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 (4+)
See all- Day Hike - Big Schloss (4.3 Miles) + Woodstock BrewhouseVienna Metro South Kiss & Ride Parking, Vienna, VA
Straddling the Virginia-West Virginia border, the 4.3-mile Big Schloss Trail is one of the prettiest and most interesting hikes near NoVA. Only about 1.5 hrs from Vienna metro, this should be a quick day hike with some good views. Afterwards, we will check out the Woodstock Brewhouse in Woodstock VA.
## Trail Facts
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Length: 4.3 Miles
- Duration: 2-3 hrs
- Elevation Gain: 1,053 Feet
- Permits: None
- Parking: Vienna Metro Station
- Trailhead Coordinates: 38.9251954, -78.6888916
- AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/west-virginia/big-schloss-via-wolf-gap-trail
Trail Details/Getting There:
The Big Schloss Trail offers scenic, panoramic views, with an atmosphere that is often less crowded that nearby Shenandoah. This 4.3-mile out & back trail starts of steep, but levels off after the first mile. Make sure to bring water and snacks. Dogs are allowed on this trail.
We will meet at Vienna Metro at 9AM and carpool to the trailhead which is at the Wolf Gap Campground. Drive time is about 1 hour and 35 mins - Please post a comment below if you are willing to drive. Carpooling saves the environment and makes friends.
After the hike, I plan to stop in the nearby town of Woodstock and get food and drinks at the Woodstock Brewhouse at 123 E Court St, Woodstock, VA 22664.
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!Not open - Day Hike - Riprap Loop (9.4 Miles) + Far Gohn BrewingVienna Metro South Kiss & Ride Parking, Vienna, VA
Classic 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!
- 3-Day Backpack - Otter Creek Wilderness (24.1 Miles) + Box Office BreweryVienna Metro South Kiss & Ride Parking, Vienna, VA
Otter 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!
