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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.
Événements à venir (4+)
Tout voir- Little Devil Stairs Long Version (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 VERY 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 beautiful and strenuous A+ hike of approximately 13.5ish miles and almost 3,000 feet of elevation. This is a longer version of the typical Little Devil Stairs Hike. We will start the hike from parking lot near the west end of Virginia Rte. 614 (Keyser Run Road). We will then go up Little Devil Stairs, make a right at the 4-way at the top, then cross Skyline Drive and get on the AT, where we'll be for a while. Then we’ll cross Skyline Drive again and then get on the Piney Branch Trail to the Hull School Trail, past the cemetery and back to our cars.
NOTE: There are multiple water crossings going up Little Devil Stairs (about 15) and they can be tricky if there is a lot of rain during the week. Please be prepared and bring boot covers or water shoes and hiking poles to help with balance.
*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 and 15 minutes (with no stop). Please arrive at the Park and Ride before 6:30 AM to form carpools so all cars can leave at 6:30 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: 38.73060,-78.25823
- Park entry fee: $0
- Carpool Fee: $7
- Distance: 13.5ish miles
- Elevation: Almost 3,000 feet
- Pace: 2.25 – 2.75 when moving. We will take short breaks at intersections and a regular lunch break.
- Terrain: Rocky, steep climb up Little Devil Stairs then another climb while on the AT and then a last climb late in the hike heading up to the cemetery. There are a lot of water crossings.
- Dogs are not allowed on this one
Bring: Adequate water, food/snacks, hat, basic first aid kit, map, tick spray, rain gear (depending), hiking poles, hiking shoes, water shoes or boot covers, additional pair of socks/liner in case your socks get wet
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/map/little-devil-stairs-13-5-f19c44d
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) 963-8939Non ouvert - Tubing on the Shenandoah (Rating: Fun)Carderock Recreation Area, Bethesda, MD, bethesda, 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" /Full name/Contact number/Emergency contact number
Example: "I accept. Jane Doe, (703)555-5555, (301)666-6666."
This is a trial process and is not available on all hikes.LENGTH: N/A. ELEVATION: N/A. PACE: N/A.
ADVANCE RESERVATION REQUIRED - See below.
TUBING
We will start the day with a relaxing tubing trip down the Shenandoah River near Harpers Ferry. Expect to be on the river for about two hours. Outfitter (River and Trail) will provide all needed equipment (tube + life vest) and shuttle. Outfitter will take us by bus to the "put in" location upstream and we will float down the river back to the outfitter. Bring your swimwear, a waterproof bag, snacks, water, sunblock, inexpensive shades, and waterproof footwear. Also bring a towel and change of clothes (to be kept locked in the car along with other valuables such as your purse, wallet, phone, and so on). There are porta-potties in the parking lot. The good thing is that we can go back and do the trip again (maybe after lunch) if we choose to with no additional cost.ADVANCE RESERVATION
Go to www.rivertrail.com and under Tubing, pick Shenandoah Mellow for 10:00 a.m. and follow the directions. Cost: About $40-45.LUNCH
Optional after the tubing trip - we will drive over to Harper’s Ferry Brewing to enjoy lunch featuring beer and pizza; food trucks are also on site. Cost: approximately $30. Alternatively, you could head to downtown Harpers Ferry, park, eat at your choosing and wait for the brewery crowd to join you.
DOGS: Permitted per Club policy: Policies – Northern Virginia Hiking Club (nvhc.com).POST-LUNCH OPTIONS
We could either go back and do the tubing again (no extra charge) or visit the historic Harpers Ferry, based on people's choice. The leader will prefer a second run, unless it is a pleasant day (temps in the 70s).CARPOOLS
Participants can form their own carpools at the meeting place (Carderock Rec Area). Neither the Club nor the leaders are responsible for coordinating transportation to/from the trailhead. Hikers are not guaranteed to get a ride from the carpool location. Carpooling is organized by the participants and they participate at their own risk. Leader plans to be at the meeting place. Suggested carpool fee: $10.
Be sure to be at the outfitters by 9:30 a.m. - Big Schloss Cutoff to Tibbets Knob (Rating: A+)Centreville Park & 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 two-summit hike in the GWNF is approximately 13 miles long and has an elevation gain of 3,500 feet give or take. We will summit Big Schloss first, go down to the campground, up to Tibbets Knob, and the return the way we came.
If you have not recently done an "A+" hike or at least two "A" hikes, this hike is not for you. The elevation in particular is challenging. If you have not hiked with me before, please message me with a recent A or A+ hike you have done in the last month.
Basics:
Distance: 13.3 miles
Elevation Gain: ~3500'
Rating: A+ (due to distance and elevation gain).
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy.
Carpool details:
Meeting place: Centreville Park and Ride
Meeting time: Please be a few minutes early for departure at 7:00
Driving time to trailhead: 1 hour 30 minutes without stop
Carpooling is highly encouraged because parking is limited at the trailhead. There is not a parking area, so parking is along the road.
Suggested carpool fee (Riders pay drivers): $10
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.
Trailhead coordinates:
Big Schloss Cutoff Trail: 38.93340,-78.65435
Meeting time at trailhead: 8:45 am for a 9:00 am departure
Please let the group know (in the chat) if you plan to meet us at the trailhead and not at the Centerville Park and Ride.
Map of the hike:
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/big-schloss-cut-off-to-tibbet-knob-7a614fd?u=i&sh=z7o4imHike starting time: 9:00 am
Please bring lunch, snack, 2 liters of water, hat, bug spray, first aid kit, and proper footwear. Hiking poles advised. The trails may be wet and muddy in sections.
Caroline S 703-489-1315 - C&O Canal Towpath, Olmsted Island, Billy Goat C - (Rating: B)Billy Goat Trail Section C, Carderock, MD
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.
10 miles with 250 feet elevation gain.
This is a beautiful area along the scenic C&O Canal National Historical Park towpath. This trek will include a hike on Billy Goat C trail with great views of the Potomac River, as well as the roaring waters of Olmsted Island and the Great Falls overlook. This route includes a very scenic section of the towpath.
Description:
We'll start our hike on Billy Goat C trail and hike until we connect with the C&O Canal towpath. We'll hike to the Tavern visitor center for lunch break before we reconnect with the towpath. and make our way to Olmsted Island and the Great Falls Overlook. We'll then resume on the towpath until we cross over the canal onto Berma Road for a short distance where we reconnect to the towpath at Angler's Inn parking area. We're back on the towpath where we will return to the starting point.The pace will be about 2.5 mph.
Bring:
Adequate water/hydration, snacks/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes since there are some rocky areas and tree roots on Billy Goat C. Also recommend insect repellent and sunscreen.
Restrooms are available at the Carderock Picnic Area parking lot where we start as well as at the Tavern Visitor Center.Trailhead:
We will meet in the Carderock Picnic Grounds parking lot in Carderock Recreation Area.
Please plan on being there at 8:45am so we can get everyone signed in and start the hike on time.Dogs are welcome.
Dog Policy https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Please note: Dogs are not allowed on the Olmsted Island boardwalk, so you will have to wait while the group completes the Olmsted Island walk.There are no fees.
Map of Hiking Trails at Great Falls, Maryland:
https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/upload/Great-Falls-Hiking-Map.pdfDirections to Carderock Picnic Grounds Parking at Carderock Recreation Area:
From I-495, take the exit for Clara Barton Pkwy, continue on the Pkwy until you see the exit for Carderock near the Naval Surface Warfare Center. After exiting at Carderock, you will pass under the towpath. Turn left after going under the towpath tunnel and continue into the picnic grounds parking lot.
GPS 38.97122, -77.19874Any questions, please message me here or text/call @202-528-0456. If you text me, please include your name.
