What we’re about
“Not all who wander are lost.”
--J.R.R. Tolkien, “The Riddle of Strider”
For 90 years, the Wanderbirds Hiking Club has been leading adventurous souls into the mountains, forests and valleys of Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia and Pennsylvania every Sunday all year long. Our day hikes are suitable for hikers of every age, shape, size and hiking level, whether experienced or beginning.
Wanderbirds travel to our hikes by either Metro, carpool, or chartered bus, and sometimes simply meet at a trailhead. For every hike, we provide experienced hike leaders, red arrow trail markers and trail maps for a “moderate” (7-10 miles) and “long” (10-13 miles) hike, plus social time with post-hike refreshments. Most of the time, both easier and more challenging hikes can be arranged. Bus hikes start by picking up hikers near 17th & K Streets (Farragut Square) in downtown DC; a second stop varies between Vienna and Grosvenor metro stations, depending on the hike destination.
*** Find the complete quarter's hiking schedule by going to www.wanderbirds.org ***
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Hike: Gifford Pinchot State Park, York County, PA17th Street Northwest & K Street Northwest, Washington, DCUSD 33.00
This is a relatively flat, mostly wooded, hike around a large lake in Gifford Pinchot State Park. Leaders are hosting one hike only, starting at the Squire Gratz Road entrance to the park, taking the Beaver Creek trail to the lake. At the lake, hikers use the Lakeside, Ridge, and Gifford Pinchot trails to join the Lakeside Trail again for the remainder of the hike. Hikers arrive at the beach/swimming area and parking lot on the north side of the lake near the Quaker Race day use area and the bus. Map: Pinchot State Park Map. Est.: 10 miles, 700' elevation gain. Easier options available. Fare: $33. Bring swimsuit if you wish to swim.
MD Hikes
- DC: Near 17th and K St. NW downtown (east side of Farragut Square). Bus leaves at 8 a.m. SHARP, so it's essential to arrive well before 8.
- Grosvenor-Strathmore - Google Maps Metro station at Tuckerman Lane off Rockville Pike in Bethesda (just north of the Beltway) Meet there by 8:15 a.m. Plenty of parking is available.
RESERVATIONS
Wanderbirds Hiking Club is a 501(c)(7) non-profit, and the public is invited on all hiking trips. Reservations are accepted as late as Saturday, but reserving as early in the week as possible helps ensure your spot and prevent cancellation of the hike due to low sign-ups. RSVP through Meetup and pay through PayPal. Please be sure your RSVP gives your full name and phone number and where you'll be boarding the bus.FIRST-TIME HIKERS
If you're a first-time hiker with us, please notify the leaders in advance so they can make sure you have the info you need. Hikers must be able to keep a 2-mph pace. New hikers are required to first complete a moderate hike.Liability Waiver: Many of our hikes take place in remote wilderness areas where cell phone service is not available. Any person participating in any Club activity is responsible for their own safety, health and welfare, and must assume all risks and liabilities related to all Club activities. The Club, its hike leaders, hike sweeps, officers, and other representatives are not liable for any injuries, losses, or damage to persons, children, pets, and/or property, arising from any trips or activities of the Club. You are responsible for bringing enough water, food, and first aid supplies, including those for your personal medical conditions.
CANCELLATION POLICY
To cancel and receive a full bus hike refund, less a $5 processing fee, you must change your RSVP to "No" on Meetup before NOON on the Friday before the hike. If you change your RSVP after noon on the Friday before the hike, no refunds will be issued.
Cancellations to Metro/carpool/trailhead hikes will not issue a financial refund, but hiker must change their Meetup RSVP to NO so that leaders do not wait for them at the trailhead.COVID PRECAUTIONS
Anyone experiencing symptoms of upper respiratory illness should not attend the event.MORE DETAILS -- SEE THE FAQS ON OUR WEBSITE
- Hike: Little Devil Stairs, SNP, VA17th Street Northwest & K Street Northwest, Washington, DCUSD 33.00
Tucked in Shenandoah’s northern district, Little Devils Stairs - one of the area’s best hikes - delivers the kind of raw, untouched beauty only nature can provide. The hike begins on the AT, with long-distance hikers starting at Little Hogback Overlook. A few miles in, they join moderate hikers at Rattlesnake Point Overlook, and together they follow the Piney Branch and Hull School trails, passing an old cemetery and quiet woods before reaching the highlight: Little Devils Stairs.
The final stretch climbs through a narrow gorge, crossing the stream more than ten times. Moss-covered boulders, cascading water, multiple waterfalls, quiet beauty, and tight switchbacks make this section both demanding and unforgettable. There are no sweeping overlooks—just magic in the details. This trail demands attention and hard work, but the effort is worth it. Bring sturdy shoes, trekking poles if you have them, plenty of water, snacks—and, most of all, a good attitude. The reward? A hike through beauty that feels otherworldly. Est.: 13 miles, 3000' and 10.5 miles, 2000'. PATC Map 9. Fare $33 plus park fee or pass.VA Hikes
- DC: Near 17th and K St. NW downtown (east side of Farragut Square). Bus leaves at 8 a.m. SHARP, so it's essential to arrive well before 8.
- Vienna Metro: NORTH parking lot, last bus shelter (Nutley St. Exit off Interstate 66 on North/Vienna side of I-66) at approximately 8:25 a.m. Note: The "south" parking lot also has bus shelters. If by 8:15, you're not with a group of Wanderbirds hikers, you may be in the south lot. There's a walkway over I-66 to the north lot.
RESERVATIONS
Wanderbirds Hiking Club is a 501(c)(7) non-profit, and the public is invited on all hiking trips. Reservations are accepted as late as Saturday, but reserving as early in the week as possible helps ensure your spot and prevent cancellation of the hike due to low sign-ups. RSVP through Meetup and pay through PayPal. Please be sure your RSVP gives your full name and phone number and where you'll be boarding the bus.FIRST-TIME HIKERS
If you're a first-time hiker with us, please notify the leaders in advance so they can make sure you have the info you need. Hikers must be able to keep a 2-mph pace. New hikers are required to first complete a moderate hike.Liability Waiver: Many of our hikes take place in remote wilderness areas where cell phone service is not available. Any person participating in any Club activity is responsible for their own safety, health and welfare, and must assume all risks and liabilities related to all Club activities. The Club, its hike leaders, hike sweeps, officers, and other representatives are not liable for any injuries, losses, or damage to persons, children, pets, and/or property, arising from any trips or activities of the Club. You are responsible for bringing enough water, food, and first aid supplies, including those for your personal medical conditions.
CANCELLATION POLICY
To cancel and receive a full bus hike refund, less a $5 processing fee, you must change your RSVP to "No" on Meetup before NOON on the Friday before the hike. If you change your RSVP after noon on the Friday before the hike, no refunds will be issued.
Cancellations to Metro/carpool/trailhead hikes will not issue a financial refund, but hiker must change their Meetup RSVP to NO so that leaders do not wait for them at the trailhead.COVID PRECAUTIONS
Anyone experiencing symptoms of upper respiratory illness should not attend the event.MORE DETAILS -- SEE THE FAQS ON OUR WEBSITE
- Hike: Jewell Hollow Overlook to Nicholson Hollow, SNP, VA17th Street Northwest & K Street Northwest, Washington, DCUSD 33.00
This hike begins at the beautiful Jewell Hollow Overlook, which is reminiscent of views from the Alps, and ends at the best swimming hole in Shenandoah Park. All hikers start at Jewell Hollow Overlook and take the AT south. Moderate hikers will head east when they reach the connector trail for Nicholson Hollow. They will cross the drive and continue on Nicholson Hollow Trail to the swimming hole and the bus at Nethers. Long hikers will continue on the AT to the Passamaquoddy Trail and go around Stony Man via a horse trail to get back to the AT. They will then head north to the Nicholson Hollow turn off and follow the path of the moderate hikers to the swimming hole and the bus. Est.: 11.5 miles, 1000' elevation and 7.5 miles, 500' elevation. PATC Map 10. Fare $33 plus park pass or fee.
VA Hikes
- DC: Near 17th and K St. NW downtown (east side of Farragut Square). Bus leaves at 8 a.m. SHARP, so it's essential to arrive well before 8.
- Vienna Metro: NORTH parking lot, last bus shelter (Nutley St. Exit off Interstate 66 on North/Vienna side of I-66) at approximately 8:25 a.m. Note: The "south" parking lot also has bus shelters. If by 8:15, you're not with a group of Wanderbirds hikers, you may be in the south lot. There's a walkway over I-66 to the north lot.
RESERVATIONS
Wanderbirds Hiking Club is a 501(c)(7) non-profit, and the public is invited on all hiking trips. Reservations are accepted as late as Saturday, but reserving as early in the week as possible helps ensure your spot and prevent cancellation of the hike due to low sign-ups. RSVP through Meetup and pay through PayPal. Please be sure your RSVP gives your full name and phone number and where you'll be boarding the bus.FIRST-TIME HIKERS
If you're a first-time hiker with us, please notify the leaders in advance so they can make sure you have the info you need. Hikers must be able to keep a 2-mph pace. New hikers are required to first complete a moderate hike.Liability Waiver: Many of our hikes take place in remote wilderness areas where cell phone service is not available. Any person participating in any Club activity is responsible for their own safety, health and welfare, and must assume all risks and liabilities related to all Club activities. The Club, its hike leaders, hike sweeps, officers, and other representatives are not liable for any injuries, losses, or damage to persons, children, pets, and/or property, arising from any trips or activities of the Club. You are responsible for bringing enough water, food, and first aid supplies, including those for your personal medical conditions.
CANCELLATION POLICY
To cancel and receive a full bus hike refund, less a $5 processing fee, you must change your RSVP to "No" on Meetup before NOON on the Friday before the hike. If you change your RSVP after noon on the Friday before the hike, no refunds will be issued.
Cancellations to Metro/carpool/trailhead hikes will not issue a financial refund, but hiker must change their Meetup RSVP to NO so that leaders do not wait for them at the trailhead.COVID PRECAUTIONS
Anyone experiencing symptoms of upper respiratory illness should not attend the event.MORE DETAILS -- SEE THE FAQS ON OUR WEBSITE
- Hike: Signal KnobSignal Knob Trailhead, Fort Valley, VAUSD 5.00
(Trailhead hike) This hike explores the historic Fort Valley, where George Washington began his first career as a surveyor, and which saw an abundance of military conflict during the Civil War. All hikers ascend the Signal Knob Trail from the parking area. At the intersection with Meneka Peak Trail, moderate hikers turn left on Meneka Peak Trail and traverse the ridge to the intersection with Tuscarora Trail. There they turn left again and descend Green Mountain to the Tuscarora Spur Trail, where they bear left to the Signal Knob parking area and the bus. Long hikers continue on Signal Knob Trail to Signal Knob, with excellent views. They then descend to the intersection with Tuscarora Trail and follow the path of the moderate hikers to the bus. Est.: 10.5 miles, 2200' elevation and 8.5 miles, 1600' elevation. PATC Map G. Hike fee: $5.
Meeting place:
Signal Knob parking area, 11621 Fort Valley Rd, Fort Valley, VA
Time: 10:00 AMRESERVATIONS
Wanderbirds Hiking Club is a 501(c)(7) non-profit, and the public is invited on all hiking trips. Reservations are accepted as late as Saturday, but reserving as early in the week as possible helps ensure your spot and prevent cancellation of the hike due to low sign-ups. RSVP through Meetup and pay through PayPal. Please be sure your RSVP gives your full name and phone number.FIRST-TIME HIKERSIf you're a first-time hiker with us, please notify the leaders in advance so they can make sure you have the info you need. Hikers must be able to keep a 2-mph pace. New hikers are required to first complete a moderate hike.
Liability Waiver: Many of our hikes take place in remote wilderness areas where cell phone service is not available. Any person participating in any Club activity is responsible for their own safety, health and welfare, and must assume all risks and liabilities related to all Club activities. The Club, its hike leaders, hike sweeps, officers, and other representatives are not liable for any injuries, losses, or damage to persons, children, pets, and/or property, arising from any trips or activities of the Club. You are responsible for bringing enough water, food, and first aid supplies, including those for your personal medical conditions.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations to Metro/carpool/trailhead hikes will not issue a financial refund, but as a courtesy, a hiker should change their Meetup RSVP to NO so that leaders do not wait for them at the trailhead.COVID PRECAUTIONS
Anyone experiencing symptoms of upper respiratory illness should not attend the event.
MORE DETAILS -- SEE THE FAQS ON OUR WEBSITE
