What we’re about
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
8
(Updated) Day Hike - Riprap Loop (9.4 Miles) + Far Gohn Brewing
Vienna Metro South Kiss & Ride Parking, Nutley Street Southwest, Vienna, VA, USClassic Shenandoah hike with some fall colors.
We will meet at Vienna Metro at 9AM 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: Hard
- Length: 9.4 Miles
- Duration: 4-5 hrs
- Elevation Gain: 2,122 Feet
- Permits: Shenandoah Park or America The Beautiful Pass
- Parking: Vienna Metro Station South
- Dogs: Allowed
- Trailhead Coordinates: 38.153075, -78.772705
- AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/riprap-trail
Trail Details:
This loop trail has a little bit of everthing Shenandoah has to offer. We will enjoy spectacular views, cross a few streams, and even swim in a watering hole if it's warm enough.
With over 2k feet in elevation gain, this hike definitely can be steep, but it's more gradual than some of Shenandoah's hardest ascents. The hike will start from the Wildcat Ridge Parking area on Skyline drive and follow the Wildcat Ridge trail about 2 miles until we turn onto Riprap trail. We will follow the route clockwise, which will save some of the vistas (like Chimney Rock) for the latter half of the hike. Dogs are allowed on this trail (please use a leash).
On the way back, I plan to stop at Far Gohn Brewing in Culpeper - a brewery that is said to have excellent pizza. The address is 301 S East St, Culpeper, VA 22701.
PERMIT INFO: Shenandoah requires visitors to pay an entrance fee per vehicle. Many in the group already have the America The Beautiful pass, but more info can be found here: 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
Rose River (5 miles) and Bearfence (1 mile) hike/rock scramble + Taphouse
Vienna Metro South Kiss & Ride Parking, Nutley Street Southwest, Vienna, VA, USWe’ll keep this group small—maximum 10 people for this trip. Bearfence in particular has limited space at the summit, and we’ll likely be sharing it with other hikers.
The highlight of this outing is Bearfence Mountain, a short but exciting 1‑mile loop. If you’ve done Old Rag before, think of this as a mini version: fun rock scrambles, a natural slide, no lines, and a sweeping 360° view at the top—basically the perfect trail. Because Bearfence is short, we’re pairing it with Rose River Falls, a more scenic 5‑mile loop. Rose River adds some mileage, features beautiful waterfalls, a mysterious petrified hippo, and offers a few secluded backcountry spots worth scouting if you’re into camping.
Trail Facts • Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Length: 6 Miles
• Duration: 4-6 hrs
• Elevation Gain: 1,187 Feet• Permits: $30 entrance fee or America the Beautiful Pass (please leave a comment is you have a pass, i have 2)
• Dogs: Rose River, yes. Bearfence, no.
• Parking: Vienna Metro Station
• Trailhead Coordinates: 38.53405, -78.42236 and 38.45237, -78.46690
• AllTrails Map: Rose River
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/rose-river-trail?sh=jsyxka&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality
Bearfence Mountain Trail
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/bearfence-mountain-trail?sh=jsyxka&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality
Trail Details/Getting There:Carpooling: meet at the Vienna South Metro Station at 8:00 AM and carpool to the trailhead. Drive time is about 2.5 hours. Please post a comment below if you are willing to drive. Carpooling saves the environment and makes friends.
Camping Optional: i have campsite 7 at big meadow booked from friday to sunday, if you wish to show up the night before to avoid morning lines at the entrance. Please leave a comment if you will be joining the campsite. I will DM you for additional info.
Meeting in the park: https://maps.app.goo.gl/baQSaBGZRUnRmBxDA?g_st=ipc
Fishers gap parking lot. Look for a silver honda accord with ALOT of bumper stickers. Aim to be at the parking lot by 11am. If you are running late please let me know. Please send me a DM if you any questions.We'll begin our day at Fisher's Gap to hike the Rose River Falls loop. Keep an eye out for a silver honda accord with an unhealth amount of park bumper stickers. After completing Rose River, we'll consolidate into as few cars as possible since the Bearfence parking lot only holds about ten vehicles. We can stop by the wayside for a quick bathroom break. From there, it's a short 15-minute drive to the Bearfence Trailhead, where we'll take on the fun 1-mile rock scramble and enjoy the 360° mountain views. Once we've finished at Bearfence, we'll return to our cars at Fisher's Gap and wrap up the trip with an optional stop at the Taproom at Big Meadows Lodge for food and drinks.
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!
10 attendees
3-Day Backpack - Otter Creek Wilderness (24.1 Miles) + Box Office Brewery
Vienna Metro South Kiss & Ride Parking, Nutley Street Southwest, Vienna, VA, USOtter Creek Wilderness is a 20,698-acre property in West Virginia that lies in a bowl between Shavers and McGowan Mountains. This U.S. Forest Service land includes 45 miles of hiking trails and is home to second-growth timber, rhododendron, and various types of moss and lichen. The fall foliage that we'll be passing through should be beautiful. This is a three-day trip with significant mileage and 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: 24.1 Miles
- Duration: 3 Days
- Elevation Gain: 4,098 Feet
- Bear Canisters: Not Required
- Permits: None
- Dogs: Allowed
- Parking: Vienna South Metro Station
- Trailhead Coordinates: 38.942232288335696, -79.66811374718421
- AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/nova-trailblazers-october-backpacking-trip-option-1-9a96876?u=i&sh=kucj8c
Trail Details:
The maximum group size for wilderness areas is 10 people, so please only sign up if you are 100% committed to attending.
Day 1: After arriving at the Condon Run Trailhead we will put on our packs and hike about 7 miles on the Otter Creek, Yellow Creek, McGowan Mountain, and Moore Run Trails. Along the way we will pass by McGown Mountain. Once we turn onto Moore Run Trail we will start looking for a campsite. Once we've found a suitable site we'll set up camp and relax before the next day.
Day 2: During the second day we'll get an early start and will hike another 12.5 miles on the Turkey Run, Big Springs Gap, Otter Creek, Green Mountain, and Shavers Mountain Trails. Along this segment of the trip we will pass by Green and Shavers Mountains. We will camp near the intersection of the Shavers Mountain and Mylius Trails.
Day 3: We'll wrap up our trip by hiking the remaining 4.5 miles on the Shavers Mountain and Hedricks Gap Trails back to the Condon Run Trailhead.
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/dinner, Monday: breakfast)
- 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
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!
10 attendees
Past events
57
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