NOVA Trailblazers - 20s - 40s Backpacking and Hiking

4.8•604 ratings

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

See all

Movie Night - Mountains On Stage Film Festival (Summer Edition)
Thu, Apr 23 · 5:00 PM EDT
The Commodore DC, 1636 17th St NW, Washington, DC, US
This was awesome last time so we're doing it again -

Traveling film festival, Mountains On Stage is coming to DC with summer's best 2026 short films related to the outdoors.

Note: This is a ticketed event being hosted by a 3rd party organization. You must buy a ticket to attend.

Interested in outdoor adventure? Let's get together and watch a curated selection of the best short films on mountaineering and adventure sports.

Cost: $25 (To buy tickets, click here)
Meetup Time: 5:00pm
Meetup Location: The Commodore DC
1636 17th St NW, Washington, DC 20009

Event Location: Washington DC - Cafritz Hall
1529 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20036

Mountains on Stage is a traveling film festival that presents a curated selection of the world's best adventure and mountain films to a global audience. It brings the excitement of mountain sports like climbing, skiing, and paragliding to cities around the world, allowing people to experience the beauty and challenge of the outdoors through film

We will meet at a small pub called The Commodore at 5pm to eat and consolidate before heading to Cafritz Hall at 6pm. The first film starts at 6:45 pm and the last ends by 10 pm (doors open at 6:15 pm).

https://www.mountainsonstage.com

Video trailer

Film Line Up

Patagonian Chimeras
Directors: Guillaume Broust
Length: 35 min
Lise Billon’s adventure with Fanny Schmutz and Maud Vanpoulle lies at the crossroads of history, dream and reality. Their goal: the first all-female ascent of the Southeast Ridge of Cerro Torre in Patagonia. This legendary line, on the world’s most beautiful mountain, is full of exploits and controversies. While this movie reveals an extraordinary achievement, it also explores questions about the place of women in mountaineering and the dreams they are entitled to pursue. Are there still gender-related limits in a discipline where everyone risks their life ?

Chery On The Cake
Based on the original work by Josh Lowell (Reel Rock), directed by Léopold Renié and Cyril Salomon
Length: 55 min
Embark on the Kamak ship, bound for Greenland and its pristine cliffs, following our favorite Belgians: Sean Villanueva O’Driscoll, Nicolas Favresse, Jean-Louis Wertz, and their newest Swedish recruit Aleksej Jaruta. After 2 weeks of sailing between storms and icebergs, the quartet sets up their base camp at the foot of the Mythic Cirque, a unique spot surrounded by rocky towers rising from the sea. Their goal: establish dream lines on these untouched summits, armed with their musical instruments. An ode to adventure and friendship!

Why I Fly
Director: Jean-Baptiste Chandelier
Length: 4 min
With a nod to E.T. and Peter Pan, JB Chandelier offers an intimate and moving film, a true visual ode to freedom. Renowned for his impressive proximity flights, the paraglider reveals, through a highly poetic style, the sensations he experiences while flying. But above all, he reflects on the wounds that have shaped his life choices. An invitation to listen to our inner voice, the one that pushes us to achieve our dreams and live our lives to the fullest!

Queen Swing
Director: Thibaut Marot
Length: 53 min
In speed climbing, it’s all about timing. 24 hours is the time Kate Kelleghan and Laura Pineau gave themselves to complete the Triple Crown, the three major big-walls of Yosemite: El Capitan, Half Dome and Mount Watkins. An insane bet: three big walls, over 2,000 meters of extremely difficult climbing. For this challenge, never before attempted by an all-female team, risk-taking, determination and complicity will be the keys to success!
20 attendees
Backpack - Dolly Sods (16 Miles) - 2 Days
Sat, Apr 25 · 8:00 AM EDT
Vienna Metro South Kiss & Ride Parking, Nutley Street Southwest, Vienna, VA, US
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
- 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 about 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, which includes the rugged Dunkenbarger trail. The second day is about 9.4 miles back to the car. There are a ton of stream crossings on this trip - so expect to get wet and pack accordingly.

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
- Water bottles or hydration system (capacity for at least 2 liters)
- Water filter or purification tablets
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Rain gear
- Dry bags or pack cover
- Warm clothing layers (non-cotton)
- Trowel for 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 enterainment
- Gaiters
- Sunscreen, lip balm, insect repellent
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/KUW283UFEe5kJJnLA

CARPOOL: 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 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!
11 attendees
Day Hike - Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve (7.5 Miles) + Quattro Goombas
Sat, May 9 · 9:00 AM EDT
Vienna Metro South Kiss & Ride Parking, Nutley Street Southwest, Vienna, VA, US
Banshee 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 9:00 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
- AllTrails Map
Trail 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:

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.
2:00 PM: Finish the hike, drive to Quattro Goombas, and eat.
3:30 PM: Depart for the carpooling location.
4:15 PM: Arrive at the Vienna South Metro Station.

(Setting the end time to 5:00 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.

FEATURED IMAGE SOURCE
2 attendees
2-Day Backpack - Caledon State Park (13.5 Miles) + Pancho Villa
Sat, Jun 13 · 9:00 AM EDT
4808 Franconia-Springfield Pkwy, Springfield, VA, US
Caledon State Park is a 2,500-acre property in King George County that has been designated as a National Natural Landmark. The park includes 16 miles of hiking trails and is home to old growth forests and American bald eagles. Given the low mileage and modest elevation gain, this backpacking trip is a great choice for those who are new to the sport or who are trying to get back into it.

We will meet on the sidewalk between the parking garage and the bus lane at the Franconia-Springfield Metro Station at 9:00 AM and carpool to the trailhead. Drive time is about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Please post a comment below if you are willing to drive. Carpooling saves the environment and makes friends.

## Trail Facts
- AllTrails Maps: Day 1, Part 1 / Day 1, Part 2 / Day 2
Trail Details:

Day 1, Part 1: After arriving at the park we will put on our packs and hike about 7 miles with 456 feet of elevation gain. During this leg of our journey we will stop by a few overlooks of the Potomac River and, if we're lucky, we may see some bald eagles. This loop will take us back to the Visitor Center, where you'll have the opportunity to top off your water supplies and check out the exhibits while Juanatán checks in on behalf of the group. You should be prepared to carry enough water to last you until we get back to our cars on Sunday, as there is no potable water near our campsite.

Day 1, Part 2: Once the group is ready we'll hike another 3.5 miles with 75 feet of elevation gain to our camping location near the Potomac River and Jones Pond. I have reserved six camping sites, with two tents allowed per site. We will set up camp, eat dinner, and relax around the fire as we wind down for the day. There will likely be a lot of free time, so consider bringing games or some other form of entertainment.

Day 2: While during many backpacking trips it is helpful to start early the second day, on this trip we can take our time in the morning as we wake up, eat breakfast, and pack. I still anticipate that we'll be able to depart our camping spot by 10:00 a.m. and hike a slightly different route of 3 miles with 171 feet of elevation gain back to our cars.

I plan to stop at Pancho Villa in Stafford on the way home -- the address is 155 Garrisonville Rd, Stafford, VA 22554.

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 (for lunch and dinner on Saturday and for breakfast on Sunday)
- 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:

9:00 AM: Meet at the Franconia-Springfield Metro Station.
9:15 AM: Depart for the trailhead.
11:00 AM: Arrive and begin the hike.
3:00 PM: Come back to the Visitor Center, top off water supplies.
4:30 PM: Arrive at the campsite.

(Set up camp, explore the beach, eat dinner, etc. for the rest of the evening.)

Sunday Itinerary:

8:00 AM: Break camp, eat breakfast.
10:00 AM: Depart for the trailhead.
11:30 AM: Arrive at our cars, drive to the restaurant.
2:00 PM: Depart for the carpooling location.
2:30 PM: Arrive at the Franconia-Springfield Metro Station.

(Setting the end time to 3:00 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 Source
1 attendee