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
10
Day Hike - Patapsco Valley State Park (8.2 Miles) + Jailbreak Foodworks
Greenbelt Metro, Greenbelt Metro Station, Greenbelt, MD, USPatapsco Valley State Park is a 16,000-acre property located near Ellicott City, MD. The park's 70 miles of maintained trails showcase its industrial past with remnants of mills, factories, railroads, and dams. However, thanks to time and the efforts of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) the park now has a wealth of natural resources and outdoor recreation opportunities.
We will meet at the Greenbelt Metro Station at 9:00 AM and carpool to the trailhead. Drive time is about 30 minutes. There is ample parking at the trailhead if you wish to drive there directly. You are also welcome to organize carpools from other locations in the comments section below. Please post a comment if you are willing to drive. Carpooling saves the environment and makes friends.
## Trail Facts
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Length: 8.2 Miles
- Duration: 4-5 hrs
- Elevation Gain: 840 Feet
- Permits: None
- Parking: Greenbelt Metro Station (39.01120664490315, -76.90872786797485)
- Dogs: Must be leashed and under control at all times.
- Trailhead Coordinates: 39.21854296363126, -76.76109184600885
- AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/rockburn-to-cascade-falls-and-ridge-trail-5abc9c3?u=m&sh=kucj8c
Trail Details:
While Patapsco State Park is so large that it is broken up into eight named areas, we will spend most of the hike in the Orange Grove area and walk through a very tiny section of the Avalon area. Our hike will mostly go through forested areas, which should make for nice hiking even during the peak of summer. We will also pass by Cascade Falls and will have the opportunity to take a dip in the Patapsco River, which will let us take a break from the heat. Please bring a change of clothes if you are planning to get wet.
On the way back, I plan to stop at Jailbreak Foodworks in Laurel, MD. The address is 9445 Washington Blvd N Ste F, Laurel, MD 20723.
Itinerary:
9:00 AM: Meet at the Greenbelt Metro Station.
9:15 AM: Depart for the trailhead.
10:00 AM: Arrive and begin the hike.
3:00 PM: Finish the hike, drive to Jailbreak Foodworks, and eat.
4:30 PM: Depart for the carpooling location.
5:00 PM: Arrive at the Greenbelt 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!
30 attendees
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
Past events
85
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