Take a Hike! (DMV)

Come enjoy a day filled with fresh air, great views, and friendly company as we hike Sugarloaf Mountain! This hike is all about enjoying the outdoors, getting some exercise, making new friends, and sharing a memorable experience with a great group of people.

We’ll meet at the West View Parking Lot (check the map pin for the exact location) and head out on a 5.5-mile loop that will take about 3 hours. The hike kicks off with a good workout along the Blue Trail loop. About mid way, we’ll pause to take in the stunning views, snap some photos, and catch our breath at a scenic overlook.

After the hike, join us for a casual Happy Hour meetup at Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard. The Friday Happy Hours offer food, wine & music, from 4 to 7pm.
It’s the perfect way to relax, enjoy good conversation, and toast to a fantastic day spent outdoors.

We’re excited to have you join us! Be sure to wear your hiking shoes, bring water, and pack your positive energy. Let’s make this a fun and refreshing day together!

Meeting Time & Location:
We’ll meet at 1:00pm at the Sugarloaf Mountain West View Parking Lot. Look for us by the picnic tables near the trailhead.

Distance: 5.7 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,063 feet

Difficulty: Level 3 - Intermediate Hike
This hike is rated Level 3 for its moderate inclines. The trail then descends for about 3 miles, with a few final inclines returning to the parking lot. There are no stream crossings or rock scrambles.

Estimated Duration
This hike is expected to take approximately 3 hours.

Pace: Moderate Pace
We'll walk a steady, comfortable 2 mph pace that’s manageable for most hikers with a reasonable fitness level. Breaks are regular but not overly frequent, allowing for a balanced experience of exercise and enjoyment.

Parking
We’ll park at the West View Parking Lot, which has plenty of spaces available and is a convenient starting point for our hike. Please refer to the event map to locate the correct parking area. Do not park at the East View Parking Area, which is the first parking area you’ll pass.

** Trail Map **
We will be hiking the Blue trail loop.

Restrooms
There are a couple of porta-potties located at the trailhead for your convenience. Be sure to plan accordingly, as these are the only restroom facilities available on this hike.

Join us for a fun and social hike at Rock Creek Park as we explore the "Southern Loop," starting from the Nature Center.

Starting at the Nature Center, the "Southern Loop via Western Ridge Trail, Rock Creek, and Valley Trail" is a well-loved route. With over 2,700 glowing reviews on AllTrails, it offers beautiful scenery, well-maintained paths, and a refreshing escape close to the city.

This easy hike winds through lush forested trails, showcasing the beauty of Rock Creek Park in late fall. While the trail is mostly straightforward, please note that fallen leaves this time of year can make sections slippery, so wear sturdy, grippy shoes. Some parts may be rocky or narrow, but the views and camaraderie make it worth it!

To learn more about the trail, click the link in the Trail Map section below.

Get ready for fresh air, great conversations, and plenty of scenic moments! This hike is perfect for all levels, so bring your good vibes and let’s hit the trail together!

Meeting Time & Location:
Meet us at 9:30 AM at the Rock Creek Park Nature Center, located at 5200 Glover Rd NW, Washington, DC 20015. There’s plenty of parking available at the Nature Center. We’ll gather right in front of the building to start the hike.

Distance: 5.6 miles

Elevation Gain: 685 feet

Difficulty: Level 2 Moderate Walk/Hike
This hike is a moderate walk with natural trails and a few gentle inclines to get your heart rate up. The terrain includes some uneven sections, and the fallen leaves can make it a bit slippery in spots. With sturdy footwear, it’s an enjoyable and accessible hike for most levels.

Estimated Duration
This hike is expected to take approximately 2.5 hours.

Pace: Moderate Pace
We'll walk a steady, comfortable pace that’s manageable for most hikers with a reasonable fitness level. Breaks are regular but not overly frequent, allowing for a balanced experience of exercise and enjoyment.

Parking
Ample parking is available at the Rock Creek Park Nature Center, with additional overflow parking located across the street.

Come enjoy a day filled with fresh air, great views, and friendly company as we hike Sugarloaf Mountain! This hike is all about enjoying the outdoors, getting some exercise, making new friends, and sharing a memorable experience with a great group of people.

We’ll meet at the West View Parking Lot (check the map pin for the exact location) and head out on a 5.5-mile loop that will take about 3 hours. The hike kicks off with a good workout along the Blue Trail loop. About mid way, we’ll pause to take in the stunning views, snap some photos, and catch our breath at a scenic overlook.

After the hike, join us for a casual Happy Hour meetup at Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard. The Friday Happy Hours offer food, wine & music, from 4 to 7pm.
It’s the perfect way to relax, enjoy good conversation, and toast to a fantastic day spent outdoors.

We’re excited to have you join us! Be sure to wear your hiking shoes, bring water, and pack your positive energy. Let’s make this a fun and refreshing day together!

Meeting Time & Location:
We’ll meet at 1:00pm at the Sugarloaf Mountain West View Parking Lot. Look for us by the picnic tables near the trailhead.

Distance: 5.7 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,063 feet

Difficulty: Level 3 - Intermediate Hike
This hike is rated Level 3 for its moderate inclines. The trail then descends for about 3 miles, with a few final inclines returning to the parking lot. There are no stream crossings or rock scrambles.

Estimated Duration
This hike is expected to take approximately 3 hours.

Pace: Moderate Pace
We'll walk a steady, comfortable 2 mph pace that’s manageable for most hikers with a reasonable fitness level. Breaks are regular but not overly frequent, allowing for a balanced experience of exercise and enjoyment.

Parking
We’ll park at the West View Parking Lot, which has plenty of spaces available and is a convenient starting point for our hike. Please refer to the event map to locate the correct parking area. Do not park at the East View Parking Area, which is the first parking area you’ll pass.

** Trail Map **
We will be hiking the Blue trail loop.

Restrooms
There are a couple of porta-potties located at the trailhead for your convenience. Be sure to plan accordingly, as these are the only restroom facilities available on this hike.

Come enjoy a day filled with fresh air, great views, and friendly company as we hike Sugarloaf Mountain! This hike is all about enjoying the outdoors, getting some exercise, making new friends, and sharing a memorable experience with a great group of people.

We’ll meet at the West View Parking Lot (check the map pin for the exact location) and head out on a 5.5-mile loop that will take about 3 hours. The hike kicks off with a good workout along the Blue Trail loop. About mid way, we’ll pause to take in the stunning views, snap some photos, and catch our breath at a scenic overlook.

After the hike, join us for a casual Happy Hour meetup at Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard. The Friday Happy Hours offer food, wine & music, from 4 to 7pm.
It’s the perfect way to relax, enjoy good conversation, and toast to a fantastic day spent outdoors.

We’re excited to have you join us! Be sure to wear your hiking shoes, bring water, and pack your positive energy. Let’s make this a fun and refreshing day together!

Meeting Time & Location:
We’ll meet at 1:00pm at the Sugarloaf Mountain West View Parking Lot. Look for us by the picnic tables near the trailhead.

Distance: 5.7 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,063 feet

Difficulty: Level 3 - Intermediate Hike
This hike is rated Level 3 for its moderate inclines. The trail then descends for about 3 miles, with a few final inclines returning to the parking lot. There are no stream crossings or rock scrambles.

Estimated Duration
This hike is expected to take approximately 3 hours.

Pace: Moderate Pace
We'll walk a steady, comfortable 2 mph pace that’s manageable for most hikers with a reasonable fitness level. Breaks are regular but not overly frequent, allowing for a balanced experience of exercise and enjoyment.

Parking
We’ll park at the West View Parking Lot, which has plenty of spaces available and is a convenient starting point for our hike. Please refer to the event map to locate the correct parking area. Do not park at the East View Parking Area, which is the first parking area you’ll pass.

** Trail Map **
We will be hiking the Blue trail loop.

Restrooms
There are a couple of porta-potties located at the trailhead for your convenience. Be sure to plan accordingly, as these are the only restroom facilities available on this hike.