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
4
RESCHEDULED: Day Hike - Spy Rock (14.1 Miles) + Box Office Brewery
Vienna Metro South Kiss & Ride Parking, Nutley Street Southwest, Vienna, VA, USCaution - This hike is difficult due to length.
Fall colors and waterfalls? Check. Crabtree Falls is the highest vertical-drop cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River. The falls feature a series of five major cascades and several smaller ones over its' total drop distance of 1200 feet. With the addition of Spy Rock, we should expect to see some breathtaking water features as well as some awesome views.
We will meet at Vienna Metro at 8AM and carpool to the trailhead. Drive time is about 2 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: **14.1 Miles
*** Duration: **6-7 hrs
** *Elevation Gain: **3,369 Feet
*** Permits: **Day Use Ticket: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/gwj/recarea/?recid=73667
** *Parking: **Vienna Metro Station South
*** Dogs: **Allowed
** *Trailhead Coordinates: 37.850748, -79.078603
*** AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/spy-rock-via-crabtree-fallsTrail Details:
This out-and-back hike is challenging, but the combo of Crabtree Falls and Spy Rock makes it one of my favorite hikes along the AT in Virginia. The beginning of the hike includes a spectacular set of falls and the payoff at the end includes 360-degree views of Nelson County.
We will start at a day use area for Crabtree Falls, which is typically pretty busy. The climb starts out fairly steep, but the path is paved making it somewhat easier. At the top, we will turn left and continue up a steep gravel hill until we meet up with the AT. Afterwards, the trail mellows out, changing to meandering switchbacks and ends with one last steep section to the top. Dogs are allowed on this trail (please use a leash).
On the way back, I plan to stop at a great little bar called Box Office Brewery in Strasburg VA, address is 177 E King St, Strasburg, VA 22657.
With the drive, please note that this 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).
**DAY USE TICKETS: **Day use tickets are required. The tickets are only $3 per car, but you will need to bring cash (collected via envelope, honor system). For more info: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/gwj/recarea/?recid=73667
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!
26 attendees
Day Hike - Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve (7.5 Miles) + Quattro Goombas
Vienna Metro South Kiss & Ride Parking, Nutley Street Southwest, Vienna, VA, USBanshee Reeks, designated as a Virginia State Treasure in 2016, is a 695-acre nature preserve located near Leesburg, VA. Protected under a permanent conservation easement, the property's 20 miles of hiking trails allow visitors to observe the diversity of flora and fauna that call the preserve home.
We will meet at the Vienna South Metro Station at 8:00 AM and carpool to the trailhead. Drive time is about 45 minutes. Please post a comment below if you are willing to drive. Carpooling saves the environment and makes friends.
## Trail Facts
*Difficulty Level: Easy
** *Length: **7.5 Miles
*** Duration: **3-4 hrs
** *Elevation Gain: **466 Feet
*** Permits: **None
** *Parking: **Vienna South Metro Station
*** Dogs: **Must be leashed and under control at all times.
** *Trailhead Coordinates: 39.028277603032315, -77.5997077224149
*** AllTrails MapTrail Details:
Our route through Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve will showcase varied habitat types, including meadows, forests, and wetlands. We will pass by Goose Creek, a State Scenic River, two small ponds, and a few of the structures that were used when this property was a farm. Depending on time and interest, we can stop by the Visitor Center before or after the hike to chat with the friendly staff and check out the exhibits. If you'd like to learn more about Banshee Reeks and its history, please visit the preserve website.
If you end up driving, the trailhead coordinates will take you to the main parking lot, which is about 5 minutes into the preserve after you pass through the entrance gate. If for some reason that lot is full then you can park in the overflow lot, which you will pass on your drive in. There is a restroom available inside the Visitor Center for you to use both before and after the hike.
Banshee Reeks is a nature preserve and is not treated for ticks, so please make sure to bring and apply the appropriate repellent before the hike.
On the way back, I plan to stop at Quattro Goombas Winery and Craft Brewery in Aldie, VA. The address is 22860 James Monroe Hwy, Aldie, VA 20105.
Itinerary:
8:00 AM: Meet at the Vienna South Metro Station.
8:15 AM: Depart for the trailhead.
9:00 AM: Arrive and begin the hike.
1:00 PM: Finish the hike, drive to Quattro Goombas, and eat.
2:30 PM: Depart for the carpooling location.
3:15 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 is an informal group of friends and volunteers initiating trips under the common adventurer model. 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.
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.
1 attendee
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 final 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 December, 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: Start 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!
1 attendee
Past events
92
