About us
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
9
Day Hike - Bull Run Mountains (4.4 Miles) + The Farm Brewery
Vienna Metro South Kiss & Ride Parking, Nutley Street Southwest, Vienna, VA, USThe Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve is a 2,500-acre parcel of land located near Broad Run, VA. The park's 7 miles of trails take you through varied habitat types with uncommon and threatened plant and animal species. The property also contains cultural resources including the remanants of homesites and cemeteries.
We will meet at the Vienna South Metro Station at 9:00 AM and carpool to the trailhead. Drive time is about 30 minutes. Please post a comment if you are willing to drive. Carpooling saves the environment and makes friends.
## Trail Facts
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Length: 4.4 Miles
- Duration: 2-3 hrs
- Elevation Gain: 518 Feet
- Permits: None
- Parking: Vienna South Metro Station
- Dogs: NOT allowed on the property, sorry.
- Trailhead Coordinates: 38.82477640143971, -77.70632440422327
- AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-99bb7ff?u=m&sh=kucj8c
Trail Details:
Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve consists of three sections, but only the southernmost section is open to the public. During our walk through the property we will stop by a total of ten sites of cultural significance and will have plenty of time to takes photos of both the historical remants as well as the preserve's natural beauty.
On the way back, I plan to stop at The Farm Brewery in Broad Run, VA. The address is 16015 John Marshall HWY, Broad Run Va 20137.
Itinerary:
9:00 AM: Meet at the Vienna South Metro Station.
9:15 AM: Depart for the trailhead.
10:00 AM: Arrive and begin the hike.
1:00 PM: Finish the hike, drive to The Farm Brewery, and eat.
2:30 PM: Depart for the carpooling location.
3:00 PM: Arrive at the Vienna South Metro Station.(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!
1 attendee
Day Hike/Swim - Whiteoak Canyon Loop (8.3 Miles) + 2 Silos Brewing
Vienna South Parking Lot, 12 Vaden Dr, Fairfax, VA, USWhiteoak Canyon is an awesome day hike with about 30 waterfalls and several swimming holes. It's a great place for a summer hike - bring a swimsuit on this one.
We will meet at Vienna Metro at 9AM and carpool to the trailhead. Drive time is about 1 hour and 50 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: 8.3 Miles
- Duration: 5-6 hrs
- Elevation Gain: 2,329 Feet
- Permits: Shenandoah Park Pass ($30 per car) or America The Beautiful Pass
- Parking: Vienna Metro Station
- Dogs: Allowed
- Trailhead Coordinates: 38.539495, -78.349128
- AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/white-oak-canyon-and-cedar-run-trail-loop?u=i&sh=rak641
Trail Details:
This hike is a combination of Whiteoak Canyon and Cedar Run trails to create a loop. It considered challenging, but those who do it are rewarded with exceptional cascades and waterfalls. Be prepared for several stream crossings. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash.
This is a challenging hike that will take most of the day, especially if we stop to swim or enjoy the waterfalls. It is highly recommended that you bring plenty of water as well as snacks and electrolytes (i.e. Gatorade). This trail has tons of shade and places to take a dip, so bring a swimsuit and let's enjoy the summer vibes.
I plan to stop at 2 Silos Brewing Co in Manassas on the way home - address is 9925 Discovery Blvd, Manassas, VA 20109.
PARK ENTRANCE PASS: Shenandoah National Park charges a fee to enter. An annual pass is also available for purchase. For more information, please see https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/fees.htm
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!30 attendees- $102.00
Wild Cave Tour - Lost World Caverns, WV
Lost World Caverns, 907 Lost World Rd, Lewisburg, WV, USThis is a paid event. I've pre-purchased 8 tours, so payment is due in advance to hold your spot. Please don't RSVP unless you're prepared to pay.
This isn't your standard walk-through cave tour. This trip is for the more adventurous in the group — we're heading to Lost World Caverns in Lewisburg, WV for their Wild Cave Tour, a guided, off-the-beaten-path adventure through more than a mile of undeveloped cave passages and chambers.
Cost: $102/person — Cost of the tour plus tax. Covers gear (helmet, light, kneepads, gloves), guided tour, snacks/water during the tour, and a hot lunch.
Getting there: Since drive from DC is about 3 hrs and 45 mins, I plan to leave on Friday night and camp near Lost World Caverns. If you are planning to attend, please ensure you are able to make it to Lost World no later than 9:45 am on Saturday.
### Trip Details
- Difficulty Level: Hard — crawling, climbing, and tight squeezes required
- Tour Length: 4 hours underground
- Total Time On-Site: ~6 hours (includes safety briefing and lunch break)
- Drive Time: 3 hours 45 mins each way
- Dogs: Not allowed (are you crazy?)
- Showers: Available after the tour
- Tour Info Page: Wild Cave Tour – Lost World Caverns
Expert guides take us deep into the darkest, least-accessible parts of the cavern — think crawling, climbing, squeezing through tight rock openings, and getting thoroughly covered in mud along the way. It's billed as the experience of a lifetime, so don't miss it.
A hot lunch is provided, along with snacks and later during the tour itself. Showers are available afterward, so plan to bring a full change of clothes.What to bring:
- Two layers on top (long sleeve shirt + sweatshirt)
- Long pants — jeans or hiking pants, no shorts
- Hiking boots (sneakers ok, no open-toed shoes)
- Complete change of clothes for after, including shoes, socks, and undergarments
- Towel for the shower
- Garbage bag for your dirty/wet gear
- Any as-needed medication (inhaler, insulin, etc.)
- A snack of your own if you have dietary restrictions or allergies
PAYMENT INFO: This is a paid group event — $102 per person. Payment can be made to Taylor via Venmo or Zelle, but must be recieved to secure a spot. Please don't commit to a spot unless you're able to pay.
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.
See you underground🦇
5 attendees
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