NOVA Trailblazers - 20s - 40s Backpacking and Hiking

**Signing up for this trip requires being prepared to send up to $200 for the rafting reservation. Caleb will dm you to confirm with venmo details. Limited attendance list up front but can expand if we have enough hard commitments**

Let's celebrate the 4th of July with a trip to West Virginia near New River Gorge National Park to camp and raft the New River! The New River hosts some of the best rapids in the country! But for you beginners (like me) fear not - in the summer the water isn't quite as high. This should be a nice experience for all skill levels.

The trip will also involve camping for two nights. I have two tents that could comfortably fit 8 people total, plus a few extra sleeping bags and a ton of cookware. If you need gear (or have extra gear to spare) please post in the comments and we can set up some exchanges! This will be "car camping" - meaning we can bring excessive amount of items to have a super comfortable camping experience :)

Please also comment if you'd be willing to drive and also have space to pack camping gear in your car.

Costs: If you want to attend, you need to be ready to pay up to $200 within the next two weeks (late March / early April) so I can reserve our spot! Other costs will include the campsite (~$20 per person), gas (~$30 per person), and food (~$40 per person). In total, I'd recommend budgeting around $300 for this trip.

Should be an awesome weekend, can't wait. See the tentative itinerary below with some links:

Friday July 4th

Patapsco 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 backup trailhead parking location 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: 11 Miles
• Duration: 4-5 hrs
• Elevation Gain: 1,329 Feet
• Permits: None
• Parking: Greenbelt Metro Station
• Dogs: Must be leashed and under control at all times.
• Trailhead Coordinates: 39.24531535369895, -76.71963177976626 (If the trailhead lot is full, go to the Catonsville Park & Ride lot across the road: 39.2466908297143, -76.71954608557395)
• AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-april-7-2025-174b395?u=i&sh=kucj8c

Trail Details:

While Patapsco State Park is so large that it is broken up into eight named areas, we will be seeing just three of them -- Glen Artney, Hilton, and Orange Grove. Our hike will mostly go through forested areas, which should make for nice hiking even during the peak of summer. However, we will cross the Patapsco River twice and will walk along it for part of the trip. We will also see some historical structures throughout the journey.

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.

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.​

Formerly known as the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship, Sweet Run is Virginia's newest state park. Dedicated by the Governor in 2023, this 884-acre property located near Hillsboro, VA features 11 miles of hiking trails, views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and signs of the property's past use for subsistence farming.

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 below if you are willing to drive. Carpooling saves the environment and makes friends.

## Trail Facts

• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Length: 6.5 Miles
• Duration: 2-3 hrs
• Elevation Gain: 669 Feet
• Permits: You must purchase either a $10 daily parking pass or a Virginia State Parks Annual Pass. In either case the pass covers everyone in the same vehicle.
• Parking: Vienna South Metro Station
• Dogs: Must be leashed and under control at all times.
• Trailhead Coordinates: 39.29321437867547, -77.72592075461714
• AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-april-7-2025-991de29?u=i&sh=kucj8c

Trail Details:

At the trailhead we can take a look at the orchard on the property as well as the view of the mountains to the east. We will then begin our journey through Sweet Run State Park, which will take us through forests and fields and along Piney Run, Wortman Pond, and Gordon Pond. When we return to the trailhead you can check out the garden or embrace your inner child in the nature play area. :)

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.

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.​