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
22
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 :)]4 attendees
Eagle Rock - Tuscarora North of Route 55 (Rating: B)
Centreville Park & Ride Lot, 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 mile in and out hike with 1500 feet elevation gain, high end of B rating. We will follow the Tuscarora Trail along the VA/WV border in the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests from route 55 north for <4.5 miles then turn around and retrace our path back to the cars. We will stop at Eagle Rock for lunch on the way back. Nice views from the ridge. We hike at a pace of 2.5-3.0 mph when moving.
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Leader: Ed Brimberg 703-944-9920(C)
Park Entry Fee: $0
Carpools: Plan to arrive at the Centreville Park and Ride at 7:45am carpools will depart at 8:00am. Suggested carpool fee is $10. The leader will be at the carpool location. Carpooling is recommended as trailhead parking is limited. GPS Coordinates: 38.836057, -77.455318 https://goo.gl/maps/hc3LRG7Hsy2wMJs18
Driving time to trail head from the carpool location: 70 minutes
Plan to arrive at the trailhead by 9:00am hike will start at 9:15am. GPS Coordinates: 39.085335, -78.510589 https://goo.gl/maps/bZYfxMBGdZshTpy7A
Park on the left side of the road by the chain link fence. For your safety you may need to continue past the parking area to find a safe place to make a U-turn. Parking is on the shoulder of road and is limited.
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/map-324545e--56?u=i
****You must be experienced in hikes of this distance and elevation gain.****
27 attendees
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.
47 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.
5 attendees
Past events
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