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- (Updated) Day Hike - Maryland Heights (4.5 Miles) + The Rabbit Hole GastroPubVienna Metro South Kiss & Ride Parking, Vienna, VA
Note - moved from Sat to Sun due to weather
Maryland Heights is a popular day hike right next to the historic WV town of Harpers Ferry. Only about 1 hr from downtown DC, this should be a quick day hike with some good views. Afterwards, we will check out the Rabbit Hole, a local pub in downtown Harpers Ferry.
## Trail Facts
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Length: 4.5 Miles
- Duration: 2-3 hrs
- Elevation Gain: 1,079 Feet
- Permits: Harpers Ferry Park Fee (details below)
- Parking: Vienna Metro Station
- Trailhead Coordinates: 39.3291356, -77.731095
- AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/west-virginia/maryland-heights-via-overlook-cliffs-and-combined-trail?sh=nl7kuz
Trail Details/Getting There:
The Maryland Heights Trail offers hikers the opportunity to see many aspects of Harpers Ferry on one walk: spectacular scenery, geology, Civil War, industrial, and transportation history. This 4.5-mile out & back trail may be a bit steep, but pays off with great views. 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. Drive time is about 1 hour and 30 mins - Please post a comment below if you are willing to drive. Carpooling saves the environment and makes friends.
For drivers - The parking lot by the Harpers Ferry train station is the closest to the trailhead, but is small and often full on the weekends. If full, I recommend parking at the Harpers Ferry National Park Parking and then taking the shuttle to the train station and crossing the foot bridge to the trailhead.
GENERAL FEE: Harpers Ferry National Historical Park charges a fee to enter - $10 on foot or $20 for a vehicle. You can also use the Annual "America The Beautiful" pass. Please visit https://go.nps.gov/HFfees for more information or to purchase a park pass online.
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! - Day Hike - Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve (7.5 Miles) + Quattro GoombasVienna Metro South Kiss & Ride Parking, Vienna, VA
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
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Length: 7.5 Miles
- Duration: 3-4 hrs
- Elevation Gain: 466 Feet
- Permits: None
- Parking: Vienna South Metro Station
- Dogs: Must be leashed and under control at all times.
- Trailhead Coordinates: 39.028277603032315, -77.5997077224149
- AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-february-16-2025-f4f691a?u=i&sh=kucj8c
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: https://bansheereeksnp.org/
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.
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 is an informal group of friends and volunteers initiating trips under the common adventurer model (http://www.ronwatters.com/CADefine.htm) 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. https://www.fs.fed.us/visit/know-before-you-go/if-you-get-lost
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: https://www.angelinamlopez.com/blog/2014/11/4/banshee-reeks-nature-preserve
- Backpack - VA Triple Crown - 3-Day Backpack - 37 MilesDragons Tooth Trail Head Parking, Catawba, VA
Let's hike my favorite backpacking loop in Virginia - The Virginia Triple Crown! (Picture is from McAfee's Knob)
IMPORTANT - READ
This trip is challenging and is NOT recommended for inexperienced hikers. First time backpackers will not be allowed to join this one, sorry.## Trail Facts
- Difficulty Level: Very Strenuous
- Length: 37 Miles
- Duration: 3 Days
- Elevation Gain: 8,015 Feet
- Bear Canisters: Not Required
- Permits: Not Required
- Parking: Dragon's Tooth Trailhead Parking Lot
- Coordinates: 37.378936, -80.156161
- AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/virginias-triple-crown-loop?u=i&sh=rak641
Throughout this backpacking adventure you will get a chance to conquer three of the regions most spectacular overlooks: McAfee Knob, one of the most photographed spots along the AT; Tinker Cliffs, which offers 180-degree views of mountain ranges and amazing sunsets; and Dragon’s Tooth, a rock-scrambling climb to a unique jagged peak.
This route is known to be challenging and is NOT recommended for inexperienced hikers. First time backpackers will not be allowed to join this one, sorry. Please ensure you are able to manage 10-15 miles per day. Water can be scarce on this hike. I recommend bringing more than you might normally bring - up to 4 liters.
Trail Details:
On Saturday morning, we will meet at the trailhead at 9am. If you're driving from the DC area, I'd suggest staying in Roanoke the night before, as parking at the trailhead is limited (it's best to get there early).Day 1 (12.8 miles)
On the first day, we will leave the parking lot and walk along well-defined trails that wind through streams and forest. After about 1.5 miles, we will start a steep ascent up to the first of the three "crowns," known as Dragon's Tooth. The final mile to the Tooth will require some bouldering/scrambling, with the use of iron bars but the panoramic view at the top is well worth it. Afterwards, we descend and turn to hike along the AT until we reach Catawba Campsite at about 13 miles total. We will camp here for the night and refill water.Day 2 (11.8 miles)
Day 2 will see two of the scenic overlooks - McAfee’s Knob and Tinker Cliffs. We will reach McAfee’s Knob first thing on day 2 - It’s an amazing overhung cliff with a 270-degree panorama of the Catawba valley and is the most photographed spot on the Appalachian Trail. After another few miles, we will reach Tinker Cliffs, which offer another amazing view of the idyllic Catawba valley. After a brief lunch we will continue down a steep decline and turn off the AT on to the Andy Lane trail and refill water. After several more miles we will camp near the top of North Mountain.Day 3 (10.5 miles)
This day should be an easy final day - it consists of a mostly flat-then-downward hike back to the parking area at Dragons tooth. Please note, that after turning from Andy Lane trail to North Mountain trail, there will be no opportunities to refill water. Plan accordingly.
Note that the plan is to meet at the trailhead - but carpooling is encouraged due to limited parking at the trailhead parking lot. If you are willing to drive, please post a comment. As a rider, please comment on the driver’s post that you need a ride. If you do plan to hitch a ride, please offer to chip in for gas.(Event is crossposted)
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!
