African American Adventure & Sports Group-Wash. DC

The Goombay Annual Winter Hike at Great Falls 2026
"Let's get out and enjoy a day hiking and taking some great pictures at Great Falls"

Saturday, January 24th | 10am-12:30pm
This is a Moderate Level hike which is generally suitable for novice hikers seeking a bit of a challenge. The terrain will involve moderate inclines and may have some steeper sections. This trail is 5-6 miles.

Great Falls Visitor Center | 9200 Old Dominion Dr, McLean, VA 22102
* We will meet at the entrance of the Great Falls Visitor Center. The entrance into the park is $20 per vehicle (no cash accepted). If you have a yearly park pass, the entrance fee is free.
** NO PETS ALLOWED

SIGN UP AT WWW.GOOMBAY.NET

HIKE AGENDA:
9:45am: Hikers check in at the entrance to the visitor center. You will see the group assembling by the parking lot.
10:00am: Hikers assemble for welcome announcement
10:15am: Hike begins
12:30pm: Hike ends

SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT LIST

• Day Pack with hydration pack or water bottles
• Trekking Poles (optional)
• Sturdy hiking boots or trail sneakers
• Small First Aid Kit (optional)
• Weather-appropriate clothing (think moisture-wicking and layers)
• Hat or scarf
• Trail snacks & plenty of water
• Wipes/Toilet Paper
• Hand Warmers
• Cell phone with back up battery

FAQ
WHAT LEVEL IS THIS HIKE: This is a Moderate Level hike which is generally suitable for novice hikers seeking a bit of a challenge. The terrain will involve moderate inclines and may have some steeper sections. This trail is between 5-6 miles.
CAN BEGINNERS ATTEND THIS HIKE: Yes, we welcome beginners to attend this hike but please note, there will be some challenging sections throughout the hike but nothing to strenuous.
WHAT IS THE PACE OF THE GROUP: The group will start off at the same time and during the hike three distinct pace groups will form. We will have hike leaders mixed within the group and we will stop periodically for water and rest.

WHAT TYPE OF HIKE IS THIS: This is a loop trail hike and will start and end at the same location

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR: A good rule of thumb is to dress comfortably and in layers. Dressing in layers will allow you to stay warm when your cold and as you warm up, you can take off layers and not over heat. It's going to be cool to cold so we strongly suggest warm clothing, moisture wicking under garments, a hat, sturdy hiking boots or trail sneakers (your choice), wool socks, a small day back, trekking poles (optional) and plenty of water.
ARE PETS ALLOWED: NO

If you have any questions please contact Butch at 202.210-1957

The Goombay Annual Winter Hike at Great Falls 2026
"Let's get out and enjoy a day hiking and taking some great pictures at Great Falls"

Saturday, January 24th | 10am-12pm
This is a Moderate Level hike which is generally suitable for novice hikers seeking a bit of a challenge. The terrain will involve moderate inclines and may have some steeper sections. This trail is 5-6 miles.

Great Falls Visitor Center | 9200 Old Dominion Dr, McLean, VA 22102
* We will meet at the entrance of the Great Falls Visitor Center. The entrance into the park is $20 per vehicle (no cash accepted). If you have a yearly park pass, the entrance fee is free.
** NO PETS ALLOWED

REGISTER AT WWW.GOOMBAY.NET

HIKE AGENDA:
9:45am: Hikers check in at the entrance to the visitor center. You will see the group assembling by the parking lot.
10:00am: Hikers assemble for welcome announcement
10:15am: Hike begins
12:00pm: Hike ends

SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT LIST

• Day Pack with hydration pack or water bottles
• Trekking Poles (optional)
• Sturdy hiking boots or trail sneakers
• Small First Aid Kit (optional)
• Weather-appropriate clothing (think moisture-wicking and layers)
• Hat or scarf
• Trail snacks & plenty of water
• Wipes/Toilet Paper
• Hand Warmers
• Cell phone with back up battery

FAQ
WHAT LEVEL IS THIS HIKE: This is a Moderate Level hike which is generally suitable for novice hikers seeking a bit of a challenge. The terrain will involve moderate inclines and may have some steeper sections. This trail is between 5-6 miles.

CAN BEGINNERS ATTEND THIS HIKE: Yes, we welcome beginners to attend this hike but please note, there will be some challenging sections throughout the hike but nothing to strenuous.

WHAT IS THE PACE OF THE GROUP: The group will start off at the same time and during the hike three distinct pace groups will form. We will have hike leaders mixed within the group and we will stop periodically for water and rest.

WHAT TYPE OF HIKE IS THIS: This is a loop trail hike and will start and end at the same location

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR: A good rule of thumb is to dress comfortably and in layers. Dressing in layers will allow you to stay warm when your cold and as you warm up, you can take off layers and not over heat. It's going to be cool to cold so we strongly suggest warm clothing, moisture wicking under garments, a hat, sturdy hiking boots or trail sneakers (your choice), wool socks, a small day back, trekking poles (optional) and plenty of water

ARE PETS ALLOWED: NO

If you have any questions please contact Butch at 202.210-1957

• Join Team Goombay: Create/confirm your PlungeMD account and select our team when registering.
• Set a Goal: Aim high—company matches and small donations add up fast.
• Share Your Page: Post your link and a quick “why I plunge” note to boost donations.
  Join our team at the link below
  https://support.somd.org/team/773759

## Why we plunge

Every dollar we raise fuels year-round sports and leadership programs for more than 25,000 Special Olympics Maryland athletes and Unified® teammates. Participants typically commit a fundraising minimum (historically $100+) to earn their spot—100% worth it for the impact we make.

## Goombay game plan

• Meet-Up Window: We’ll share our team tent location, arrival time, and group photo time once the site map & wave assignments drop.
• Post-Plunge: Warm-up at the team tent; hot drinks, high-fives, and photos.

## Registration & fundraising

• Join Team Goombay: Create/confirm your PlungeMD account and select our team when registering.
• Set a Goal: Aim high—company matches and small donations add up fast.
• Share Your Page: Post your link and a quick “why I plunge” note to boost donations.
  REGISTER HERE: https://support.somd.org/team/773759

## What to bring

• Swim gear & costume layers (fun is encouraged, safety first)
• Old sneakers or water shoes (no bare feet)
• Towel + dry, warm change of clothes (hat, gloves, thick socks)
• Trash bag for wet items; ID for check-in
• Hand warmers/blanket for the post-plunge warm-up

## Parking & entry notes

Plunge Saturday typically requires pre-purchased parking at Sandy Point; details and passes are released by organizers ahead of time—plan to secure yours early. We’ll send exact instructions as soon as they’re published for 2026.

## Health & safety

• If you’re feeling unwell, skip the plunge and cheer—your fundraising still counts!

FOR MORE DETAILS, CONTACT BUTCH AT (202)210-1957