What we’re about
Established - May 2024
http://novatrailblazers.com/
Trying to find hike-minded people? Look no further.
This group is for hiking and backpacking enthusiasts in their 20s to 40s, though we do accept people of all ages. Our group is largely informal, with events mostly consisting of backpacking trips with day hikes as schedules permit. New members are always welcome regardless of skill level.
If you think you might be interested but aren't quite sure, feel free to attend one of our occasional informal meetings/happy hours to meet some organizers and find out what we have scheduled.
INHERENT RISK: Organizers carefully plan events and check public sources for weather and safety. Conditions may change or reports may contain errors. Inherent natural hazards are associated with backcountry travel. Organizers do not accept any liability for accidents/injuries in connection with the activities published herein or on linked sites.
Upcoming events
15
TRAVEL TRIP - Ski/Snowboard - Stowe, Vermont
Stowe Mountain Resort, 5781 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT, USIMPORTANT - Trip requires attendees to book their own airfare and hotel accomodations.
Hey folks - this one is a little last minute and different from my usual events. I realized that my office is closed on Jan 19th for MLK day, so I decided to do a weekend trip to Stowe Ski Resort in Vermont. If you'd like to join me in Stowe - come on out. Note: You will need to figure out your own flights/accomodations (see details below)
## Mountain Facts
- Terrain Difficulty: 16% green runs, 55% blue runs, 29% black runs
- Lifts: 12
- Trails: 116
- Highest Elevation: 4,395 Feet
- Lift Tickets: Epic Season Pass or Single-Day Lift Ticket: https://www.stowe.com/plan-your-trip/lift-access/tickets.aspx
- Parking: N/A (Meet in VT)
Trip Details:
I will be flying out of DCA at 10pm, arriving in Burlington at 11:56pm. I've rented a pickup truck to drive up to the resort and will be packing my own gear with me. I have a small room reserved at the Innsbruck Inn near Stowe. I plan to start skiing at 9am Saturday - Plan to meet at the bottom of the Toll House Double lift.
Stowe is thought of as a resort that caters more to advanced skiiers - it has some of the best backcountry (off-piste) terrain on the east coast. This is not designed as a trip to help with ski/snowboard instruction. However, Stowe does offer both lessons and rentals.
WHAT TO BRING:
- Ski/snowboard gear (rentals available onsite)
- Lift ticket or season pass (available onsite)
- Warm layers, gloves, and goggles (available onsite)
- Helmet - optional (available onsite)
- Snacks, water, and electrolytes (available onsite)
- Steez
LIFT TICKETS: You will need to either purchase an Epic Season Pass or single-day lift tickets. The ticket prices vary, but I recommend purchasing them well in advance as they can (and do) sell out.
For more info: https://www.stowe.com/plan-your-trip/lift-access/tickets.aspx
LIABILITY NOTICE:
Please remember that this group operates under the common adventurer model. We are a group of friends and volunteers organizing trips for fun and shared experience. Participants are expected to be familiar with best hiking practices and choose hikes that align with their physical abilities and experience. Organizers and members are not liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to persons or property arising from group activities. By attending this event, you agree to assume all risks associated with the activity.
For more information on the common adventurer model, please see Ron Watters' definition.
If you believe you may be lost during the hike, follow the advice of the US Forest Service.
See you on the trail!3 attendees
Day Hike - W&OD Trail: Dunn Loring Metro to Caboose Commons (7.0 Miles)
Dunn Loring Metro, Gallows Rd @ Prosperity Ave, Merrifield, VA, USPlease join Juanatán for his first hike of the year. This easy journey of 7 miles along Gallows Road and the W&OD Trail is a great way to ease back into hiking after the holiday season.
We will meet at the Dunn Loring Metro Station at 11:00 AM, which is where we will begin and end our hike.
## Trail Facts
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Length: 7.0 Miles
- Duration: 4-5 hrs (Including our mid-hike meal.)
- Elevation Gain: 190 Feet
- Permits: None.
- Parking: Dunn Loring Metro Station (38.881420295263695, -77.23054005314158) (Garage parking is free on weekends.)
- Dogs: Not allowed. (The restaurant stop is built into the hike.)
- Trailhead Coordinates: 38.88278986565736, -77.22841745233727
- AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-5227c8e?u=i&sh=kucj8c
Trail Details:
Our route will take us from an urban landscape to a ¨green¨ corridor and back. While there won't be much greenery at this time of the year, we may see some birds and mammals along our route.
Itinerary:
11:00 AM: Meet at the trailhead.
11:15 AM: Depart the trailhead.
12:30 PM: Arrive at Caboose Brewing.
2:00 PM: Start return trip.
3:15 PM: Arrive at trailhead.
(Setting the end time to 4:00 PM to allow time for the unexpected.)
LIABILITY NOTICE:
Please remember that this group operates under the common adventurer model. We are a group of friends and volunteers organizing trips for fun and shared experience. Participants are expected to be familiar with best hiking practices and choose hikes that align with their physical abilities and experience. Organizers and members are not liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to persons or property arising from group activities. By attending this event, you agree to assume all risks associated with the activity.
For more information on the common adventurer model, please see Ron Watters' definition.
If you believe you may be lost during the hike, follow the advice of the US Forest Service.
See you on the trail!
Featured Image Source18 attendees
Day Hike - Harpers Ferry VC to Maryland Heights (8.6 Miles) + The Rabbit Hole
Vienna Metro South Kiss & Ride Parking, Nutley Street Southwest, Vienna, VA, USDuring his second trip of the year, Juanatán will take you to Maryland Heights, but during the winter season. This journey of 8.6 miles through Harpers Ferry National Park will allow you to experience this famous trail and overlook in a different light.
We will meet at the Vienna South Metro Station at 8:00 AM and carpool to the trailhead. Drive time is about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Please post a comment if you are willing to drive. Carpooling saves the environment and makes friends!
## Trail Facts
- Difficulty Level: Strenuous
- Length: 8.6 Miles
- Duration: 6-6.5 hrs (Including our meal on the way back.)
- Elevation Gain: 1,762 Feet
- Permits: Have a National Park Pass or pay the $20 entrance fee.
- Parking: Vienna South Metro Station (Search for ¨NOVA Trailblazers Carpooling Location¨ on Google Maps.) (Parking is free on weekends.)
- Dogs: Not allowed. (The restaurant stop is built into the hike.)
- Trailhead Coordinates: 39.31617004156396, -77.75620539129638
- AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-011e405?u=i&sh=kucj8c
Trail Details:
After reaching the trailhead we will follow a trail down to Lower Town Harpers Ferry, passing some historial structures along our way. After passing through town we will go over a bridge, spend some time on the towpath, and then begin the steep ascent to Maryland Heights. After admiring the wintry view we will mostly come back the way we came, making a small diversion to grab a bite to eat at The Rabbit Hole before walking back to the Visitor Center parking lot.
Since this hike is scheduled for February, it will likely be cold, so please wear layers and bring adequate fuel and hydration. In addition, the trails could be slippery, so the use of traction devices (microspikes, crampons, or similar) is REQUIRED if the expected trail conditions warrant it. If everyone is tired after the hike there is the option to take the shuttle back to the Visitor Center. The last shuttle for the day will leave at 5:30 PM.
Itinerary:
8:00 AM: Meet at the Vienna South Metro Station.
8:15 AM: Depart for the trailhead.
9:30 AM: Arrive and begin hike.
1:30 PM: Arrive at The Rabbit Hole.
3:00 PM: Finish walking back to the trailhead.
4:00 PM: Reach the trailhead and drive home.
5:30 PM: Arrive at the Vienna South Metro Station.
(Setting the end time to 6:00 PM to allow time for the unexpected.)
LIABILITY NOTICE:
Please remember that this group operates under the common adventurer model. We are a group of friends and volunteers organizing trips for fun and shared experience. Participants are expected to be familiar with best hiking practices and choose hikes that align with their physical abilities and experience. Organizers and members are not liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to persons or property arising from group activities. By attending this event, you agree to assume all risks associated with the activity.
For more information on the common adventurer model, please see Ron Watters' definition.
If you believe you may be lost during the hike, follow the advice of the US Forest Service.
See you on the trail!
Featured Image Source1 attendee
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