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
21
C&O Canal National Historic Park, Great Falls, MD- Fee Free Day (Rating: C)
C&O Canal - Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center, 11710 MacArthur Blvd., 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.
7.2 miles with 250 feet elevation gain.
Fee Free Day!
Join us in celebrating National Park Service birthday for a nice hike along the scenic Potomac River and adjoining forests of C&O Canal National Historical Park, Great Falls, Maryland.
Description:
Beat the heat with an early and short hike.We'll start our hike with the Ford Mine Trail. Once completing that trail, we will then reconnect to the towpath and complete the River Trail which runs along the Potomac River. Both trails are in the forest canopy. After a short break at the Tavern Visitor Center, we'll head down to Olmsted Island to enjoy the cascading water and Potomac River Overlook.
There are a few small stream crossings on Ford Mine trail that are easily crossed.
The pace will be about 2.5 mph but adjusted for conditions.
Bring:
Adequate water/hydration, snacks/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes since there are some rocky areas and tree roots in the forest. Restrooms are open near the Tavern visitor center. May want to also bring some insect repellent.Meet:
We will meet on the sidewalk in front of the old refreshment snack bar on the right side of the parking lot before you get to the restrooms and Tavern visitor center. The snack bar is currently closed but it is under the tree canopy. Look for me by the fence anxiously awaiting your arrival.
Please plan on being there at 8:45am so we can get everyone signed in and start the hike on time.Dogs are welcome. Dog Policy https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
NOTE: Dogs are not allowed on Olmsted Island so you will have to wait for us at the entrance to the boardwalk (it's shaded).Park Fee: Park Fees waived on National Park Service Birthday.
Map of Hiking Trails at Great Falls, Maryland:
https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/upload/Great-Falls-Hiking-Map.pdfDirections to Park:
https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/greatfallstavernvisitorcenter.htm
GPS: 39.00223, -77.24697Any questions, please message me on Meetup or text/call @202-528-0456. If you text me, please include your name.
30 attendees
Cedar Run to White Oak Canyon Loop (Rating: A)
White Oak Canyon/Cedar Run, White Oak Canyon lower parking lot,, Robertson, VA, USThis is an 8.6 mile loop hike with around a 2,400 elevation gain (mostly in the first 3-3.5 miles). We will hike it in the clockwise direction going up the steeper/longer Cedar Run, across the ridge line, and then down White Oak Canyon. The trails here can be steep and challenging but that's the price we'll have to pay for the views and waterfalls. We'll be hiking at a 2-2.5 MPH pace slowing down for the inclines and photo ops.
You 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.
We will stop for lunch at the first overlook on White Oak Canyon. The hike leader is unlikely to partake, but if there is consensus within the group we will stop at one of the pools near the end of White Oak for those that wish to swim. Be sure to square that with your carpool driver.
Hike map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/virginia/white-oak-canyon-and-cedar-run-trail-loop
GPS Coordinates for trailhead: 38.53906, -78.34808
Entry to Shenandoa National Park costs $30.00 per car unless you have a park pass.
Leader: Dale Johnson, 540-454-5592
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy But be aware that this is a challenging hike.
For those wishing to carpool, the suggested carpool location is at the Centerville P&R. The driving time from there to the trailhead is about 1.5 hours. Please arrive at the Park and Ride by 7:00 AM to form carpool so all cars can leave at 7:15 AM. Suggested carpool fee is $5.
Hike leader will not be at the carpool location.
Please arrive at the trailhead 15 minutes before 9:00 AM so we can get everyone signed in. We will start hiking promptly at 9:00 AM. There are port-a-pottys at the trailhead.
REHYDRATION: For those interested we will stop at the Tap 29 Brewery/Prince Michel Winery (154 Winery Ln, Leon, VA 22725) on the way home. They have a good selection of beer/cider/wine and a solid kitchen. It should only add about 5-10 minutes driving time on your way home, but depending upon the quality of their libations you may get waylaid a little longer.
PLEASE NOTE: 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.
3 attendees
Washington Monument and Beyond via the Appalachian Trail (Rating: A)
Dulles Town Center Park & Ride Lot, Virginia, 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 9 mile out-and-back hike along the Appalachian Trail with about 1,600 feet of elevation gain. We'll start at the MG Jesse Reno Monument parking area near Boonsboro, MD, and head north on the Appalachian Trail. We'll go about 4.5 miles, passing the state's Washington Monument. We'll then come back to the Washington Monument to have lunch and head back the way we came.
Start time: 8:30 a.m. (meet at the trailhead parking area 15-30 minutes early for sign in)
Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles/hour when moving
Trailhead: GPS: 39.47051, -77.61701
CARPOOLING: Meet at the Dulles Town Center Park and Ride at 7:30 am. Suggested carpool fee is $5. The leader will not be at the carpool location. GPS Coordinates: 39.034171, -77.430122
https://goo.gl/maps/b42ximPSAvQ4AtEE7Driving time to trail head from the carpool location: about 45 minutes
Neither the Club nor the hike leader is responsible for coordinating transportation to/from the trailhead. Hikers are not guaranteed to get a ride to the trailhead from the carpool location.
Leader: Dick Pregent 703-587-2359
Dogs: Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. Please contact the hike leader in advance if you intend to bring a dog.
https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy16 attendees
South Run to Burke Lake Loop (Rating: C)
South Run Field House, 7550 Reservation Dr., Springfield, 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.
Details:
This is 8 mile walk mostly in the shade and on partially paved wide trails from South Run Park to and around Burke Lake. The route is mostly flat with a mix of paved and dirt trails on this hike (250 ft elevation gain.) We will walk 2.5 to 3.0 mph when moving with a brief break (restrooms / snack) about 3/4 of the way.No park entrance fee.
Bring:
Adequate water/hydration. Snacks/lunch. You may want to bring insect repellent and sunscreen. Most of the hike is in the forest canopy other than a couple of short sections.Dogs are welcome. Dogs are welcome on the hike (see the NVHC Dog policy: https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy )
MEET AT THE END OF THE PARKING LOT - NEAR GREEN ROOF FIELDHOUSE BUILDING - see map below.
GPS: 38.74676, -77.27376
If there are any impacts to parking at the Fieldhouse due to events, we'll park by the Rec Center and walk down.Please arrive a few minutes early to get signed in. We start promptly at 9:00 am
South Run Field House has restrooms. There will also be a restroom about 3/4 of the way.Post-hike rehydration TBD
Trail Map:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/burke-lake-via-south-run-district-park?If you have any questions, please message me on Meetup or text me at 202-528-0456. If you text me, please include your name.
27 attendees
Past events
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