Late Morning DC Hikers

Belle Isle State Park (6.1 mi, Minimal Gain) and Old Rappahannock Taphouse

Sat, Feb 21 · 8:00 AM EST

Franconia-Springfield Station, 6880 Frontier Drive, Springfield, VA, US

Belle Isle State Park, on Virginia’s Northern Neck, features trails running through a variety of coastal plain habitats—including tidal wetlands, farmland, upland forests, and some wonderful views of the Rappahannock River. We’ll hike a variety of trails to experience all of these places, totally ~6.1 miles (on the park trail map, roughly everything below Creek Landing Rd).

Afterwards, we’ll head on to Rappahannock Taphouse/Brewing Company, for some wonderful eats and Drinks.

Hope to see you there!

Official Hike Map: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/document/data/trail-guide-belleisle.pdf

Brewery: https://www.oldrapp.com/about-us/

Please bring all the things you will need for a hike! An adequate amount of water (at least 2 liters), snacks/lunch, sunscreen, bug spray, and rain gear (if forecasted). If it’s really hot, consider bringing some electrolytes like Gatorade or Nuun tablets.

Carpool Info

In a change up, we’ll be meeting at the FRANCONIA SPRINGFIELD METRO, in the middle of the walking bridge between the parking garage and the metro. We will carpool to the hike location from there.

By signing up for this event, you acknowledge and agree that Late Morning Hikers, its volunteer organizers, and drivers who volunteer to carpool are not responsible or liable for accidents, injuries, damage, or losses that may occur while traveling to or from the hike. Late Morning Hikers does not condone or encourage impaired driving. Drivers are expected to follow applicable laws and make responsible transportation choices.

Background information about the group:

Please remember that this group is an informal group of friends and volunteers initiating trips under the common adventurer model (http://www.ronwatters.com/CADefine.htm). We do expect our members to be familiar with the best practices of hiking – this is not a group for first time hikers and is NOT a group for those seeking hiking instruction.
We're also not experts or professionals, nor are we trained hike leaders, nor do we scout out hikes. We plan hikes for fun. You are responsible for your own welfare and safety at all LMH events. Be sure to choose to attend hikes only within your own physical abilities and hiking knowledge; take maps, suitable clothing, provisions (at least two liters of water plus any food or medical supplies you might require) and equipment, and act responsibly and safely at all times.

Acting responsibly and safely includes always making sure that you stay with a group (we advise using the buddy system) and staying on, or within sight of (if you need to answer the call of nature or avoid an obstacle on the trail), marked trails at all times. If you ever believe you may be lost, follow the advice of the US Forest Service (https://www.fs.fed.us/visit/know-before-you-go/if-you-get-lost)

LMH organizers and members shall not be liable for any injuries, loss or damage to persons or property, direct or consequential, arising out of any aspect of LMH activities. By attending this event, you represent that you have read, understand, and agree to the contents of our waiver of liability in the following link (Waiver of Liability - Google Docs).

Late Morning Hikers-Washington Outdoor Adventures Take Hogback Mountain!

Sat, May 2 · 8:00 AM EDT

Vienna Metro north parking lot, 9486 Virginia Center Blvd, Vienna, VA, US

What’s better than summiting a mountain with your favorite hiking group? Doing it with two hiking groups! Late Morning Hikers and Washington Outdoor Adventures are combining forces on a hike up Shenandoah’s scenic Hogback Mountain. This hike features sweeping views of the Shenandoah Valley and moderately strenuous elevation. We’ll approach the summit from two directions and meet at the top for a shared lunch break and to enjoy the view. From there, folks can make it an out-and-back to return to their cars, or continue straight and carpool back with a new group.

Here’s how it will work: Both groups will meet at the Vienna metro station, which has free parking, and divide up to carpool to two starting points (Neighbor Mountain Access Trail or Appalachian National Scenic Trail Parking – see locations below). We’ll have roughly equal numbers of hikers go to each starting point, and we won’t be strictly divided between LMH/WOA. After we meet for lunch, hikers can head back the way they came or continue along the trail. Hike leaders will return to their cars to shuttle folks as needed. After, we will meet up at Veditz in Sperryville for food and beverages.

🕒 Estimated hike time: ~6–7 hours at a moderate group pace

📍Day of the Event:

• Meet at the Vienna Metro Parking Area
• 🕙 Arrival: 8:00 AM 🚗 Departure: 8:15 AM
• We’ll organize carpools on-site or in advance via Meetup comments.
• 🚙 Estimated drive time: 1 hr 30 mins.

✅What to Bring:

• 💧2–3 liters of water
• ⚡Electrolytes (Gatorade, Powerade, etc.)
• 🍫Snacks
• 📸Camera
• 🥾Comfortable hiking shoes
• 🧥Weather-appropriate layers

🚗 Carpool & Parking Info:

• 💰Suggested carpool fee: $15.00/person
• 💵Park Entrance fee: $30/vehicle (Free with Shenandoah or America The Beautiful Park Passes)
• 👥Group size limit: 15 members.
• Note: Please sign up only once if you are a member of both Meetup groups!

📍Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1DPjNvzFNx9cU4nk6
🌧️ The event will be canceled in case of poor weather

🗺️Trail & Weather:
🗺️Map: [https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/lmh-woa-combined-day-hike-d6bc793?u=i&sh=lfbxds ](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/lmh-woa-combined-day-hike-d6bc793?u=i&sh=lfbxds)
🌤️Forecast: [https://www.wunderground.com/weather/us/va/sperryville ](https://www.wunderground.com/weather/us/va/sperryville)

🍻Post-Hike Social: After the hike, we’ll head to Veditz and Company Brewery. They will have a food truck there, but you’re welcome to bring your own food too.

📝 RSVP Details:

• ✅RSVPs open April 2 at 12 PM
• ⏰Closes: Friday, May 1 at 7 PM

CARPOOLING:

We encourage those with cars to carpool with others - you're the ones who make LMH great!

If you're a driver that is willing to drive, please post a comment on the event page with the following information:
(1) Number of seats
(2) Meeting location
(3) Meeting time

As a rider, please comment on the driver's post to take a seat or post in the comments that you need a ride so a driver can find you. Riders are encouraged to help their driver out with the cost of gas ($15 suggested).

BACKGROUND INFO ABOUT LMH: Please remember that this group is an informal group of friends and volunteers inititiating trips under the common adventurer model (http://www.ronwatters.com/CADefine.htm). We do expect our members to be familiar with the best practices of hiking. This is not a group for first time hikers and is NOT a group for those seeking hiking instruction.

We are also not professionals, nor are we trained hike leaders, nor do we scout out hikes. We plan hikes for fun. You are responsible for your own welfare and safety at all LMH events. Be careful to choose hikes only within your own physical abilities and hiking knowledge; take maps, suitable clothing, provisions (at least two liters of water plus any food or medical supplies you might require) and equipment, and act responsibly and safely at all times.

Act responsibly and safely: if you ever believe you may be lost, follow the advice of the US Forest Service (https://www.fs.fed.us/visit/know-before-you-go/if-you-get-lost)

LMH organizers and members shall not be liable for any injuries, loss or damage to persons or property, direct or consequential, arising out of any aspect of LMH activities. By attending this event, you represent that you have read, understand, and agree to the contents of our waiver of liability in the following link (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pQ0dedcqlyjc_Aib3TEbTX4gQRQt4C7FeCmsAPyTxd4/edit?tab=t.0)