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
24
AT Roller Coaster: Morgan's Mill Road to Rod Hollow Shelter (Rating: A)
Dulles Town Center Park and Ride, 21000 Atlantic Blvd, Sterling, VA, USREQUIRED: You must read the following 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.
DIFFICULTY & ROUTE: Starting at the Appalachian Trail Access Morgans Mill Rd, 1953 State Rte 605, Bluemont, VA, we'll hike southbound on the Appalachian Trail until we reach Rod Hollow Shelter. After a snack break, we'll retrace our steps back to the parking lot. The trail is rocky in sections with a couple of shallow stream crossings. There are several ascents and descents. Total distance about 7.5 miles, elevation gain 2,200'.
PACE: 2.8 mph on average, more slowly on steep or slippery terrain.
BRING: Water, snacks/lunch, hiking boots/shoes, and first aid kit. Hiking poles are optional, but recommended.
DOGS: Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. Please contact me via private message if you wish to bring your dog.
CARPOOL: The suggested carpool location is at the Dulles Town Center Park & Ride. https://maps.app.goo.gl/obcXkKGAXqrFnf1E6
Driving time from there to the trailhead is about 40 minutes. Please arrive at the Park and Ride by 7:50 AM to form carpools so all cars can leave at 8 AM. The GPS coordinates for the trailhead parking lot are provided below.
Neither the Club nor the hike 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.
Suggested carpool fee is $5.
PARK FEES: None
TRAILHEAD: https://maps.app.goo.gl/EB3B1MU9NZXeJJPcA
Trailhead meetup time: 8:50 AM. We hike at 9:00.
Morgan's Mill Road is gravel and bumpy in sections, and the entrance to the parking area is sloped and uneven.
MAP: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/at-roller-coaster-section-morgan-s-mill-rd-605-south-to-myron-glaser-cabin-out-back-3ee15cc?u=i&sh=rr7xq6
DIFFICULTY RATING: A
You must be experienced in hikes of this distance and elevation gain.
LEADER: Maryellen Trevisan 202-730-531426 attendees
Tri-State Harpers Ferry - Loudoun/Maryland Heights (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 HIKE: Is about 14 miles and about 3200ft elevation gain—a Strenuous hike, and only suited to experienced hikers.
DESCRIPTION:
Harper's Ferry/Loudoun Heights and Maryland Heights are breathtaking vista hikes that start in the town of Harper's Ferry, where Tri-states (VA/WV/MD) meet. They offer breathtaking views as well as challenging climbs.
This hiking route not only is a challenge, but offers a spectacular view of Harper's Ferry, the Shenandoah River, and significant Civil War fortifications.
IMPORTANT!
We hike at a pace of 2.6 to 3mph when moving. You must be experienced in hikes of this distance, elevation gain and pace. If I do not already know you, please contact me directly (571-488-4449). I reserve the right to drop anyone I feel may not have the necessary skills!
If I see that you are "double-booked" on another hike on the same day as this hike, I WILL DROP YOU FROM THIS HIKE. This is a courtesy to those waiting patiently on the waitlist.
Hike Leaders: David Kondner Sr and Chris; Cellphone 571-488-4449
The hike leaders will meet at the trailhead at 8:00AM.
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 hour. Please arrive at the Park and Ride a few minutes before 7:00AM to form carpool so all cars can leave at 7:00AM. Suggested carpool fee is $7.
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.
Trailhead: Parking area Harper's Ferry Train Station at 8:00AM
112 Potomac Street, Harpers, Ferry, WV.
Coordinates: 39.324228, -77.730978
The train station has a heated waiting room and a clean bathroom.
Park Entry Fee: $20/car if you do not have a National Park Pass or Harper Ferry parking permit.
Rating: A+
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Hiking Map:
https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/c/e/e/4/600_457312964.jpeg17 attendees
Your favorite sweater hike!! Bears Den & Buzzard Hill (Rating: A+)
Snickers Gap Parking Lot, Rte 7 Park and Ride, Bluemont, 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.
Raid your closet and grab your favorite sweater—this hike deserves it.
This trail isn’t a stairway to heaven—it’s a full-throttle highway to hell in hiking boots. Gear up or get chewed up.
This hike is approximately 11 miles’ out and back with an elevation gain of approximately 3200 feet, featuring Bears Den and Buzzard Hill on AT. For every linear mile expect to climb average one eighth of vertical mile – start to finish. This is technically a full roller coaster without the luxury of first-class shuttle service. Believe me, this hike is warm, snuggly, and suspiciously ache-free :-)
We meet at Snickers Gap parking lot at Rt.7 (on south of Rt.7) Refer the parking lot coordinate in the description below. Please be there at the trailhead parking by sharp 8.00 a.m. We will finish the sign up & el bano business and start the hike by 8.15 a.m.
Safety is paramount for all of us. Please bring hiking poles and wear proper hiking shoes to enjoy the trails safely. Please bring minimum 3 liters of water with some electrolytes, weather may get warm and humid and there’s no reliable water source or stream, so load up the water.
This hike is suitable for experienced, fit hikers who did similar distance/elevation in past few months. If this is your first hike with me please send a meetup message before sign-in so that we can review and decide. If you sign up for more than one hike for the same day please decide and free up the space for wait-listers. If you have ANY question about your ability to complete this hike, please contact me.
Hikers organize carpool on their own.
Need to know details:
Distance: 11 miles (approximately)
Elevation gain: 3200 feet (approximately)
Pace: 2 – 2.5 mph (average)
Terrain: Roller-coaster
Park entry fee: None
Carpool Fee: $0
Trail head parking lot coordinates: 39.115548, -77.846511
Trail head parking lot meet up time: 8.00 a.m. ET.
Dogs permitted in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy: https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Bring: Minimum 3 ltr water, food/snacks, hat, layers, basic first aid kit, map, rain gear (depending), hiking poles, hiking shoe, water shoe, additional pair of socks/liner (to protect feet from water, if needed) and your big happy smile 😊.
Quiz: At snacks/lunch stop we can have 3 quizzes related to this hike and the correct answer wins the prize 😊 😊
Thanks: To the teams, individuals and volunteers who contributes to keep the trails safe, beautiful and updates the portals to keep the trail data up to date which helps fellow hikers.
Any questions? Message or text me! Looking forward to this awesome hike,
Leader meets the troops at the trailhead.
Saran
(848) 248-05551 attendee
Christmas Tree Hike on the National Mall ( Rating : C & Fun)
Columbia Island Marina, George Washington Memorial Parkway, Arlington, 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.
8.5 miles city hike around the National Mall with minimal elevation
Description: 'Tis the Season! To help you get into the spirit of the season, put on your favorite Christmas Sweater and Santa Cap and be a part of the First Annual Christmas Tree hike around the National Mall (see pg.2). We will leave from from Columbia Island Marina, head over the 14th street bridge, around the Tidal Basin and then up to the Mall to visit the Capitol Christmas tree. From there we will continue on the mall to the National Christmas Tree on the Ellipse. Share with us the joy of the season!
From there we will head back to the Marina to enjoy a lovely something warm to drink at Island Time Bar & Grill
Pace: pace is about 2 - 2.5 mph while moving.
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.
Post hike re-hydration at Island Time Bar and Grill.
Dogs: Dogs are NOT welcome on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy.
Weather: weather in this location is HERE.
Meetup Location: We will meet up at Columbia Island Marina at 8:45 am to get checked in and ready to leave by 9 am. GPS Coorinates:
GPS Coordinates: 38.87651,-77.04947
Maps
1/ Map National Mall
2/ Map National Mall
US Botanical Garden Train Display
National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden
Ice Rink National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden
Questions: feel free to text/call me, Dawn, at 703 533 923138 attendees
Past events
4598
