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- Day Hike - Billy Goat Trail (4.6 Miles) + The Old Angler InnChesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historic Park, Great Falls Maryland, Potomac, MD
The Billy Goat Trail is a great little hike right outside the Beltway. Should be a quick hike with some great views. Afterwards, we can grab a drink and some food at The Old Anglers Inn, a restaurant with a huge beer garden patio out back.
## Trail Facts
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Length: 4.6 Miles
- Duration: 2-3 hrs
- Elevation Gain: 184 Feet
- Permits: Great Falls Parking Pass
- Parking: Great Falls Parking Lot (off MacArthur Blvd)
- Trailhead Coordinates: 39.001063, -77.247684
- AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-june-5-2024-c215b44?u=i&sh=rak641
Trail Details:
Billy Goat Trail Section A is thought of as the harder of the three Billy Goat sections, but hikers are rewarded with breathtaking views of Mather Gorge and the Potomac River. Section A is a one-way trail with rugged terrain, including small rock scrambles. It is highly recommended to wear boots or hiking sneakers on this trail. We will loop back on the canal towpath for an easy walk back to the car.
People often start this hike from the parking lot near Old Angler's Inn - However that lot is very small and typically fills up. I suggest parking in the Great Falls parking lot (entry fee required). I will park here and we can walk across the foot bridge to the trailhead.
GENERAL FEE: Great Falls charges a fee to enter - $10 on foot or $20 for a vehicle. You can also use the annual "America The Beautiful" pass.
LIABILITY NOTICE:
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 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. 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
Organizers and members shall not be liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to persons or property, direct or consequential, arising from any aspect this group’s activities. By attending this event, you represent that you agree to personally assume any and all risks associated with the Activity. You further agree to hold group organizers harmless from any and all claims, loss or damage to personal property, liabilities and costs, including attorney’s fees, as a result of my participation in this Activity, including travel to and from the Activity or any events incidental to this Activity. - Juneteenth 4 Mile Hike - Underground Railroad Experience TrailWoodlawn Manor Cultural Park, Sandy Spring, MD
Trailhead is located at Woodlawn Manor, 16501 Norwood Road, Sandy spring, MD, 20860. Ample parking is available. Just follow the signs.
Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas.
Try this 3.9-mile loop trail near Sandy Spring, Maryland. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 22 min to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking, horseback riding, and walking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
For up to date information, see the park website here: https://www.montgomeryparks.org/covid-19/
This is a pleasant walk that demonstrates typical terrain faced by previously enslaved people making their way to freedom on the underground railroad. Features of the trail are marked by the little white signs shown in the picture.
These sign are the only markings on the trail and one must be careful not to wander off on one of the many unmarked side trails.
The Underground Railroad Experience Trail in Sandy Spring, Maryland offers a well-defined and easy walk through woods, fields, and brooks, with some hills for added exercise. Recent reviews mention wearing long sleeves and pants due to prickly plants, and a history trail with informative markers that can be muddy in some areas. Typically in May, conditions in the area may be muddy, but the trail is generally flat and offers a pleasant outdoor experience.
- Backpack - Dolly Sods (16 Miles) - 2 DaysVienna Metro Station, Fairfax, VA
IMPORTANT - READ
Monongahela National Forest limits groups to 10 people, so that is a hard limit for this trip. If you are not 100% committed please do NOT RSVP## Trail Facts
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Length: 16 Miles
- Duration: 2 Days
- Elevation Gain: 2,216 Feet
- Bear Canisters: Not Required
- Permits: Not Required
- Parking: Red Creek Trailhead
- Coordinates: 38.972729, -79.397824
- AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/dolly-sods-backpack-16-mi-24357dd
The Dolly Sods Wilderness is a U.S. Wilderness Area in the Allegheny Mountains of eastern West Virginia and is part of the Monongahela National Forest (MNF) and one of the most desirable trekking areas in the US.
Dolly Sods is a rocky, high-altitude plateau with sweeping vistas and flora and fauna normally found much further north in Canada. A backpacking trip in this area will expose you to a very diverse and unique landscape with sphagnum bogs, grassy meadows lined by spruce trees, wind-carved boulders, and beautiful mountain vistas.
Note - this area can have very unpredictable weather. I've had everything from sunshine, to heavy rain, to even snow and hail as late as May. Pack accordingly.
Trail Details:
We will meet at The Vienna Metro station on Saturday morning at 8am and drive to the Red Creek Trailhead at the southern end of the Dolly Sods wilderness. The drive is about 3 hours - I will drive and am happy to have up to 3 others carpool with me.When we arrive at the trailhead, we will hike a fairly easy 6.3 miles to our campsite, stopping once to check out the the iconic Lion's Head on Breathed Mountain (pictured in the post). Should be an early day, so feel free to bring cards, adult beverages, or other items to pass the time. The second day, we will explore the rest of the park including Blackbird Knob. The second day is about 9.4 miles back to the car. All told, this is a pretty short-distance trip with not a ton of elevation. Great trip for first timers or newbies! I do have extra equipment, so please let me know if you need anything and I'll see what I have available.
Gear list
Note: Make sure you are 100% waterproof because weather on the Sods is uncertain, and the trail can get very wet when it rains.What you need to bring:
- Tent - sleeping pad - 20F sleeping bag
- Backpack (one for overnight backpacking)
- Backpacking stove + pot/cup/dish/spoon
- Dehydrated food
- Bottle or similar for drinking water
- Headlamp
- Snacks/sandwich/power bar or equivalent, etc
- Water filter (Saturday and Sunday we will refuel from a stream)
- Rain suit (jacket and pants)
- Dry bag or raincover for backpack
- 3 extra pair of socks - 1 will stay in the car
- Water/beach shoes + small towel for stream crossing
- Warm jacket or sweater (not cotton), hat and water proof gloves
- Extra pair of shoes (stay in the car)
- Gaiter (optional)
- Electrolyte powder (like gatorade) (optional)
General meetup location: Vienna Metro Station - 8:00am
Time driving: 3 hr. each way
Google driving direction from Vienna metro:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/KUW283UFEe5kJJnLACARPOOL: Don't forget if you want a ride or are willing to offer a ride – be a friend to the environment, save money, and make friends.
LIABILITY NOTICE:
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 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. 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
Organizers and members shall not be liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to persons or property, direct or consequential, arising from any aspect this group’s activities. By attending this event, you represent that you agree to personally assume any and all risks associated with the Activity. You further agree to hold group organizers harmless from any and all claims, loss or damage to personal property, liabilities and costs, including attorney’s fees, as a result of my participation in this Activity, including travel to and from the Activity or any events incidental to this Activity. - Day Hike - Old Rag (9.4 Miles) + Altered Suds Beer CoVienna Metro Station, Fairfax, VA
Old rag is one of my favorite hikes on the east coast. The way up is nothing short of incredible - you will experience switchbacks, scrambles, false summits, interesting trail navigation, and absolutely amazing views. This is the iconic day hike in Shenandoah. Don't miss it. Afterwards, we will stop by Altered Suds Beer Co in Warrenton for food and drinks. Please make sure to get a day-use ticket for $2 using the link below.
We will meet at Vienna Metro at 9AM and carpool to the trailhead. Drive time is about 1 hour and 45 mins - Please post a comment below if you are willing to drive. Carpooling saves the environment and makes friends.
## Trail Facts
- Difficulty Level: Strenuous
- Length: 9.4 Miles
- Duration: 5-6 hrs
- Elevation Gain: 2,604 Feet
- Permits: Old Rag Day Use Ticket: https://go.nps.gov/oldragticket
- Parking: Vienna Metro Station
- Dogs: Not Allowed
- Trailhead Coordinates: 38.571008, -78.293499
- AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/old-rag-mountain-loop-trail?u=i&sh=rak641
Trail Details:
This hike, although challenging, is one of the most popular and spectacular hikes in Shenandoah National Park. It has been referred to as an “unforgettable” hike by many. Your climb to the peak includes many rocky switchbacks, various false peaks, and several scrambles. The descent, which will be slightly longer than your ascent, is a much more gradual grade that ends with an easy walk down a fire road. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on this trail.
This is a challenging hike that will take most of the day. It is highly recommended that you bring plenty of water as well as snacks and electrolytes (i.e. Gatorade). Hiking Old Rag is an adventure that should be on every Virginia hiker’s bucket list.
DAY USE TICKETS: Old Rag has become so popular that the National Park Service limits hikers via day-use tickets. The tickets are only $2, but they do sell-out. If you plan to attend this hike, please ensure you have a ticket in advance: https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/faqs-oldrag.htm
LIABILITY NOTICE:
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 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. 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
Organizers and members shall not be liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to persons or property, direct or consequential, arising from any aspect this group’s activities. By attending this event, you represent that you agree to personally assume any and all risks associated with the Activity. You further agree to hold group organizers harmless from any and all claims, loss or damage to personal property, liabilities and costs, including attorney’s fees, as a result of my participation in this Activity, including travel to and from the Activity or any events incidental to this Activity.