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
30
Sky Meadows State Park - Volunteer Trails Workday (Rating: D Fun)
Sheetz Gainesville, 7201 New Stable Wy, Gainesville, 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.
Show your support for America’s public lands by joining Sky Meadows Rangers for a rewarding trail maintenance project on the Gap Run Trail.
Description:
As you work alongside experienced volunteers, you’ll learn the SET principles: Sustainability, Effectiveness, and Traversability. These principles guide sustainable trail design and are essential to building safe, lasting access in public parks.As a group, we’ll perform essential drain maintenance and build a water diversion feature to help protect the trail from erosion and reduce its impact on natural resources and wildlife.
No experience is needed, and all tools and materials will be provided. Just bring water, wear long sleeves, long pants, and sturdy shoes, and be ready for a 3-mile hike to the work site.
Spend the day giving back to the land, learning new skills, and helping preserve the trails we all love for generations to come!https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/event?id=2026-02-07-14-22-31-137242-ujd
Bring: at least 2 liters of water/hydration, snacks/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes since there are some rocky areas, and tree roots. Insect repellant and sunscreen recommended.
Fee: The park fee for volunteer trail workers is waived. Just let the contact station know you're here for trail work.
CARPOOLING: For those who are looking to carpool, meet at the new Sheetz convenience store which is at Gainesville Park & Ride. 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. Carpooling is organized by the participants and they participate at their own risk. Suggested carpool fee: $5.00 per rider. Driving time from Gainesville Park & Ride to Sky Meadows is about 30 minutes. The Sheetz at Gainesville Park & Ride is located at 7201 New Stable Way, Gainesville. GPS 38.80182, -77.58866
Park across the road from Sheetz instead of in their parking lot.NOTE: The work starts at 10:00 am at the parking lot at Sky Meadows State Park. If you are carpooling from Sheetz Gainesville Park & Ride, plan on leaving there by 9:15am.
Meeting Place Instructions: We are meeting at the parking lot closest to the Visitor Center GPS coordinates 38.991732, -77.966120
This parking lot is in front of the Mount Bleak House. There is an overflow parking lot in case the main parking lot is full.
Any questions please message me here or text/call me at 202-528-0456. If you text me please include your name.
8 attendees
Riverbend Park, Great Falls Park, (Rating: B)
Riverbend Park Visitor's Center, 8700 Potomac Hills St, Great Falls, 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.
9 mile circuit hike with 600 feet of elevation gain.
A nice hike along the scenic Potomac River and adjoining forests of Riverbend Park and Great Falls Park.
Description:
We'll start our hike in Riverbend where we hike several trails and then join the Potomac Heritage trail where we will travel south to Great Falls. We'll stop at the Great Falls overlook(s) for some amazing views of the falls and then continue on the River Trail as it winds along Mather Gorge and some more great scenery. We will then connect to the Ridge Trail, Matildaville trail, back to Great Falls visitor center and begin our return to Riverbend. Lunch break about halfway through.Hike Pace:
Pace will be about 2.5 mph.Bring:
At least 2 liters of water/hydration, snacks/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes since there are some rocky areas/tree roots on the River Trail. Hiking poles if you normally use them. There are no stream crossings. Recommend insect repellent and sunscreen.Fee:
There is no entrance fee at Riverbend Park, but I will need to collect $2.00 from each hiker to cover the cost of group fees at Riverbend. Group fees are required for groups of 12 or more. I will get the group permit in advance. Small bills only please!Dogs are welcome on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Riverbend Park trail map:
Riverbend Park Trails
Great Falls Park trail map:
https://www.nps.gov/grfa/upload/GRFA-complete-map-508.pdfMeet at the trailhead parking lot 15 minutes early to allow everyone to get signed in and ready to hike at 9:00am.
Meeting Place Instructions: Riverbend Park, Great Falls, VA. We will meet at the lower parking lot, on the right, across from the Riverbend Visitor Center. Coordinates 39.01817, -77.24599
Any questions, please message me here or text/call @202-528-0456. If you text me, please include your name.
34 attendees
North Reston Lakes and Woodlands (Rating: C)
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 a 7.9 mile hike with 450 feet of elevation gain around lakes and among the woodlands of North Reston. We will begin at the Lake Newport Tennis Courts in Reston and take various trails and paved paths through Reston. About 70% of the hike is on paved paths. Along the way we will pass lakes Newport, Anne and Fairfax, hike on the west side of Lake Fairfax Park, along the W&OD equestrian trail, Hidden Creek Country Club golf course and pass through Reston Town Center and Lake Anne Plaza. Slightly before the halfway point we will stop for a snack break. Two small stream crossings required.
Restrooms are available at the Lake Newport Tennis Courts and in Reston Town Center.
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/nvhcdogpolicyLeader: Ed Brimberg 703-944-9920
Park Entry Fee: $0.00
AllTrails map for hike: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/afternoon-hike-at-north-reston-lakes-and-woodlands-56c5fa3?u=i&sh=7cs7ov
35 attendees
Providence Park-GMU & Live Jazz (Rating: D)
Providence Park, 10715 West Dr, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA, Fairfax, 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.
Have you ever explored the lovely grounds of George Mason University? Join me for a new 5 mile hike from Providence Park to George Mason, followed by FREE, live jazz! Starting in Providence Park, we'll take the connector trail to George Mason University, which crosses 123/Ox Rd. We'll loop around campus past some highlights (including the very cool observatory) and sculptures. We'll break for lunch on the patio outside Johnson Hall. You can bring your own, or purchase something from the food court. Following lunch, we'll head to the deLaski Performing Arts Building, 4480 Aquia Creek Lane. The concert will run from 12:30-1:15pm, featuring Shawn Purcell Jazz Combos. Following the concert, we'll walk back to Providence Park. For those wanting to skip the concert, you are welcome to head back early on your own. We should finish the first part of the hike by 11:30.
MEET: Please plan to meet at 9:15am for a 9:30am start at Providence Park, 10715 West Dr., Fairfax. Look for the FYPC Club House and playground.
HIKE: ~5 miles with little elevation gain, the majority on pavement to include some urban sidewalks. Pace will be 2.5-3mph while moving. We will be stopping at various points around campus. It's about 2.3 miles round trip from Providence Park to GMU, then about 2.5 miles around campus.
RESTROOMS: Porta potty at Providence Park at the start, plus The Observatory for a quick break. The Johnson Center also has restrooms.
FEE: No cost for parking or concert
DOGS: No dogs please
LEADER: Kris N (618) 623-2484. If you message me, please include your name. Thank you.
29 attendees
Past events
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