De quoi s'agit-il
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- 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.
- Seven Bends State Park (Rating: B)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 8.6 mile hike with 1400’ elevation gain in Seven Bends State Park.
The park is surrounded by the North Fork of the Shenandoah River. We will hike various trails in the park. We will pass by some of the original reservoir system for the town of Woodstock. We hike at a pace of 2.5 - 3.0 when moving.
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Leader: Ed Brimberg 703-944-9920 (C)
Park entry fee is $5 or free with REI receipt or VA State Park pass. Put money or receipt in envelope at self pay station.
Carpools: Plan to arrive at the Centreville Park and Ride at 7:45am, carpools leave at 8:00am. Suggested carpool fee is $8. The leader will be at the carpool location. GPS Coordinates: 38.836038, -77.455371, https://goo.gl/maps/hc3LRG7Hsy2wMJs18
Arrive at the trailhead by 9:15am hike starts at 9:30am, The park is located at the Lupton entrance 1191 Lupton Rd, Woodstock, VA. GPS Coordinates: 38.869316, -78.492394 https://maps.app.goo.gl/wpFk5TygJxUEXY4Z7
There are two parking lots, one larger lot as you cross over the river bridge and another smaller one a little further up the road that has a bathroom.
Please make sure there is at least one vacant parking spot at the smaller lot for the hike leader.
Driving time from carpool location is ~ 1 hour 15 minutes.
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 they participate at their own risk.
AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/afternoon-hike-6e62a99-414?u=i&sh=7cs7ov
You must be experienced in hikes of this distance and elevation gain.
- Cedar Run to White Oak Canyon Loop (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 is an 8.3 mile loop hike with around a 2,300 elevation gain (mostly in the first 3-3.5 miles). We will hike it in the clockwise direction going up the steeper/longer Cedar Run, across the ridge line, and then down White Oak Canyon. The trails here can be steep and challenging but that's the price we'll have to pay for the views and waterfalls. We'll be hiking at a 2-2.5 MPH pace slowing down for the inclines and photo ops.
We will stop for lunch at the first overlook on White Oak Canyon. The hike leader is unlikely to partake, but if there is consensus within the group we will stop at one of the pools near the end of White Oak for those that wish to swim. Be sure to square that with your carpool driver.
Hike map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/virginia/white-oak-canyon-and-cedar-run-trail-loop
GPS Coordinates for trailhead: 38.53906, -78.34808
Entry to Shenandoa National Park costs $30.00 per car unless you have a park pass.
Leader: Dale Johnson, 540-454-5592
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy But be aware that this is a challenging hike.
For those wishing to carpool, the suggested carpool location is at the Centerville P&R. The driving time from there to the trailhead is about 1.5 hours. Please arrive at the Park and Ride by 7:00 AM to form carpool so all cars can leave at 7:15 AM. Suggested carpool fee is $5.
Hike leader will not be at the carpool location.
Please arrive at the trailhead 15 minutes before 9:00 AM so we can get everyone signed in. We will start hiking promptly at 9:00 AM.
REHYDRATION: For those interested we are going to try the Tap 29 Brewery (154 Winery Ln, Leon, VA 22725) on the way home. It should only add about 5-10 minutes driving time on your way home, but depending upon the quality of their libations you may get waylaid a little longer. This will be y first visit, hopefully I will not be rehydrating alone.
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 they participate at their own risk.
