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
Pinnacles Picnic Ground to Mary's Rock (Rating: B)
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.
7.5 miles with 1,400 feet elevation gain.
This is an out-and-back hike along the Appalachian Trail in the central district of Shenandoah National Park. Starting at the Pinnacles Picnic Ground, we'll hike the A.T. northbound, crossing over The Pinnacle, third highest peak in the park. We'll pass Byrd's Nest #3 shelter and on to Mary's Rock where we'll pause for a snack. Then we'll retrace our route back to the cars.
The pace will be about 2.0 to 2.5 mph.
Bring water/hydration, snacks, and sturdy hiking shoes since there are some rocky areas and tree roots. There are no stream crossings.
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Leader: Gail Markulin (703) 402-5902 (C)
Carpools: Meet at the Centreville Park and Ride at 7:30 am. Suggested carpool fee is $9. The leader will be at the carpool location. GPS Coordinates: 38.836038, -77.455371, https://goo.gl/maps/hc3LRG7Hsy2wMJs18
Driving time from carpool location is ~ 1 1/2 hours.
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.
Trail Head Meeting Instructions:
Mile Marker 36.7 on Skyline Drive about 5 miles south of Thornton Gap entrance station.We are meeting in the parking lot at the far end,
Meet at the trailhead parking lot 15 minutes early to allow everyone to be signed in and get ready to hike at 9:30 am.
Fee: $30.00 park entrance fee (no fee for Park Pass holders).
AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/marys-rock-via-pinnacle-picnic-grounds
You must be experienced in hikes of this distance and elevation gain.
18 attendees
C&O Canal Historical Park, Potomac, MD (Rate: C)
Pennyfield Lock Road, 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.
8.00 mile circuit hike with 500 feet of elevation gain.
Description:
Our Hike will begin at Pennyfield Lock 22 along the C&O Canal in the Pennyfield Lock Parking Lot , and heads over to the C&O Canal Towpath. While walking along the water’s edge, keep an eye out for sunbathing turtles, elegant Blue Herons and yes, snakes too, all the while soaking in sweeping views of the Potomac River.From there the hike heads up into the BlockHouse Point Conservation Park offering spectacular views of the Potomac River.
Facilities: Portable bathrooms at the trailhead
Hike Pace: Pace will be about 2.0 – 2.5 mph while moving.
Bring: Adequate water/hydration, snacks/lunch, insect repellant and sturdy hiking shoes since there are some rocky areas/tree roots, stream crossing. Hiking poles if you normally use them.
Fee: None
Dogs: dogs are welcome on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy.
Please be sure your dog is able to hike the distance,Where to Meet:
GPS Coordinates: 39°03'14.7"N 77°17'20.4"W
Address:
Pennyfield Lock Road Parking Lot, 12400 Pennyfield Lock Rd · Potomac, MD
Pennyfield Lock Road is about 5.5 miles northwest of Potomac Village on River Road.
Turn left onto Pennyfield Lock Road, take it to the very end, then turn left, and continue a few hundred feet to the Porta-Johns where we will park.CONTACT INFO: Any questions, please message me here or text me at 703 533 9231
Dawn K. Hike Leader22 attendees
Duncan Knob & Strickler Knob Loop (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 is a 10.3 mile "lollypop" loop hike with side excursions to Duncan Knob and Strickler Knob, 2 of the best viewpoints in the George Washington National Forest. There will be about 2,300' of elevation gain, so this hike has a DIFFICULTY RATING of A (10 pts distance + 5 pts elevation = 15). The Scothorn Gap Trailhead (38.69143, -78.58004) is along Crisman Hollow Road/Rt #274, and is very small, so carpooling is encouraged. There is no bathroom at the trailhead, so a stop in New Market or Front Royal (depending how you come) may be advised. For those driving direct to the trailhead, please arrive by 9:15am so we can get everyone parked and formed up to hike by 9:30am.
We start out on the Scothorn Gap Trail (Yellow) going clockwise around the loop until we get to the Gap Creek Trail (Blue) and our first side trail up to Duncan Knob. This side trail is an extensive rock scramble (not suitable for dogs). We will continue over the ridge until we meet the Massanutten Trail (Orange), which will take us along the valley until we climb up to the unofficial Strickler Knob Trail (Pink). We will have lunch there and then return to Massanutten Trail (Orange), which will take us back to the Scothorn Gap Trail, and our vehicles. Lunch will be on the late side, so please bring a snack.
I hike at around 2.5 MPH pace and stop at all trail crossings and photo points. I don't recall any difficult stream crossings, although it has been muddy in the past.
CARPOOLING: For those who are looking to carpool, we will meet at the Centerville Park and Ride and plan to leave at 7:00AM to arrive at the trailhead by 8:45, in time to get signed in and start hiking by 9:00 AM. As hike leader, I will be at the carpool location.
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. Suggested carpool fee: $9.00 per rider. Driving time from the Centerville, VA Park & Ride to the trailhead is about 1hr 35 minutes.
NOTE: Times listed are to and from the Centerville Park & Ride.
The hike will start at 9:00am from the Scothorn Gap Trailhead (38.69143, -78.58004) along Crisman Hollow Road/Rt #274.
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy, but they will keep you from getting to the 2 viewpoints due to rock scrambles. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Leader: Caroline Steinberg (703.489.1315)
Rating: A (Please NOTE, this is a DIFFICULTY RATING, be sure you are able to handle a hike of this difficulty including high comfort level with rock scrambles.)
Map for hike: Alltrails link: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/ad8nfternoon-hike-2668a71
15 attendees
Sky Meadows State Park - Lost Mountain (Rating: C - Fun) Stars & Guitars
Sheetz Gainesville, 7201 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.
6.5 miles with 600 feet elevation gain.
Starting later in the day, we'll enjoy an abbreviated hike to the Lost Mountain side of the park and then participate in the Park's Stars and Guitars special event, that starts shortly after our hike ends.
Immerse yourself in a night of music, food, and wonder under the moonlit skies. The event will be held on the back lawn of the historic Mount Bleak House, which features sweeping views of the Crooked Run Valley.
Enjoy foot-tapping tunes from local bluegrass bands and indulge your taste buds with an array of delicious food vendors. Savor your favorite treats while watching the day turn to a night under the stars at our International Dark Sky-recognized park.
https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/event?id=2026-03-05-15-45-47-268968-dav
Sky Meadows State Park is rich in history, the park has rolling pastures and woodlands, scenic vistas and is also a working farm.
Description: Starting from Sky Meadows State Park visitors center parking area, we will combine several trails on our way to and from the Lost Mountain side of the park. We'll do an abbreviated version of usual hike so we can get back and get ready to enjoy the festivities.
The 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, and tree roots. Hiking poles if you use them. Insect repellant and sunscreen recommended.
Fee: The park fee is $10 unless you have a Virginia State Park Pass or use your REI purchase receipt parking coupon from a participating Virginia REI.
Provide your REI receipt to the contact station ranger or insert it in a self-pay envelope. If main entrance contact station is not staffed you must use the self-pay envelope provided at the gate and hang the stub on your rearview mirror.Dogs are welcome. NVHC Dog policy: https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
CARPOOLING: For those who are looking to carpool, meet at the new Sheetz convenience store which is at Gainesville Park & Ride. 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. Suggested carpool fee: $5.00 per rider. Driving time from Gainesville Park & Ride to Sky Meadows is about 30 minutes. The Sheetz at Gainesville Park & Ride is located at 7201 New Stable Way, Gainesville. GPS 38.80182, -77.58866
Park across the road from Sheetz instead of in their parking lot.Sky Meadows trail map link: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/document/data/trail-guide-skymeadows.pdf
NOTE: The hike starts at 12:00 noon at the parking lot at Sky Meadows State Park. If you are carpooling from Sheetz Gainesville Park & Ride, plan on leaving there by 11:15am.
Meeting Place Instructions: We are meeting at the parking lot closest to the Visitor Center GPS coordinates 38.991732, -77.966120
This parking lot is in front of the Mount Bleak House. There is an overflow parking lot in case the main parking lot is full.
Any questions please message me here or text/call me at 202-528-0456. If you text me please include your name.
39 attendees
Past events
4795
