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
19
Seneca Regional Park Potomac Heritage Trail (Rating: C)
Seneca Regional Park, 101 Seneca Rd, 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.
This is an enjoyable ~ 7.3 mile hike with ~780 feet of elevation gain.
We'll start by hiking through a full growth hardwood forest of Elm, Ash Trees, and Tulip Poplars, the tallest deciduous tree in North America. We'll then connect to the Potomac Heritage Trail with its wildflowers and massive Sycamore trees. The hike is a loop. Part of the hike will be along the Patowmack Channel created by a series of islands in the river.We'll take our break on a sandy beach.
Thanks to Bob G for the photo.We hike at a pace of 2.3 to 2.5 mph while moving. You must have experience with hikes of this length and elevation gain.
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicyhttps://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolic
Leader: Steve Frith cell 703-629-0174
Park Entry Fee: $0.00
Map for hike:
https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=15.0/-77.3190/39.0474&pubLink=obOQ48o079O4P48KYoJBIMa9&trackId=b81b5829-efdf-4bad-bb66-9e9de4a74efd
30 attendees
Turkey Run/Chain Bridge (Rating: B)
Turkey Run and Potomac Heritage Trailhead, 700 George Washington Mem Pkwy,, McLean, 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 loop with 1100ft. of elevation; Each 400ft. elevation = 1 mile, so hike is approx. 11.5 miles.
Please Note: this hike involves a lot of maneuvering over tree trunks, around rock and stream crossings.You must be capable of hiking this distance and elevation.
Join us as we hike along the Potomac Heritage Trail from Turkey Run to Chain Bridge through Fort Marcy and back.It is a scenic and very enjoyable hike!
DESCRIPTION:
We will descend from Turkey Run Park to the Potomac River to hike along the Potomac Heritage Trail. We will follow the trail through varied landscapes such as neighborhoods, highways, and along streams.We will stop and have lunch/snack near Fort Marcy and then continue along a lovely stream towards **Chain Bridge **trailhead where we turn around and head back to Turkey Run.
Facilities: NoneBring: adequate hydration, sturdy shoes, poles, snack/lunch, insect repellant
Pace: We hike at a pace of 2.0 to 2.5 mph while moving.
Dogs: No dogs on this hike per [NVHC Dog Policy]
Park Entry Fee: $0.00
Where to Meet:
We will begin at Turkey Run Park Lot C1 off of the George Washington Memorial Parkway.There is plenty of parking. I have a Honda Fit, the hatchback will be up.
Please arrive by 9:15 am to allow time for signing in. We'll start hiking at 9:30am.
GPS Coord: 38.964339, -77.153148
LINK: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KDBQ5BdcVQRGHCnP7
Post-Hike Fellowship: TBDLeader: Dawn please message me here or text to 703 533 9231
20 attendees
Corbin Cabin – Stony Man – Little Stony Man (Rating: A+)
Gainesville Park and Ride - University Blvd, 7250 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.
PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE POST, CHECK TOTAL LINEAR MILES, ELEVATION GAIN AND THE PACE BEFORE RSVPING.
If I don’t know you, you MUST message the hike leader within 24 hours of signing up with a recent A+ hike you have done with NVHC or a hike leader from NVHC who can vouch for you. Otherwise, you will be moved to “Not Going”.
This hike is an A+ hike suitable for experienced, fit hikers who did similar distance/elevation in past few months.
This hike is ~12 miles’ two lollypop circuit with an elevation gain of ~ 2850 ft., featuring Corbin Cabin, Stony Man and Little Stony Man vistas. The hike starts from Pinnacles Picnic Area at Skyline Drive in SNP. Please drive all the way to back of the Picnic area near AT intersection cut-off trails area. Refer to the trailhead coordinates and the map posted for driving directions.
Carpooling meet at Gainesville Park and Ride, please be there NLT 06.45 AM ET to sort out carpool and we will leave by 6.50 AM ET. Carpool meets opposite the new Sheetz Gas Station across from the New Stable Way. Refer to coordinates for further details.
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.
Approximate drive time to trailhead is 70-75 minutes without break. Hike leader will meet the group at trailhead.
Safety is paramount for all of us. This circuit has uphill/downhill climbs and few stream crossings.
Please bring water shoes if you don’t want to get wet.PLEASE PRINT OUT ANY MAPS THAT YOU MAY NEED AS I DO NOT PROVIDE COPIES OF MAPS. ALL THE LINKS AND COORDINATES YOU WILL NEED HAVE BEEN PROVIDED.
If you have ANY question about your ability to complete this hike, please contact hike leader.
Need to know details:
Distance: 12 miles (approximately)
Elevation gain: 2850 feet (approximately)
Pace: 2.5 mph (Average)
Terrain: Steep/Water Crossings
Park entry fee: $30 (Free with SNP pass)
Carpool Fee: $7
Gainesville Park and Ride Coordinates: 38.801329, -77.589873
Directions from Gainesville Park and Ride:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/y4sVeQyjW234rVWh8
Pinnacle Picnic Area Trailhead Coordinates: 38.623538, -78.343599
Trailhead meet up time: 8:15 a.m. We aim to start the hike at 8.30 a.m. sharp.
Dogs permitted in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy: https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Bring: Adequate water – minimum 2 liters, food/snacks, hat, layers, basic first aid kit, map, rain gear (depending), hiking poles, hiking shoe (It’s steep trail on descend) sunscreen, bug spray, water shoe (for water crossing, if you want), additional pair of socks and your big happy smile 😊.There are restrooms available (Sheetz Gas Station) at Gainesville Park and Ride and also at the trailhead.
Quiz: At lunch stop we can have 3 quizzes related to this hike. First correct answer gets the prize 😊
Thanks: To the teams, individuals and volunteers who contribute to keeping the trails safe and beautiful.
Any questions? Message or text me! Looking forward to this awesome hike.
Saran
(848) 248-055526 attendees
C&O Canal National Historic Park, Great Falls, MD- Fee Free Day (Rating: B)
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.
9 miles with 600 feet elevation gain.
Fee Free Day!
Join us in celebrating Flag Day for a nice hike along the scenic Potomac River and adjoining forests of C&O Canal National Historical Park, Great Falls, Maryland.
Description:
We'll start our hike traveling to the Ford Mine Trail. Once completing that trail, we will then reconnect to the towpath and head to the Potomac Overlook on Olmsted Island for some great views of the falls and cascading water.
After reconnecting on the towpath for a short distance, we will connect to the Gold Mine loop trail in the forest and Gold Mine Overlook and return to our cars. There are a couple of short hills while in the forest but they are small, otherwise the route is mostly level.
There are a few small stream crossings on Ford Mine trail that are easily crossed. We may include the River Trail which runs along the shore of the Potomac, depending on the water level conditions.Participants will have the option to do as much of the hike as they desire.
The pace will be about 2.5 mph.
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 and sunscreen.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
Please note that dogs are not allowed on the Olmsted Island boardwalk, so if you bring your dog, you will have to wait for us at the entrance to Olmsted IslandPark Fee: Park Fees waived on Flag Day.
If you haven't hiked with me before, please provide your name, contact number and emergency contact number. You can text me the info of direct message me on Meetup. Do not pose in comments.
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.
64 attendees
Past events
4843
