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
14
Riverbend Park, Great Falls Park, (Rating: B)
Riverbend Park Visitor's Center, 8700 Potomac Hills St, 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.
9 mile circuit hike with 600 feet of elevation gain.
A nice hike along the scenic Potomac River and adjoining forests of Riverbend Park and Great Falls Park.
Description:
We'll start our hike in Riverbend where we hike several trails and then join the Potomac Heritage trail where we will travel south to Great Falls. We'll stop at the Great Falls overlook(s) for some amazing views of the falls and then continue on the River Trail as it winds along Mather Gorge and some more great scenery. We will then connect to the Ridge Trail, Matildaville trail, back to Great Falls visitor center and begin our return to Riverbend. Lunch break about halfway through.Hike Pace:
Pace will be about 2.5 mph.Bring:
At least 2 liters of water/hydration, snacks/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes since there are some rocky areas/tree roots on the River Trail. Hiking poles if you normally use them. There are no stream crossings. Recommend insect repellent and sunscreen.Fee:
There is no entrance fee at Riverbend Park, but I will need to collect $2.00 from each hiker to cover the cost of group fees at Riverbend. Group fees are required for groups of 12 or more. I will get the group permit in advance. Small bills only please!Dogs are welcome on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Riverbend Park trail map:
Riverbend Park Trails
Great Falls Park trail map:
https://www.nps.gov/grfa/upload/GRFA-complete-map-508.pdfMeet at the trailhead parking lot 15 minutes early to allow everyone to get signed in and ready to hike at 9:00am.
Meeting Place Instructions: Riverbend Park, Great Falls, VA. We will meet at the lower parking lot, on the right, across from the Riverbend Visitor Center. Coordinates 39.01817, -77.24599
Any questions, please message me here or text/call @202-528-0456. If you text me, please include your name.
35 attendees
Burke Lake-Restorative Hike (Rating: D)
Burke Lake Entrance, 7201 Ox Road, Fairfax Station, Fairfax, 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.
Details:
This walk is intended for slower hikers, especially those who might be getting back into hiking or recovering from injuries or recent surgery. We will be doing a leisurely 5 mile loop walk (~ 2.5 MPH with little elevation gain) around Burke Lake. The path is mostly dirt with some roots. There are also a few areas paved. Faster hikers are welcome if they are ready for a leisurely walk. Please be sure you understand and are accepting of the slower pace.Please arrive by 8:45AM so we can begin promptly at 9:00 AM.
There are restrooms a short distance from the parking lot at the marina.
Bring water and a snack. We will regroup occasionally and likely stop near the heron rookery. I'm not sure if there is still activity there, but you may choose to bring binoculars just in case.DIRECTIONS: We will meet at the parking lot near the Marina. Enter the park at the Burke Lake Park Entrance on Ox Road (Route 123). If using a GPS to find the park, just key in "Burke Lake Park."
After entering the park, go straight following the signs to the Marina. It will be the big parking lot at the end of the road. Look for a Blue Acura with the hatch up as you enter the parking lot.
(GPS Coordinates: 38°45'36.2"N 77°18'09.0"W )
**Post-hike lunch at Brickmaker's Cafe (**9751 Ox Rd Lorton, VA 22079) for those interested.
18 attendees
Cedar Run-Hawksbill-WOC Longer Version (Rating: A+)
Gainesville Park and Ride, Virginia, 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 ~13.4 miles circuit with an elevation gain of ~ 3600 ft., featuring Cedar Run falls, Hawksbill Summit and WOC waterfalls. The hike starts from lower WOC parking lot. Refer to the trailhead coordinates and the map posted for driving directions.
Safety is paramount for all of us. This hike is steeper and very strenuous at some places so please review the description fully. There are multiple water crossings on this hike. Please be prepared.
Carpools: Meet at Gainesville Park and Ride at 6:30 a.m. ET. GPS coordinates 38.801080, -77.589775. Carpool’s location is just right in front of new Sheetz gas station across the street. If you plan to drive directly to the trailhead parking lot, then please be there by 08:15 a.m. ET. Please check the GPS coordinates for trailhead parking lot in the description below. Approximate drive time from carpool location to trailhead is 80-90 minutes without break depending on the traffic. Hike leader will meet the group at trailhead.
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.
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: Approximately 13.4 miles
Elevation gain: Approximately 3600 feet
Pace: 2.5 mph (Average)
Terrain: Strenuous/Steep
Park entry fee: $30 per vehicle; if you have national park pass entry is free.
Carpool Fee: $7
Trailhead Parking Lot Coordinates: 38.539451, -78.349202
Directions from Gainesville Park and Ride: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5N7P6S1XnaLZiPFH7
Trailhead meetup time: 8.15 a.m.
Dogs permitted, please on leash. NVHC Dog Policy: https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Bring: Minimum 2-liter water, food/snacks, sun hat, layers, basic first aid kit, rain gear (depending on weather), hiking poles, hiking shoe, sunscreen, bug spray, and your big happy smile 😊.
There are restrooms available (Sheetz Gas Station) at Gainesville Park and Ride and 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) 248-055527 attendees
Billy Goat B & C Trails, C&O Towpath - (Rating: B)
Billy Goat Trail Section C, Naval Surface Warfare Center 38.972500, -77.200000, Carderock, 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 480 feet elevation gain.
Let's hike Billy Goat C and the recently reopened Billy Goat B trail which has been closed for several years. One of my favorite sections, I'm glad it's back!
This trek will include a hike on Billy Goat B & C trails with great views of the Potomac River, as well as a bit of the Gold Mine trail and Burma Road. This route includes a very scenic section of the towpath.
Description:
We'll start our hike on Billy Goat C trail and hike until we connect with the C&O Canal towpath. We'll hike to Anglers Inn area for a break before we connect with Burma Road and a portion of the Gold Mine trail. After that, we're back on the towpath where we will connect to the Billy Goat B trail. After completing Billy Goat B, we'll then connect back to the towpath and return to the trailhead parking.Note: Billy Goat B and C each have a stream crossing which are fairly easily crossed by stone stepping.
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 on both Billy Goat B & C.
Restrooms are available at the Carderock Picnic Area parking lot where we start as well as at Anglers Inn parking. Hiking poles may be useful if you normally use them. Recommend sunscreen and insect repellent.Trailhead:
We will meet in the Carderock Picnic Grounds parking lot in Carderock Recreation Area.
Please plan on being there at 8:15am so we can get everyone signed in and start the hike on time.Dogs are welcome.
Dog Policy https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicyThere are no fees.
Map of Hiking Trails at Great Falls, Maryland:
https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/upload/Great-Falls-Hiking-Map.pdfDirections to Carderock Picnic Grounds Parking at Carderock Recreation Area:
From I-495, take the exit for Clara Barton Pkwy, continue on the Pkwy until you see the exit for Carderock near the Naval Surface Warfare Center. After exiting at Carderock, you will pass under the towpath tunnel. Turn left after going under the towpath tunnel and continue into the picnic grounds parking lot.The parking lot is also labeled with signage as Parking Lot 1.
GPS 38.97122, -77.19874Any questions, please message me here or text/call @202-528-0456. If you text me, please include your name.
38 attendees
Past events
4905
