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.
Featured event
Halfmoon Lookout (Rating: A)
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.
This is a 9.5 mile hike with 1900 feet of elevation gain in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests near Wardensville, WV. We will do an out and back hike using the Bucktail Cutoff, Halfmoon, and Hallfmoon Lookout trails. We will have lunch at Halfmoon Lookout where we will have beautiful views of Trout Run Valley, Tibet Knob and Big Schloss. We hike at a pace of 2.5-3.0 mph when moving.
Leaders: Caroline Steinberg 703-489-1315
Park Entry Fee: $0
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Carpools: Meet at the Centreville Park and Ride at 7:00am. Suggested carpool fee is $8. The leaders will be at the carpool location. GPS Coordinates: 38.836038, -77.455371, https://goo.gl/maps/hc3LRG7Hsy2wMJs18
Driving time to trailhead: One hour 30 minutes.
Meet at the trailhead at 8:45 am. When getting near the final turn look for the “Bucktail Trail” sign and turn left onto dirt road. Follow the dirt road, bearing to the right, about .1 miles and park on the side of the road near the gate.
GPS Coordinates: 39.013528, -78.664516
https://goo.gl/maps/MA7zM654zzYeRown9
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.
AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/custom-route-ed95c61?u=i&sh=z7o4im
****You must be experienced in hikes of this distance and elevation gain. We hike at a pace of 2.5-3.0 mph when moving. ****
Bring: The usual: hiking boots/shoes, raingear, at least 2 liters of fluids, snacks and or lunch and your personal first aid kit. Poles recommended.
Upcoming events
27
Shenandoah River State Park (Rating: B)
·OnlineOnlineYou 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 miles with 900 feet of elevation gain.
Description: A very scenic hike in the forest of Shenandoah River State Park and along the shore of the South Fork of the Shenandoah River. In addition to the meandering river frontage, the park offers scenic views of Massanutten Mountain to the west and Shenandoah National Park to the east.
We will combine several trails in the Park to make a nice loop. We will visit a couple of nice overlooks, one of which we stop at for lunch.The pace will be about 2.5 mph. The elevation gain on this hike is pretty much spread out over the course of the hike. You should be experienced at this distance and elevation gain.
There are restrooms at the canoe launch area (where we start) as well as at the Visitor Center.
Bring: adequate water/hydration (at least 2 liters), also snacks/lunch, and insect repellent, sun screen. The route is mostly level with some rolling hills and there are no stream crossings. Some sections may get muddy after heavy rains. I recommend sturdy hiking shoes there are areas of the trail with tree roots.
Fee: $10.00 park entrance fee (no fee for state park pass holders) or use your REI purchase receipt parking coupon from a participating Virginia REI.
Provide your REI receipt to the contact station ranger or insert it in a self-pay envelope and hang the tab on your rearview mirror.
Dogs:
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicyCARPOOLING: For those who are looking to carpool, meet at University Blvd - Gainesville Park and Ride and plan to leave NLT 8:00am to arrive at the trailhead in time to get signed in and start hiking at 9:00am.
A new Sheetz has opened in the Park & Ride, this would be a good meeting point. New Stable Way, directly across from the Sheetz store.
GPS 38.801119, -77.589532Neither 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: $6.00 per rider. Driving time from Gainesville Park & Ride to Shenandoah River State Park is about 50 minutes.
NOTE: The times listed for the hike include starting and finishing at Gainesville Park & Ride.
If you are going directly to the trailhead at Shenandoah River State Park the times will be 9:00am-1:00pm.Meet at the trailhead parking lot 15 minutes early to allow everyone to be signed in and get ready to hike at 9:00am. The gate at the contact station opens at 8:00am.
Shenandoah River State Park Info:
https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/shenandoah-riverShenandoah River State Park address is:
350 Daughter of Stars Dr., Bentonville, VADirections to Shenandoah River State Park.
Trailhead GPS coordinates 38.863409, -78.308640.
From Northern Virginia, take I-66 West to exit 13 (Linden). Turn left off the ramp. Go one block to a stoplight where you'll take a right onto Rt. 55 West. At the fifth stoplight, turn left onto 340 South. Drive eight miles; the park's entrance is on the right. About 50 minutes drive time from Gainesville Park & Ride.
After entering the park, stay on Daughter of Stars Dr, until reaching the intersection of Canoe Launch Rd. Turn left and enter the large parking lot on your right.Post hike rehydration TBD
Please DM me if you are planning to meet at the Gainesville Park & Ride.
Attendees are welcome to reach out to each other to arrange for other carpool locations.Any questions, please message meus here or text/call @ 202-528-0456
28 attendeesHalfmoon Lookout (Rating: A)
Centreville Park and Ride, 14700 Lee Highway, 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.
This is a 9.5 mile hike with 1900 feet of elevation gain in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests near Wardensville, WV. We will do an out and back hike using the Bucktail Cutoff, Halfmoon, and Hallfmoon Lookout trails. We will have lunch at Halfmoon Lookout where we will have beautiful views of Trout Run Valley, Tibet Knob and Big Schloss. We hike at a pace of 2.5-3.0 mph when moving.
Leaders: Caroline Steinberg 703-489-1315
Park Entry Fee: $0
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Carpools: Meet at the Centreville Park and Ride at 7:00am. Suggested carpool fee is $8. The leaders will be at the carpool location. GPS Coordinates: 38.836038, -77.455371, https://goo.gl/maps/hc3LRG7Hsy2wMJs18
Driving time to trailhead: One hour 30 minutes.
Meet at the trailhead at 8:45 am. When getting near the final turn look for the “Bucktail Trail” sign and turn left onto dirt road. Follow the dirt road, bearing to the right, about .1 miles and park on the side of the road near the gate.
GPS Coordinates: 39.013528, -78.664516
https://goo.gl/maps/MA7zM654zzYeRown9Neither 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.
AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/custom-route-ed95c61?u=i&sh=z7o4im
****You must be experienced in hikes of this distance and elevation gain. We hike at a pace of 2.5-3.0 mph when moving. ****
Bring: The usual: hiking boots/shoes, raingear, at least 2 liters of fluids, snacks and or lunch and your personal first aid kit. Poles recommended.
22 attendees
NVHC Member Appreciation (Free Beer) Get Together (Rating: C/Fun)
Punch Bowl Social, 4238 Wilson blvd, Arlington, VA, 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" followed by your
A: Full name
B: Contact number and
C: Emergency contact number
Example: "I accept. Jane Doe, (703)555-5555, (301)666-6666."**** *Date: Sunday, November 1 between 5 and 7 p.m. ***
**** *Place: Punch Bowl Social (3rd floor), 4238 Wilson Blvd., Ballston ***DESCRIPTION
Come join us to celebrate NVHC and its members. Over the years the club has been the source of much recreation, entertainment, exercise, and social interaction for so many in the DC area. Join us for a beer or a glass of wine, courtesy of the club, and conversation. The first $10 per attendee (which will buy a can/draft beer or a glass of wine) will be covered by the club; anything beyond that would be at your expense.OPTIONAL HIKE BEFORE
The event starts with an optional hike from the East Falls Church Metro to the beer/wine place in Ballston. Four miles at 2.5-3.0 miles/hour. We will start at 3:15 and plan to reach the beer/wine place by 5 p.m.MAIN EVENT
You can skip all walking altogether and just meet the group at Punch Bowl Social at 5 p.m. When you get to the place, walk up to the third floor (or take the elevator) and find the club members, sign in, and claim your free beer/wine. Free parking on Sundays.OPTIONAL DINNER and HIKE AFTER
At 7 p.m., we may optionally walk back (on the sidewalks) to East Falls Church, or take the Metro (or Uber/Lyft, per your choice). As another option, we can also stop for dinner at one of the local restaurants (there are plenty) and then walk back.WHERE TO MEET
Two options:
(1) IF HIKING: East Falls Church at 3:15 p.m.
(2) IF NOT HIKING: Punch Bowl Social at 5 p.m. 4238, Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA.ATTENDEE LIMIT and MEMBERSHIP
Attendance limited to 75 although we usually don't reach this number. Members only.DOGS
Not permitted due to the nature of the event.CARPOOLS
Not applicable.PARKING
"Everyone for themselves" :) There are lots in the area; street parking is also possible (free).
Nearest Metro: Ballston62 attendees
Paw Paw Tunnel Maryland (Rating: A)
Dulles Town Center Park and Ride, 21000 Atlantic Blvd, 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.
A scenic 12 mile hike with 1400’ elevation gain through the historic, 3118’ long Paw Paw Tunnel, on the C&O canal in Maryland. The hike includes:
• Tunnel bypass trail
• Abandoned old roads
• Abandoned Western Maryland railbed
• Some moderate bushwhacking ~ 1 mile
• Views of the Potomac River and Chessie RR from bluffs 500 feet above the Potomac
• Abandoned RR tunnel
• Finishing with a passage through the 3118’ long Paw Paw TunnelWe hike at a pace of 2.5-3.0 mph while moving.
Most will prefer a flashlight for the tunnel but that is not necessary.
No dogs permitted on this hike.
AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/afternoon-hike-at-paw-paw-tunnel-trail-d846e38?u=i&sh=7cs7ov
Leaders: Ed Brimberg 703-944-9920 (C)
NVHC hiker Duncan Thompson will assist in guiding us through this route.
Carpools: Plan to arrive at the Dulles Town Center Park and Ride at 7:15am we will depart at7:30am. The leader will be at the carpool location. Suggested carpool fee is $12.
GPS Coordinates: 39.034079, -77.430102 https://goo.gl/maps/Lj1uBdayGR9GTS7VAMeet at the Paw Paw Tunnel trailhead at 9:15am hike starts at 9:30am, GPS coordinates: 39.544404, -78.460837 https://goo.gl/maps/9VyHScQuGirJRVhZ7
Driving time to trail head from the carpool location: 1 hour 40 minutes.
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.
You must be experienced in hikes of this distance, pace and elevation gain.
30 attendees
Past events
5044
