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
17
Ball's Bluff Battlefield Regional Park - Leesburg (Rating: C)
Balls Bluff Battlefield Regional Park, Ball's Bluff Road, Leesburg, 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.
This is a 5.5 mile hike with an elevation gain of 900' on various trails in the Ball's Bluff Battlefield Regional Park
https://www.novaparks.com/parks/balls-bluff-battlefield in Leesburg, VA. We will stop half way for a short snack break. We hike at a pace of 2.5-3.0 mph while moving.This is the site of one of the largest Civil War engagements in Loudoun County. Major sites at Ball's Bluff include a cemetery, which is the third smallest national cemetery in the United States. Ball's Bluff Battlefield Regional Park also features an interpretive trail, signage and an amazing view of the bluff itself, overlooking the Potomac River.
We will start at the parking lot inside the park.Leader: Ed Brimberg 703-944-9920(C)
Meet: 9:00am at Ball's Bluff Battlefield Regional Park, GPS coordinates: 39.130313, -77.530707 https://goo.gl/maps/4SswAjdcZXbxFRXH6
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy.
Carpool Fee: N/A
Park Entry Fee: $0.00
AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/activity-february-5-2024-a70dc40?u=i&sh=7cs7ov
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.
35 attendees
Katahdin Base Camp and Acadia
Forest Glen metro station, Kiss and Ride lot, 2200 Forest Glen Rd, Forest Glen, DC, US*** New Trial Process - No More Signing In ***
Step 1: Read the Liability Disclaimer: https://www.nvhc.com/signin.pdf
Step 2: When prompted, type:
"I Accept", full name, contact number, emergency contact numberExample: "I accept. Jane Doe, (703)555-5555, (301)666-6666."
This is a trial process and is not available on all hikes.
LENGTH: Negligible ELEVATION: Negligible. PACE: n/a.
DESCRIPTION
On this five-day trip we will visit Acadia National Park and on the best of the three days, drive to Baxter State Park and Mt. Katahdin trailhead. Those willing are welcome to hike to the summit. The leader will not attempt the summit but will provide directions, maps, and moral support.DETAILS
Day #1: Fly to Boston (around $150), rent cars, drive to Bar Harbor, Maine. Check into motel; enjoy Bar Harbor.
Day #2, #3, or #4: Whichever day has best weather, drive to Baxter State Park (about two hours) past the town of Millinocket. Leader will travel with the group to the trailhead but will not hike; once the group leaves leader will drive back to enjoy the bars in Bar Harbor.
Days when we are not hiking Katahdin: We will spend visiting the famed Acadia National Park and climb Cadillac Mountain and other trails.
Day #5: Drive and fly back to DC.Everyone is responsible for their own travel and stay at Bar Harbor. We will form voluntary carpools for the drive from Boston. See below.
FLIGHTS TO BOSTON
The leader plans to fly as below. You are welcome to book the same fight, or a different one. As soon as you book, let the leader know your flight plans by filling out this Google sheet. Before booking your flight, please read the sections below on HIKING KATAHDIN and LEADER PERMISSION NEEDED.Outbound: Southwest #2895 from BWI to Boston departure 6:30 am.
Return: Southwest #825 from Boston to BWI departure 6:45 p.m.When you book, please make sure that:
(1) You arrive in Boston Logan no later than 11 a.m. (on 8/20)
(2) You depart from Boston no sooner than 5 p.m. (on 8/24)(keep in mind Acadia is a 4-5 hr drive from BOS).
CARPOOLS
Neither the Club nor the leaders are responsible for coordinating transportation to/from the trailhead. Hikers are not guaranteed to get a ride from the carpool location. Carpooling is organized by the participants, and they participate at their own risk.Once you join a carpool please let the leader know by filling out this Google sheet.
STAY
Hotel rates seem to start from $150 per night. Campsites are available for $20-$60. Let the leader know where you plan to stay using this Google sheet.CARPOOL AND PARK ENTRY FEES
Suggest we add tolls, park entry fees, and twice the cost of gas, and share the total among all including driver.HIKING KATAHDIN
This is not your average walk-in-the-park. The distance is only 10.5 miles (via Hunt Trail) but includes a 4,000-foot elevation gain. The trail is rough and rocky and requires significant boulder climbing. The upper parts of the trail are exposed. Because of these reasons this hike is sometimes described as the hardest hike east of the Mississippi. Not to be under-estimated.Those attempting the hike must be physically fit and should train for a few weeks before the attempt.
ITEMS TO BRING ON THE HIKE (courtesy: ChatGPT)
- Plenty of water (2–3 liters, more on hot days)
- High-energy snacks and lunch
- Waterproof rain jacket
- Warm layer (temperatures at the summit can be much colder)
- Hat and gloves (recommended even in late summer)
- Hiking boots or trail shoes with excellent traction
- Headlamp with fresh batteries
- Map (or offline map) and fully charged phone
- Small first-aid kit
Plus a couple of my own: Net to cover your face (flying insects can be ferocious on this mountain), bug spray, and sunblock.
LEADER APPROVAL NEEDED
If you plan to hike Katahdin and you don't know the leader well, please introduce yourself asap and present your credentials. Do this before booking your flights. If you just show up at the trailhead the leader will not permit you to join the Club group.ACADIA
Unless you are hiking Katahdin you may spend as many as three days in Acadia National Park - not nearly enough time to explore it. Attractions include a drive along the spectacular Ocean Drive, a hike up the 1,500-foot Cadillac Mountain (maybe to catch the sunrise), and numerous other hikes, some very exposed and demanding such as the Precipice Trail, which requires using iron rungs drilled into the rock. Consider a boat ride to the light on Bass Harbor. And of course there are bars in Bar Harbor - DUH! [Actually, the name is supposed to be derived from a sand bar but I have my doubts :)]5 attendees
Algonkian Park Nature Sanctuary (Rating: D)
Volcano Island Waterpark, 20015 Volcano Island Dr, Sterling, 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.
This is a ~ 7 mile hike with ~100 feet of elevation gain in Algonkian Regional Park. We'll start on the Potomac Heritage Trail (PHT) and hike downstream to the Algonkian Nature Sanctuary where we'll make a loop and then return to the start point. The Algonkian Regional Park Sanctuary consists of 30+ acres of wetlands on Lowe's Island adjacent to the Potomac River. The wetlands are a unique part of the Potomac that supports a variety of flora and fauna including Bald Eagles.
There will be some hiking along the Potomac River, the golf course and recreation areas. We will start on the PHT near the parking lot at Volcano Island Waterpark in Algonkian Regional Park (GPS coordinates: 39.061784, -77.386796). Some of the hike is on trails, pavement and gravel road. We hike at a pace of 2.5 to 3.0 mph while moving.
Dogs are welcome on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicyhttps://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolic
Leader: Steve Frith cell 703-629-0174
Park Entry Fee: $0.00
Map for hike:
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-january-31-2024-e5ae7b1?u=i&sh=iypgzx16 attendees
DC Highlights & Delights (Rating: C)
Theodore Roosevelt Island Parking, Theodore Roosevelt Island Park, Washington, DC, 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.
7.1 miles with an elevation gain of 282 feet.
Description:
We will begin our hike from the Theodore Roosevelt Island parking lot and head out along the Mount Vernon Trail and cross the Memorial Bridge to the Lincoln Memorial.USAA is offering through August 23rd, the National Military Monument. USAA was founded in 1922 by military officers.
The monument is presented as an expression of gratitude, duty and enduring commitment to those who have worn the uniform.
The newly re-done Reflecting Pool is the next stop on our way to the Washington Monument which offers a view of the entire Mall in both directions.
We will then head over towards the Kennedy Center where we will visit the Terrace level which allows a panoramic view of Washington DC.
From here we will enjoy a leisurely walk along the Georgetown Waterfront to
Key Bridge and back to our starting point.Facilities: Kennedy Center and along the Mall.
Pace: The pace will be about 2.5 mph.
Bring: adequate water/hydration, snacks/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes and hiking poles if you use them.
Fee: None
Dogs: Dogs are not welcome. NVHC Dog Policy
Weather: weather for this location is HERE.
Where to Meet: : Meet at the Roosevelt Island parking lot at 8:30 to allow everyone to get signed in and ready to hike at 9:00 am. The Hatchback of my Honda HRV will be up.
By Metro: Roosevelt is a 10-15 minute walk from the Rosslyn Metro station toward the Key Bridge. A short paved connecting trail leads downhill to the Roosevelt parking lot. A small green sign indicating Roosevelt Island at 0.25 mile on the right.
By Car: Drivers can only reach Theodore Roosevelt Island from the Virginia side of the river in the northbound lanes of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. After Memorial Bridge, follow the signs and turn right into the parking lot.
Coordinates: 38.8958415°N, -77.0624191°W
LINK to Roosevelt IslandFeel Free to reach out via text with any questions, Dawn K 703 533 9231 If you do text me, thank you for including your name.
20 attendees
Past events
4925
