on the Wait-List. To be moved to the Going List, you'd need to make a lodging reservation and write in the "Comments" section "booked", once it is done. You may opt to share your lodging info in Comments or privately w/ one of the leaders. If you will not be attending the entire time, then please note in "Comments" which days you plan to be there. Once you have been moved to the Going List, please click on the Medical Form link and complete the form. This form would only be used by the emergency medical care team and treating physician(s), in case of a medical emergency. Medical Form MUST be completed and forwarded to Kelly by Mon, 9/29/25, in order to join the group for the trip. The form will be returned to you at the end of the trip for use on future trips. If you do not complete a Medical Form by 9/29/25, then you will be moved to Not Going. If you have an updated Medical Form within 1 year from a past SCPRO trip, then you may forward that form to the email listed. Everyone will also need to sign the Waiver onsite on the first day of attendance.
There is poor cell/wi-fi signal at the park. You may want to download maps for direction for offline use or print out your maps in advance.Date: Start: Mon., 10/13/25: meet at 2PM at Visitor Center
End: Thurs., 10/16/25: 1PM, after a short hikeLocation: James River State Park Visitor Center for meeting on the 1st day.
104 Green Hill Pond Lp., Gladstone, VA 24553; Phone: 434-933-4355; Email: JamesRiver@dcr.virginia.govIntensity: Easy-Moderate. Hikes will be on natural surfaces, some ascends/descends, may involve numerous steps. Distance: 3-5mi. Pace: 2-2.5mph. Elevation: minimal. Please make sure you are comfortable hiking these terrain, distance, and pace or are comfortable finding your way back on your own, if you choose to leave early.
Bring: sunscreen, hat, hiking shoes, electrolytes, insect/tick repellent, appropriate clothing, hiking poles(if you use them), comfortable clothes for exercise, medicine(if you use any), personal first aid.
Cost: $5/day park fee, which is included in the camp fees. If you are staying elsewhere, you may also opt to show them a receipt from a VA REI store. SCPRO appreciates a voluntary $2/person donation to support our many volunteer-led activities. Although you need not be a Sierra Club member to participate, you may become a Sierra Club member by clicking "join" on the Virginia Sierra Club's site: http://www.sierraclub.org/virginia
Lodging:
James River State Park Campgrounds: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/james-river#cabins_camping. ***Reserve early, since this park is very popular and is booking up fast. The leaders will be camping at Red Oak Campground, sites #16. There are cabins, lodges, and campsites available here. Make sure you are aware of the rental terms and cancellation policy.
There are other nearby campgrounds, hotels, or rentals available.Meals: since James River SP is located in a rural area, there are few restaurant options. Plan to bring your own food.
Yogaville Satchinandana Ashram (10/14/25): "...a serene oasis in the heartland of Virginia. With a unique community, spiritual center and Yoga Academy, Yogaville opens doors to spiritual growth." This place will be referred to as "the Center" going forth.
108 Yogaville Way, Buckingham, VA 23921. (434) 969-3121; (800) 858-9642. Groups.Admin@yogaville.org
You have the day at Yogaville to tailor your schedule as you desire.2 Options at Yogaville:
- Full Day Pass, $54.00 per person , includes: ○ Lunch $15 ○ Dinner $12 ○ Breakfast $8 ○ Tour/Hike $15 (2-2.5hrs.) ○ Meditation and/or Hatha $10 each ○ FREE Satsang session for the group.
Center will offer a separate Stretching and Yoga Nidra Session complimentary to our group in the afternoon, after the hike. - A La Carte Pricing: Priced per person, create your own schedule from the listed options above.
Hike: Meet at Center @ 9AM to start hike at 9:15AM. (Those who opt. for breakfast arrive earlier.)
Sample Day Schedule: https://www.yogaville.org/visit/info/ashram-daily-schedule/
***Each person will need to call the Center (800-858-9642) with their choice of a Day Pass or A La Carte options and pay by Mon., 10/6/25. Mention "Kelly/SCPRO" as the "Group". Request for Gluten-free and Vegan meal options, if desired. I recommend waiting until 10/3/25 for the 10-days weather forecast before calling in your option and submitting your payment.
Medical Form: Please send completed form to Kelly by Mon., 9/29/25, kelly.nguyen3693@gmail.com
SCPRO Medical FormCancellation: Steady heavy rain or thunderstorms will cancel the hike. We will have a better idea once the 10-days forecast is available. Trip cancellation decision will be noted in Comments. Yogaville classes are indoor and should continue as planned or as determined by the Center.
Leaders: Kelly (301)284-0743 and Glenn Gillis (571)217-4477.
- Full Day Pass, $54.00 per person , includes: ○ Lunch $15 ○ Dinner $12 ○ Breakfast $8 ○ Tour/Hike $15 (2-2.5hrs.) ○ Meditation and/or Hatha $10 each ○ FREE Satsang session for the group.
