About us
THE CLUB www.nvhc.com
The Northern Virginia Hiking Club (NVHC) offers a range of hikes of various difficulty levels in Virginia, Maryland, DC, and beyond. The club also offers other outdoor events occasionally. NVHC members reflect the rich diversity of the Washington DC Metro area. Annual membership fee is $5. Guests are welcome and enjoy a month’s free participation in the club events. NVHC is a nonprofit organization and donates funds to local parks and trail maintenance organizations from time to time. The selection of the parks and organizations is based on club usage - it is our way of giving back. Monies vary each time - $7,200 was donated in 2023.
Members are required to accept the liability disclaimer by typing “Accept” in the fields presented when they join the club.
DIFFICULTY RATINGS
NVHC hikes are assigned difficulty ratings. A combination of linear distance and elevation gain is used to determine the rating, with 400 feet of elevation gain considered to be equivalent of 1 mile of linear distance. With the “miles” derived from elevation gain added to the linear distance, following are the ratings:
A+= Very Difficult (19 miles or more)
A = Difficult (13 miles or more, but less than 19 miles)
B = Moderately Difficult (10 miles or more, but less than 13 miles)
C = Moderate (7 miles or more, but less than 10 miles)
D = Easy (Less than 7 miles)
For example, a nine-mile hike with 1,000 feet of climbing would be rated B (9 + 2.5 = 11.5).
Elevation loss is not measured in this system. Also, the difficulty rating is separate from the pace of the hike, which is determined by the leader, and is usually specified in the individual hike descriptions.
RSVP ETIQUETTE
Often there are limits on the number of participants on NVHC events, set by our leaders. This creates wait lists on Meetup. If you find yourself in this situation, we request that you keep in mind the interest of the leaders and your fellow hikers, and follow the guidelines below:
- If you RSVP’d “yes” for a hike, change your RSVP to “no” as soon as you decide not to go, so that someone else can go.
- If you RSVP’d “yes” to overlapping events on the same day, decide on one as soon as possible, and change your RSVP to “no” for all others.
- If you are on a wait list and decide not to go, remove yourself from the list.
DOGS ON HIKES
Dogs are welcome on NVHC hikes at the discretion of the hike leader. Several restrictions apply including advance notification to the leader, dogs being well behaved, and their being kept on a six foot leash. See dog policy located at [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy] for details.
Upcoming events
23
Buck Hollow - Mary's Rock - Buck Ridge (Rating: A)
Centreville Park & Ride, 14700 Lee Hwy,, Centreville, VA, USYou must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike.
Just for a change, let's do this hike backwards. Instead of climbing the 600 steps on the Buck Ridge trail, we'll descend them! You'll still get 9 miles and about 2,600' of elevation gain. Thanks to Caroline for this route.
The trailhead parking area off Rt. 211 is limited, so please try to carpool with someone.
Pace: 2 to 2.5 mph.
Map: AllTrails: Buck Hollow - Mary's Rock - Buck Ridge
Dogs: Dogs are welcome in accordance with the NVHC dog policy: https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Trail Notes: Starting at the Buck Hollow trailhead on Rt. 211, we'll cross the Thornton River, then climb along a stream up the mountain on the Buck Hollow trail. Upon reaching Skyline Drive, we'll pick up the Meadow Spring Trail to the Appalachian Trail. The AT northbound will take us to Mary's Rock, where we'll stop to rest and have a snack as we enjoy the panoramic view. Then we'll retrace our steps to the Meadow Spring parking area where we'll pick up the Hazel Mountain trail and finally the Buck Ridge trail back to the trailhead.
Carpools: Feel free to arrange carpools in the comments below.
Driving time from the Centreville Park & Ride is about 1 hour and 5 minutes. Please arrive at the Park and Ride by 7:05 to allow drivers to leave by 7:10. Neither the Club nor the hike leaders are responsible for coordinating transportation to/from the trailhead. Hikers are not guaranteed to get a ride to the trailhead from the carpool location; carpooling is organized by the participants and they participate at their own risk. Suggested carpool fee is $8.Entry Fees: $30 per vehicle or park pass
From the SNP website: "You are required to pay an entrance fee in order to access Shenandoah National Park, whether you're driving on Skyline Drive or hiking in from the boundary."
Shenandoah N.P. fees and passesLeader: Steve Wiley, cell 571-345-6441
Trailhead: Please arrive by 8:15 so we can get everyone checked in and start hiking at 8:30.
Coordinates: 38.6581, -78.281917 attendees
Blockhouse Point Conservation Park and C&O Canal Towpath (Rating: B)
C&O Canal Lock 22, Lock 22, Potomac, MD, USYou must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike.
10 mile circuit hike with about 650 feet of elevation gain.
Join us for a scenic hike on the C&O Canal towpath and the forest trails of Blockhouse Point Conservation Park.
Description: Starting from Lock 22 Pennyfield Lock parking lot off of River Road we will hike on the C&O Canal towpath. We will then hike to Violette's Lock and on to Riley's Lock where we'll cross the Seneca Creek Aqueduct and take a short side trip to the Seneca Mill & Quarry Ruins. We'll retrace our steps and take a lunch/snack break at Riley's Lock before heading back to Violette's Lock where we will make our way into Blockhouse Point Park. We will take several trails in the forest and stop at a couple of overlooks of the Potomac and Canal Towpath on our way back to the parking lot to complete the circuit.
This is a B hike due to the mileage, but most of the hike is level. There is one short but somewhat steep hill going up into the forest. You might want to bring hiking poles if you normally use them on hills. The overlooks are short out and backs and descend slightly from the forest area. These rocky overlooks offer great views of the Potomac!
The pace will be about 2.5 mph.
There are porta-johns at the locks.
Bring: Adequate water/hydration, snacks/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes since there are some rocky areas and tree roots with a lot of leaf coverage on the ground. There is one small stream that is easily stepped across.
Fee: There is no park fee.
Dogs are welcome. NVHC Dog policy: https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Meet at the trailhead parking lot 15 minutes early to allow everyone to sign in and get ready to hike at 9:30am.
Blockhouse Point Park:
https://montgomeryparks.org/parks-and-trails/blockhouse-point-conservation-park-trails/C&O Canal Pennyfield, Violette's, and Riley's Locks:
https://birdersguidemddc.org/site/co-canal-pennyfield-violettes-rileys-locks/C&O Canal Pennyfield Lock:
https://www.canaltrust.org/pyv/lock-22-parking/Meeting Place Instructions: We will meet at Pennyfield Lock, Lock 22 parking area on Pennyfield Lock Road. GPS 39.053641, -77.288893. See attached directions in the link.
After turning onto River Road west from I-495, Pennyfield Lock Road is about 8.5 miles on your left. Keep your eyes open and look for the sign for the turnoff onto Pennyfield Rd intersection. Proceed to the end of Pennyfield Road. I will be in a white Nissan SUV with the rear hatch open.
Post hike rehydration TBD.
If you have questions, please message me here or call/text me at 202-528-0456. If you text me, please include your name.
22 attendees
Occoquan Regional Park to Lorton Workhouse (Rating: C)
Occoquan Regional Park, 9751 Ox Road, Occoquan, VA, USYou must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike.
7.5 miles 500 feet elevation gain
Description:
Occoquan Regional Park offers paved and unpaved hiking trails that wind through forests and offer scenic views of the Occoquan River. Highlights of the park include the Turning Point Suffrage Memorial as well as the Beehive Brick Kiln.From Occoquan Park, we will hike to the Lorton Workhouse which was the site of the original Lorton Prison, officially known as the Lorton Reformatory and later the Lorton Correctional Complex, closed in 2001. It was the last of seven prisons in the Lorton complex to close as part of a plan to revitalize the District of Columbia. The facility had been in operation since 1910. We'll hike a few trails there before returning to Occoquan Park.
Info:
There are restrooms at the start of the hike as well as halfway through where we will stop for lunch/snack break.Bring:
Plenty of water/hydration. Recommend comfortable walking/hiking shoes. Lunch/snacks.Fee:
There are no fees to enter and park.Dogs:
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicyPlease arrive by 8:45am so that we can get everyone checked in and start on time.
Optional post-hike rehydration at Brickmakers Cafe.
How to get there:
Physical Address: 9751 Ox Road, Lorton, VA 22079
From I-95 take exit 160 and go north on SR 123 for 1.6 miles to the park entrance on the right, just after the bridge. Park in the parking lot adjacent to the Turning Point Suffrage Memorial. I'll be in a white SUV with the rear hatch open. Please arrive by 8:45 am so we can get everyone checked in and ready to hike.
GPS 38.68188, -77.25269Occoquan Regional Park
https://www.novaparks.com/parks/occoquan-regional-parkLorton Workhouse
https://www.workhousearts.org/Any questions, please message me on Meetup or text /call @ 202-528-0456. If you text, please include your name.
40 attendees
Neabsco Creek Boardwalk to Leesylvania State Park (Rating: B)
Neabsco Regional Park, 15125 Blackburn Rd, Woodbridge, va, USYou must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike.
8.5 mile hike with 515 feet of elevation gain.
Join us as we hike from Neabsco Creek Boardwalk to Leesylvania State Park and back.
Description: We will start off at Neabsco Regional Park and make our way to the boardwalk and across the marsh at Neasbsco Creek. We have the potential to see various water birds and even a family of beavers. Once across the boardwalk, we will hike a short distance through the Julie Metz Wetlands area and then enter Leesylvavnia Park on the Potomac Heritage trail. We will hike several trails within the park which includes views of the Potomac River.
You must be capable of hiking this distance and elevation.
The pace will be about 2.5 mph.
There are porta-johns at the parking area at Neabsco Regional Park as well as restrooms at Leesylvania State Park where we will break for lunch.
Bring: Sufficient water/hydration, snacks/lunch, and good hiking shoes. There are no stream crossings. Hiking poles if you normally use them.
Fee: There is no parking fee at Neabsco Regional Park parking lot.
Dogs are welcome. NVHC Dog policy: https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Please ensure your dog is capable of this distance.Meet: At the trailhead parking lot 15 minutes early to allow everyone to sign in and get ready to hike at 9:00 am.
Leesylvania State Park: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/leesylvania
Neabsco Creek Boardwalk: https://www.visitpwc.com/listing/neabsco-creek-boardwalk/1648/
Meeting Place Instructions: We are meeting at Neabsco Regional Park parking lot at 15125 Blackburn Rd., Woodbridge, VA. Coordinates 38.61595,-77.27503
Leader: Gail Markulin (703) 402-5902 (C)
30 attendees
Past events
4791
