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
36
Big Schloss Cutoff to Tibbets Knob (Rating: A+)
Centreville Park & Ride, 14700 Lee Hwy, 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 spectacular two-summit hike in the GWNF is approximately 14 miles long and has an elevation gain of 3,500 feet give or take. The folliage here should be just about peak. PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS NOT THE MODERATE HIKE STARTING FROM THE CAMPGROUND. We will summit Big Schloss first via the Big Schloss Cut-off Trail, go down to the campground, up to Tibbets Knob, and then return the way we came.
The elevation in particular is challenging though is broken up into 3 sections that makes it more manageable. We will shoot for a moderate pace of 2.5 mph, and we will be stopping to enjoy the scenery. If you have not hiked with me before, please message me with a recent A+ or equivalent hike you have done.
Basics:
Distance: 13.3 miles
Elevation Gain: ~3500'
Rating: A+ (due to distance and elevation gain).
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy but may have trouble with the rock scrambles.
Carpool details:
Meeting place: Centreville Park and Ride
Meeting time: Please be a few minutes early for departure at 7:00
Driving time to trailhead: 1 hour 30 minutes without stop
Carpooling is highly encouraged because parking is along the road and very limited.
Suggested carpool fee (Riders pay drivers): $10
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 participation is at your own risk.
Trailhead coordinates: 38.93380, -78.65410
https://maps.app.goo.gl/FqJYauXUckA5Rdiq9Meeting time at trailhead: 8:45 am for a 9:00 am departure
Please let the group know (in the chat) if you plan to meet us at the Centerville Park and Ride.
Map of the hike:
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/big-schloss-cut-off-to-tibbet-knob-7a614fd?u=i&sh=z7o4imHike starting time: 9:00 am
Please bring lunch, snack, 2 liters of water, hat, bug spray, first aid kit, and proper footwear. Hiking poles advised. The trails may be wet and muddy in sections.
Caroline S 703-489-13157 attendees
Manassas National Battlefield Park - Second Manassas & Brawner Farm (Rating: B)
Manassas National Battlefield Park Visitor Center, 6511 Sudley Rd, Manassas, 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 miles, about 540 feet elevation gain.
Description:
Join us for a hike along the rolling fields and woods of the scene of the Civil War battle of 2nd Manassas that occurred in 1862. This hike is rich in the history of this battle fought over three days. The battlefield is well maintained with noted significant event information along the way. We will take a side loop to Brawner Farm where Confederate Gen Stonewall Jackson engaged the Union forces of General Gibbon in a precursor to the 2nd Manassas main battle.
We will then make our way back to the 2nd Manassas trail and continue on to complete the loop back to our starting point.We will meet at the Visitor Center which has restrooms available.
Please plan on arriving at the Visitor Center by 9:15am so we can get everyone signed in and get ready to hike at 9:30.Meetup Location:
Manassas National Battlefield Park
6511 Sudley Rd., Manassas, VA
Visitor Center parking lot GPS 38.81294, -77.52148Dogs
Dogs are welcome on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicyManassas National Battlefield Park website:
https://www.nps.gov/mana/index.htmPark Fees: None
The pace will be about 2.5 mph.
Bring at least 2 liters of water/hydration, also snack/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes since there are some rocky areas and tree roots. Some of the hike is in open field areas. There are no stream crossings, however there may some muddy areas if there has been recent rain.
Any questions please message me here or text/call me at 202-528-0456. If you text me, please include your name.
39 attendees
Leesylvania State Park (Rating:C)
2001 Daniel K Ludwig Dr, Woodbridge, 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.
7.5-mile hike with 580 feet of elevation gain.
Join us at Leesylvania State Park for a scenic and enjoyable hike!
Description: We will hike several trails within the park which includes historic sites and a great bluff overlook of the Potomac River and the Neabsco Creek areas.
We will then walk along the shore of the Potomac River until reaching the forest area of Powell’s Creek where we will do another short loop to include a section of the Potomac Heritage Trail.
There are several rolling hills but they are short and spread out.The pace will be about 2.5 mph.
There are restrooms adjacent to the parking area. Lunch/snack break about halfway through.
Bring:
Sufficient water/hydration, snacks/lunch, and good hiking shoes. Most of the hike will be in the forest canopy. Recommend insect repellent. There are no stream crossings.Fee: The park fee is $10 unless you have a Virginia State Park Pass or an REI receipt from a participating Virginia REI. You may want to bring cash in case the contact station is not staffed. If the contact station is not staffed, place your fee or REI receipt in the envelope, tear off the tab and hang that from your rearview mirror.
Dogs are welcome. NVHC Dog policy: https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Meet at the trailhead parking lot 15 minutes early to allow everyone to sign in and get ready to hike at 9:00am.
Leesylvania State Park: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/leesylvania
Trail Guide: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/document/data/trail-guide-leesylvania.pdf
Meeting Place Instructions: We are meeting at the far end of the parking lot past the visitor center (about 2.5 miles after entering the park). Coordinates 38.590687,-77.249670
Optional post-hike rehydration Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant, Stonebridge Potomac Town Ctr.
Any questions, please message me here or text/call @202-528-0456. If you text me, please include your name.
27 attendees
Skyland Lodge & Dozen+ Fall Views (Rating: A)
Skyland pollock restaurant, 400 Skyland Upper Loop Mile 42, Luray, VA 22835, Luray, VA, USThis hike will be about 11 miles with about 2,000ft of elevation gain. We will depart the trailhead at 9:00am sharp so please arrive early enough to get signed in and ready to head out by 9:00. There are bathrooms at the trailhead. We will hike at a 2-2.5mph pace, so please make sure you are comfortable with keeping this pace. We should get excellent fall colors.
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.
Trailhead parking will be at the Skyland Lodge Upper parking lot, which is just past mile 42 on Skyline Drive (Coordinates: 38.59212, -78.38069). We will depart the parking lot and take the road down to the Whiteoak Parking lot (the one along Skyline drive, not the one on the park boundary), where we pick up the Whiteoak Canyon Trail to the Limberlost Trail. When we come to the Crescent Rock Trail, we will take it to the first vista. Then we will pick up the AT again and head north to the Skyland Stables, where we will turn and take the road up to the trail out to Miller's Head, and our snack/lunch break. We will return along that spur trail, and then traverse Skyland on the Passaquadomy trail around Stony Man to the AT, where we will ascend to the Little Stony Man Cliffs, and then ascend up to Stony Man where we will enjoy our final grouping of viewpoints. When we are done enjoying ourselves and the view, we will take the AT again south this time back to the Skyland lodge and our vehicles.
There are over a dozen viewpoints along the way, among the best westward views in the park. You can help me get a consensus count for future postings.
Rehydration will be after the hike back at the Skyland Lodge. The Gift Shop (which should be open) has a good selection of cold beverages (at excellent prices) for our rehydration, and tables with yet more views.
Carpools will be up to you. Feel free to organize in the comments section below. (Hike Leader will NOT be at the carpool location)
Dogs are not permitted on this hike as they are barred from the Stony Man and Limberlost trails.
Leader: Dale Johnson 540-454-5592
I will close RSVP's at 9pm the day prior (so you won't get promoted to the hike while you sleep), so if you need to make a change after that just message that so we are not waiting for you.
9 attendees
Past events
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