What we’re about
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
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Reston Public Art and Holiday Decorations (Rating: B)
Lake Newport Tennis Courts, 11452 Baron Cameron Ave, Reston, 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 an 9.3-mile circuit hike with 550 feet of elevation gain that will showcase public art and winter-holiday decorations in north and central Reston.
We will begin at the Lake Newport Tennis Courts off Baron Cameron Avenue and take various paths, about 80% of them paved, past lakes Newport and Anne, Reston’s two golf courses, the Reston Station and Reston Town Center commercial centers and their adjacent Metro stations, and the historic Lake Anne Village Center. The public art along the route includes more than two dozen sculptures and murals. Holiday decorations will be highlights in the Lake Newport area, Reston Station, Reston Town Center and Lake Anne Village Center.
At the halfway point we will stop for lunch.
Restrooms are available at the start/finish point and at two locations along the route.
NVHC hiker Maurice will assist in guiding us through this route.
GPS Coordinates for Lake Newport Tennis Courts: 38.971147, -77.343537 https://goo.gl/maps/xZkAyae9M6TiEC857
We hike at a pace of 2.5 to 3.0 mph while moving.
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy.
https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Leader: Ed Brimberg 703-944-9920
Park Entry Fee: $0.00
AllTrails map for hike: Reston Public Art and Holiday Decorations37 attendees
Manassas National Battlefield: 2nd with 1st Manassas Option (Rating : B)
Visitors Center (Henry Hill Visitors Center) Manassas, Battlefields, 6511 Sudley Road, Manassas, 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.
6.6 miles, 2nd Manassas, w/optional 5.4 mile, 1st Manassas;
360 elevation gain 1st; 429 elevation gain 2nd.
Description:
Join us for a hike at the site of Civil War battle that occurred in 1861.
The battlefield is well maintained with noted significant event information along the way. We will begin our hike at from the parking lot of the Henry Hill Visitor Center. From there we will do the 2nd Manassas or the Red trail, 6.6 miles. Once we arrive at the Matthews Hill loop trail head, there will be the option of returning to the Visitor Center along the trail shared by both blue and red trails or continuing on with the 1st Manassas or the Blue Trail, 5.4 miles.
Restrooms: facilities are available at the Henry Hill Visitor Center where we meet.
Pace: pace is about 2.5 mph while moving.
Bring: adequate water/hydration, also snack/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes since there are some rocky areas and tree roots. Some of the hike is in open field areas. Recommend insect repellent and sunscreen. There are no stream crossings, however there may some muddy areas or watery areas if there has been recent rain.
Dogs: Dogs are welcome on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy.
Weather: weather in this location is HERE.
Meetup Location:
Manassas National Battlefield Park, 6511 Sudley Rd., Manassas, VA
Henry Hill Visitor Center parking lot.
GPS Coordinates: 38.81338, -77.52171
Please plan on arriving by 8:15 am so we can get everyone signed in and ready to hike at 8:30.
Park Fees: None
Manassas National Battlefield Park
Website
Hiking
Map
First Manassas Trail
Second Manassas Trail
Questions: Any questions please text/call me at 703 533 9231.35 attendees
Holiday Sights and Sounds on the National Mall (Rating: D Fun)
Smithsonian Castle, 1000 Jefferson Dr SW, 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.
6.5 miles, 98 ft. elevation gain.
Join us for a scenic stroll around the National Mall to enjoy the wonderful holiday sights and sounds.
Description:
Our stroll will include highlights at the US Botanical Garden, National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, US Capital Christmas Tree, National Christmas Tree,
We will pause at the Sculpture Garden for a cafe stop and to check out the ice skating rink. The US Botanical Garden includes an outdoor running model train exhibit as well as numerous colorful indoor exhibits. It looks like there will be live holiday music as well.
Where We Meet:
We are meeting at the Smithsonian Castle Haupt Garden. I'll be in the back (south side) of the Castle at the Haupt Garden sitting on a bench enjoying the garden view, so find me thereabouts. This area faces Independence Ave. Please plan to arrive at the Castle by 3:45pm so we can everyone signed in and ready to go by 4:00pm.
NOTE:
Although the hike is scheduled 4:00-8pm, we may finish earlier, I'm allowing some wiggle room in case we spend more time at some of the locations. Participants are free to leave the hike at any point along the way, just let me know.
Best way to get to the Smithsonian Castle:
Metro: Best option -The Smithsonian Castle is very close to the Smithsonian Metro Station (see https://goo.gl/maps/aT5Y6Wwte7P2), be sure to exit to the National Mall side.
Alternatively you can go to the L'Enfant Metro.
Another option is the National Archives metro which is a fairly short walk to the Castle.
If you would really rather drive, there is metered street parking available both on Jefferson Dr. (on the front side of the castle) or the Haupt Garden side at 1050 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20560. Please note that parking can be quite difficult to find on a weekday during the holiday period. There are also several pay parking garages in the area.
Dogs are not permitted on this hike due to restrictions at several of the locations.
There are several public restrooms along our route.
Bring:
- Hydration and snacks as you desire or purchase a snack at the Sculpture Garden.
- The route is basically level. Most of the hike will be on paved surfaces so wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Dress in layers for the weather but bring an outer jacket since it cools off after sunset.
- Head lamp or flashlight.
Post hike re-hydration at Elephant & Castle.
Any questions please message me on Meetup or text me at 202-528-0456. If you text me, please provide your name.74 attendees
Past events
4594
