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
7
- $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.
100% refund for cancellation 4 days or more before event.
50% for cancellation less than 4 days, but more than 2 days before event.
No refunds for cancellation notices received less than 48 hours before event.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🦇
7 attendees - $280.00
White Water Rafting + Camping (2 Nights) - New River Gorge
Vienna Metro South Park & Ride Lot, Fairfax, VA, Fairfax, VA, USThis is a paid event. Signing up for this trip requires being prepared to send $250 for the rafting reservation plus $30 for the camping reservation
September marks the start of white water season at New River Gorge National Park! In the fall, they open the dam and the Gauley River transforms into a river with some of the best rapids in the country (class III to V). We will rely on the experts at Cantrell Ultimate Rafting to guide us safetly down the river - But please note this trip will be a physically demanding day of rafting, as we will traverse the entire 26 mile Gauley river in a single day.
### Trip Details
- Difficulty Level: Hard — 26 miles of rafting on class 3-5 rapids
- Total Trip Time: 8-10 hours (includes lunch break)
- Drive Time: about 5 hours from DC
- Showers: Available at the campsite and at Cantrell
- Trip Info Page: Gauley Marathon - Cantrell Ultimate Rafting
RAFTING: This rafting trip is the real deal. Called the "Gauley Marathon," this rafting trip has us traversing the entire ~26 miles of both the Upper and Lower Gauley River. We will experience all 8 class V rapids on the Gauley, with the intense rafting on the Upper Gauley, and the mind-blowing scenery on the Lower Gauley. The guided tour includes a riverside lunch and shuttle transportation.
CAMPING: Since we need to check in at Cantrell at 7:30 am on Saturday, I have made a 2 night reservation for a tent site at Arrowhead Bike Farm Campground. This is a really cool campground that has showers/bathrooms, a restaurant w/ biergarten, biking obstacle courses, and even a goat pen. I've reserved site 5 which is supposedly hammock friendly. The campground is a 3 min drive to the Cantrell facility, so easy peasy.
PAYMENT INFO: This is a paid group event — $280 total 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.
50% refund for cancellation 31 days or more before event.
No refunds for cancellation less than 31 days before event.What to bring:
- Sandals or water shoes that strap to feet
- Swimsuit
- Wetsuit (can rent onsite)
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Warm layers
- Small dry bag or waterproof phone case
- Cash to buy food or other items at the Cantrell store
- Complete change of clothes for after, including shoes, socks, and undergarments
- Towel for the shower
- Garbage bag for your dirty/wet clothes
- Any as-needed medication (inhaler, insulin, etc.)
- A snack of your own if you have dietary restrictions or allergies
Should be an awesome weekend! See the tentative itinerary below:
Friday, September 11th
- 5pm (or earlier if possible) - Leave from Vienna metro station. Approx 5 hour drive to Fayetteville, WV.
- 10pm - Arrive at campsite + set up camp
Saturday, September 12th
- 7am - Breakfast available at Cantrell
- 730am - Check in for rafting
- 8am - Rafting tour start. Rafting will last 8ish hours. Lunch will be included
- 6pm - Return to campsite. Clean up, eat, and hang by the fire.
Sunday, September 13th
- 9am - Start return drive
- 1pm - Stop for lunch close to DC
- 3pm - Dropoff at Vienna station
Let me know if you have any questions!
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.
See you on the river!
9 attendees 
Car Camping - Prince William Forest Park + Uncle Julio's
4808 Franconia-Springfield Pkwy, Springfield, VA, USPrince William Forest Park is a 15,000-acre national park near Dumfries, VA that includes 37 miles of hiking trails and is home to a wealth of natural and cultural resources. We will enjoy a low-key night of car camping at the Turkey Run Ridge Group Campground and may also enjoy the nearby trails, time and interest permitting.
We will meet on the sidewalk between the parking garage and the bus lane at the Franconia-Springfield Metro Station at 11:30 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: ? Miles
- Duration: 2 Days
- Elevation Gain: ? Feet
- Bear Canisters: Not Required
- Permits: The driver of each vehicle will need to present a National Park Pass or pay $20 to enter the park. Each attendee will be asked to cover between $5-$10 for their share of the camping reservation, depending on how many people attend. You can give me cash or send me money via PayPal or Venmo.
- Dogs: Allowed on leash at the park, but not at the post-trip meal location.
- Parking: Franconia-Springfield Metro Station (Free garage parking is available if you aren't driving to the trailhead.)
- Trailhead Coordinates: 38.58210053428593, -77.37306213512657
- AllTrails Maps: N/A
Trail Details:
After arriving at the campsite no earlier than 12:30 PM on Saturday we will set up our tents and perhaps enjoy some lunch. (All meals are your responsibility, although you are welcome to bring food and beverages to share.) After that we can go on walks, play games, or just sit and talk around the fire. Please feel free to suggest fun group activities. On Sunday we need to be out of our campsite no later than 12:00 PM.
I plan to stop at Uncle Julio's in Woodbridge, VA on the way home -- the address is 14900 Potomac Town Pl Unit 150, Woodbridge, VA 22191.
Gear List
Note: Be prepared for varying temperatures; layering is key.Essential Items:
- Tent
- Sleeping pad
- Sleeping bag suitable for expected temperatures
- Food and the means to cook and eat it.
- A way to store the potable water available at the site
- A day pack if you plan to go for a hike
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Toiletries
- Rain gear
- Warm clothing layers (non-cotton)
Optional Items:
- Personal first aid kit
- Map and compass or GPS device
- Power bank or external battery
- Trekking poles
- Camp shoes
- Electrolyte supplements
- Alcohol
- Books, games, or other entertainment
- Gaiters
- Sunscreen, lip balm, insect repellent
Saturday Itinerary:
11:30 AM: Meet at the Franconia-Springfield Metro Station.
11:45 AM: Depart for the trailhead.
12:30 PM: Arrive and set up camp.(Enjoy the rest of the day.)
Sunday Itinerary:
12:00 PM: Leave our campsite.
12:30 PM: Arrive at Uncle Julio's.
2:00 PM: Depart for the carpooling location.
2:30 PM: Arrive at the Franconia-Springfield Metro Station.(Setting the end time to 3:30 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
Backpack - AT: Rocky Row to Punchbowl Mtn (18.6 Miles) + Box Office Brewery
Vienna Metro South Kiss & Ride Parking, Nutley Street Southwest, Vienna, VA, USDuring this two-day backpacking trip we will experience a small section of the famous Appalachian Trail. This segment of the A.T. will take us by some nice overlooks and should be especially beautiful during the fall. This trip includes significant elevation gain and as such is NOT recommended for first-time or inexperienced backpackers.
We will meet at the Vienna South Metro Station at 8:00 AM and carpool to the trailhead. Drive time is about 3 hours. Please post a comment below if you are willing to drive. Carpooling saves the environment and makes friends.
## Trail Facts
- Difficulty Level: Strenuous
- Length: 18.6 Miles
- Duration: 2 Days
- Elevation Gain: 4,482 Feet
- Bear Canisters: Not Required
- Permits: None
- Dogs: Allowed on the trail but not at the post-trip meal location.
- Parking: Vienna South Metro Station
- Trailhead Coordinates: 37.604991290822596, -79.38804389909019
- AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/nova-tb-at-rocky-row-to-punchbowl-mtn-4b72b54?u=m&sh=kucj8c
Trail Details:
I am limiting this trip to 10 people, so please only sign up if you are 100% committed to attending.
Day 1: After arriving at the Appalachian Trail parking area we will put on our packs and hike about 9.3 miles to the Punchbowl Shelter. Along the way we will pass by Little Rocky Row, Big Rocky Row, Bluff Mountain, and Punchbowl Mountain. Once we reach the shelter we will set up camp and enjoy the evening.
Day 2: During the second day we will begin our return trip on the Appalachian Trail but will make a left turn near Saltlog Gap and follow that trail by Peavine Mountain. Once we reach Forest Road 36 we will follow it all the way back to our cars.
I plan to stop at Box Office Brewery in Strasburg on the way home -- the address is 177 E King St, Strasburg, VA 22657.
Gear List
Note: Be prepared for varying temperatures; layering is key.Essential Items:
- Tent
- Sleeping pad
- Sleeping bag suitable for expected temperatures
- Backpack (appropriate for overnight backpacking)
- Backpacking stove with fuel
- Pot, cup, dish, and utensils
- Dehydrated meals and snacks (Saturday: snacks/dinner, Sunday: breakfast/snacks)
- Water bottles or hydration system (3-liter capacity)
- Bag or canister for securely storing food and other scented items
- Water filter or purification tablets
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Rain gear
- Dry bags or pack cover
- Warm clothing layers (non-cotton)
- Trowel and toiletries for Leave No Trace compliance
Optional Items:
- Personal first aid kit
- Map and compass or GPS device
- Power bank or external battery
- Trekking poles
- Camp shoes
- Electrolyte supplements
- Alcohol
- Books, games, or other entertainment
- Gaiters
- Sunscreen, lip balm, insect repellent
Saturday Itinerary:
8:00 AM: Meet at the Vienna South Metro Station.
8:15 AM: Depart for the trailhead.
12:00 PM: Arrive and begin the trip.
4:30 PM: Arrive at the shelter.(Set up camp, eat dinner, etc. for the rest of the evening.)
Sunday Itinerary:
6:00 AM: Break camp, eat breakfast.
8:00 AM: Depart for the trailhead.
12:00 PM: Arrive at our cars, drive to the restaurant.
2:00 PM: Arrive at the restaurant.
3:30 PM: Depart for the carpooling location.
5:00 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!
2 attendees
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