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
32
Fall Favorite: 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.
Fun scrambles, stunning views, and peak folliage make this one of my favorite hikes. This 10.3 mile "lollypop" loop hike has 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.
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
16 attendees
Algonkian Regional Park – Sugarland Run (Rating: C)
Algonkian Regional Park, Sterling, 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 7 mile out and back hike with 350' of elevation gain on the Potomac Heritage and Sugarland Run Trails in Loudoun County.
We will start the parking lot near the Volcano Island Waterpark in Algonkian Regional Park https://www.novaparks.com/parks/algonkian-regional-park and take the Potomac Heritage and Sugarland Run Trails in Loudoun County passing through and along the golf course. Nice scenery along Sugarland Run.
Some of the hike is on trails, pavement and gravel road. We hike at a 2.5-3.0 mph pace when moving. Bring a snack.
Leader: Ed Brimberg 703-944-9920 (C)
Park Entry Fee: $0.00
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Meet: Plan to arrive at 8:15am hike starts at 8:30am. Park near Volcano Island Waterpark in Algonkian Park.
Trailhead GPS coordinates: 39.060142, -77.388550
https://maps.app.goo.gl/PgTT77xqTVTt4AGj9AllTrails Map for hike: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/morning-hike-at-morning-hike-at-algonkian-park-sugarland-run-a83ee62?u=i&sh=7cs7ov
31 attendees
Prince William Forest Park - Fee Free Day (Rating: B)
Prince William Forest Park Visitor Center, 18170 Park Entrance Rd, Triangle, 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.
9.8-mile circuit hike with 760 feet of elevation change.
Fee Free Day - Teddy Roosevelt's Birthday
Description: Let's celebrate Teddy Roosevelt's Birthday with a scenic hike along the Quantico Creek and the adjoining forest. We will hike several trails - Laurel Loop, South Valley, North Valley, Quantico Cascades, as well as some time on Burma Road, and Taylor Farm Road.
There are several rolling hills, but they are short and spread out. It will be a good autumn workout!The pace will be about 2.5 mph.
Info: There are restrooms at the Visitor Center area where we start as well as Turkey Run Education Center where we will stop for a break.
Bring: At least 2 liters of water/hydration, snacks/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes since there are a few rocky areas and tree roots along the way. Hiking poles if you use them.
Fee:
Fee Free Day to celebrate Teddy Roosevelt's Birthday.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.
Prince William Forest Park link: https://www.nps.gov/prwi/index.htm
If you haven't hiked with me before, please provide your full name, cell phone number and emergency contact number. You can text me the info or message me on Meetup Message, don't post it in the comments. You must be able to hike this distance and elevation gain, any questions regarding that please contact me.
Meeting Place Instructions:
We are meeting at the Pine Grove Picnic Area near the visitor center. There are two parking areas in an L shape - you can park in either area, but we will meet down near the playground.
Take the SECOND left after entering the park and continue straight ahead into the large lot. GPS Coordinates 38.56040, -77.34952Optional post-hike rehydration at Stonebridge Potomac Town Center.
Any questions, please message me here or text/call @202-528-0456. If you text me, please include your name.
32 attendees
Potomac Heritage- Goose Creek to Bles Park (Rating: C)
Kephart Bridge Landing, 43942 Riverpoint Drive (Lansdowne area), Leesburg, 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 8.8 mile with 75 ft elevation out and back hike on the Potomac Heritage Trail in Loudoun County. On this hike we'll experience scenic Goose Creek as it flows into the expanse of the Potomac. There is also a lot of history as we hike along the ruins of the Goose Creek Canal ( see the background information below) and Selden Island which is privately owned and is known for it's prehistoric archaeological sites dating back to 1000BC.
We will begin at Riverpoint Drive trailhead (Porta Potty is available) and follow Goose Creek and then the Potomac to our turnaround at Bles Park where there are restrooms.Background History: In 1849, construction began on a system of locks and dams to render the Goose Creek navigable up to three large mills in the Loudoun Valley. By 1845, the Goose Creek and Little River Navigation Company canal system had been completed on Goose Creek to Ball's (Evergreen) Mill, 12 miles (19 km) upstream from the mouth. Though the lower portion of the canal saw significant usage, only one boat was ever known to have traveled the whole stretch, and by 1857 the canal was put out of business by the completion of the Alexandria, Loudoun and Hampshire Railroad to Leesburg. Most of the locks and dams were destroyed by the Union Army during the Civil War.
We hike at a pace of ~ 2.5 mph while moving. You must have experience with hikes of this length and elevation gain.
Meet at the Riverpoint Drive Trailhead at 8:45am for sign-in. Restroom (Porta Potty) is available at the Trailhead
Dogs are welcome on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicyhttps://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolic
Leaders: Steve Frith cell 703-629-0174
Park Entry Fee: $0.00
Map for hike:
https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=11.3/-77.4740/39.085125 attendees
Past events
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