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
37
Sherman Gap - Tuscarora - Fort Valley Overlook (Rating: A)
Centreville Park & Ride Lot, 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 is 9 mile circuit hike with an elevation gain of 2000' that will begin at the Elizabeth Furnace Day Use Picnic area in the Massanutten Mountains of George Washington & Jefferson National Forests. We will start on the Botts Trail then take on the Sherman Gap trail to the ridge. We will hike on the Tuscarora trail to Shawl Gap and then go ~.5mile out and back each way to a scenic overlook of Fort Valley where we will have lunch. We hike at a pace of 2.5-3.0 mph while moving.
Park Entry Fee: $0
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Leader: Ed Brimberg 703-944-9920 (C)
Carpools: Arrive at the Centreville Park and Ride at 7:30am carpools depart at 7:45am. The leader will be at the carpool location. Suggested carpool fee is $7. GPS Coordinates: 38.836038, -77.455371, https://goo.gl/maps/hc3LRG7Hsy2wMJs18
Driving Time to trailhead: 1 hour
If you are meeting at the trailhead arrive at the Elizabeth Furnace Day Use Picnic area in the back parking lot at 8:45am, hike will start at 9:00am, GPS coordinates 38.927787, -78.329496. https://goo.gl/maps/tC9toZsHwMeG9umh8
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.
Alltrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/sherman-gap-tuscarora-fort-valley-overlook-076d6a4?u=i&sh=7cs7ov
**You must be experienced in hikes of this distance and elevation gain.**
28 attendees
Fairfax CCT - Oakmont to Gabrielson Garden (Rating: B)
Oakmont Recreation Center, 3200 jermantown rd, oakton, 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 10 mile Hike with 450 feet of elevation gain along Section 7of the Fairfax Cross County Trail. We'll hike through the woodlands of Oakton. On the hike we'll pass horse paddocks and may even see a group of curious goats. This is one of my favorite sections of the Cross County Trail.
Meet in the parking lot on the left upon entering Oakmont Recreation Center. Most of this hike will be along Difficult Run. We will hike to Gabrielson Garden Park., where we will stop for a brief snack before turning around and returning. Most of the hike is on trails, except for a short asphalt section and a short section along a neighborhood streets.
We hike at a pace of approximately 2.5 mph while moving. You must be experienced with hikes of this length and elevation gain.
Dogs are welcome 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: $0.00Map for hike:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/connolly-cross-county-trail-lawyers-road-and-oak-marr-rec-center?sh=iypgzx&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality24 attendees
Motts Run Reservoir Recreation Area (Rating: C)
Occoquan commuter lot, 1325 Old Bridge Rd, Woodbridge, VA 22192, USA, Woodbridge, VA, USDetails
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.
This is an 8.1-mile hike with 738 feet of elevation gain.
The Motts Run Loop meanders through views of water and woodlands. Portions of the trail run alongside the reservoir. With Late-season autumn blooms, we might see Fall Asters. Hopefully, we will see the Black gum and red maple trees begin to show their vibrant colors. As we continue, the trail opens up into a fire road, characterized by a series of ups and downs. We'll encounter some rock gardens and root-filled sections. Bridges along the trail allow us to cross ravines safely. Throughout the loop, we'll be treated to beautiful views of the lake and surrounding meadows.
Hiking Pace: Pace will be about 2.5 mph while moving.
Leader: Schenell Agee 540.207.7128 (C)
Bathrooms and Porta Johns are available
and are a fairly short walk from the trail start.AllTrails Map https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/motts-run-loop-0346c89?u=i&sh=pcotzb
Motts-Run-Reservoir-Trail-Guide-PDFMeet at the trailhead parking lot 15 minutes early so everyone can sign in and get ready to hike at 9:00 am. The park is open Thursday – Monday, 7 am – 7 pm.
Trailhead Meeting Instructions: 6600 River Road Fredericksburg, VA 22407 (540) 786-8989 GPS Coordinates: 38.328085, -77.554509. https://maps.app.goo.gl/MBcDfH67pFZkVEJL7
Access to the park via River Rd. We will meet at the Motts Run entrance. Look for a Dark Brown Toyota Highlander.Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
PETS - Pets are permitted at Motts run All dogs must be on a leash. Please clean up after your pet. Pets may not be left unattended at any time.Recommendations:
Insect repellent, snack/lunch, adequate hydration/2 liters of water. Some sections may require a bit of scrambling. I recommend sturdy hiking boots/shoes and poles if you normally use them.Post hike rehydration TBD
Any questions, please message me or call 540.207.7128. If you text me, please include your name.
Park Entrance Fee:
$0.00 | There is limited parking (15 vehicles) at the trailhead start. Additional parking is located down the hill, pass the car park once you enter the area.Carpool Parking:
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.
Hikers will depart at 8:00 A.M. It's about a 45-minute to one hour drive from the Lake Ridge Commuter Lot to Mott's Run depending upon traffic. Suggested carpool fee is $5. Hike leader will meet the group at the trailhead.16 attendees
Manassas Battlefield -- Second Manassas Trail (Rating: C)
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.
The Second Manassas Trail is an easy C level hike, 6.6 mile circuit hike (429 feet elevation gain) beginning at the Park Visitors Center. The Second Battle of Bull Run or Second Manassas was fought August 28-30, 1862, as part of the American Civil War. It was the culmination of an offensive campaign waged by Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia against Union Maj. Gen. John Pope's Army of Virginia, and a battle of much larger scale and numbers than the First Battle of Bull Run (First Manassas) fought in 1861 on the same ground. This trail guides you through the Second Manassas Battlefield. The hike is about 50% field and 50% under canopy. The trails are sometimes wet and muddy after recent rain. Bring hat and water and a snack if needed.
Leader: Gail Markulin (703) 402-5902 (C)
Please arrive by 9:15 so we can sign in.
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Meet in the parking lot in front of the Visitors Center
Hike Starting Point: 6511 Sudley Rd, Manassas, VA 20109 (Visitor Center parking lot)
No Entry Fee
9 attendees
Past events
5009
