Northern Virginia Hiking Club (NVHC)

4.9•26678 ratings

Mc Lean, VA, US

2,422 members · Public group

What we’re about

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

See all

Sat, Oct 25 · 7:00 AM EDT
White Oak Canyon, Hawksbill, Cedar Run (Rating: A+)
Centreville Park & Ride Lot, 14700 Lee Highway, Centreville, VA, US
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 A+ hike due to distance and elevation gain. PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE POST BEFORE RSVP-ING.

This will be a 12 miles with an elevation gain of around 3,200 ft., featuring some of the best loved trails in Shenandoah. We will start by climbing the White Oak Canyon Trail past one of the tallest waterfalls in SNP to a nice example of columnar basalt. Then we will use Limberlost Trail, Crescent Rock Trail, the AT, and Salemander Trail to the summit of Hawksbill Mt. (the highest point in SNP). After taking in the views, we will use Lower Hawksbill Trail and Cedar Run Trail to return to the cars.

You must be an experienced, fit hiker to attend. If you have ANY question of your about your ability to complete this hike, please contact me. For experienced A hikers, this is a good transition to A+ hiking.

I will be vetting people for this hike. If you have experience doing NVHC A and A+ hikes, I will be able to see that. Otherwise you should message me about your recent hiking experience with hikes of at least 9 miles and 2500' of vertical ascent. This is especially important if your privacy setting keep me from messaging you. I will remove anyone from this hike whose experience I deem to be inadequate for the sake of their own health and safety.

CARPOOL: Carpools: Meet at the Centreville Park and Ride at 7:00 AM for DEPARTURE by 7:15 AM. Please arrive early enough to form car pools. Drive time from here to the trailhead is about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Suggested carpool fee: $10.00 per rider.

Please message me or post it in the comments if you will be going to the trailhead directly or carpooling without using Centreville.

Trailhead meetup time: White Oak Canyon Fee Station Parking lot: 8:45 A.M. Please arrive promptly. The early start is to beat the crowds to the parking lots. The WOC lower parking lot gets crowded early and if you're late, you may not get a space. There is overflow parking on private property for an additional $10.

Trailhead Parking Coordinates: 38.53943,-78.34909

Hike starts: 9:00 A.M. SHARP

NEED TO KNOW DETAILS:

Distance: 11-ish miles

Elevation gain: 3,200ish ft

Pace: 2.0-2.5 mph overall (medium when moving)

Terrain: Steep, rocky, wet on Cedar Run and White Oak Canyon.

There is one tough stream crossing early in the hike

Park entry fee: $30/vehicle (or free with pass).

Bring: Adequate water, food/snacks, hat, layers, basic first aid kit, map, rain gear (depending), hiking poles, hiking shoes, boot covers for the stream crossing (just to be prepared) and a good attitude

Pets: Not permitted due to their being prohibited on Limberlost Trail.

Any questions? Message or call the Hike Leader:
Edward S. 703-850-3251
11 attendees
Sat, Oct 25 · 7:00 AM EDT
Rose River Falls/Dark Hollow Falls/Blackrock Overlook (Rating: B)
Gainesville Park and Ride, Virginia, VA, US
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.

8 miles with approximately 1700 feet elevation gain.

Description:
This is a beautiful loop in Shenandoah National Park that will take us along the path of Rose River and Hog Camp Branch, two lively streams with nearly continuous cascades, falls, and flumes that are easily accessible in many spots. It passes two of the park’s more popular falls, the Rose River and Dark Hollow Falls. We will start off the hike at the Blackrock Overlook at Big Meadows lodge and finish there as well. There will be plenty of opportunities for photos! Hopefully we see some nice fall foliage.

Hiking Pace:
About 2.5 mph, a little slower on the uphill.

There are restrooms at the Big Meadows Lodge where we start and finish. We will stop for lunch break along the Rose River trail before continuing on to Dark Hollow and completing the loop.

Dogs:
Dogs are not allowed on Dark Hollow Falls trail, so no dogs will be allowed on this hike.

Although the mileage is low, the elevation gain can be somewhat challenging. Rose River trail gradually ascends up toward Dark Hollow Falls. There is a fairly steep hill to climb from the bottom of Dark Hollow Falls to the upper falls area, then a gradual upward climb to the top where we arrive at Skyline Drive. There will be an opportunity for a restroom break at Byrd Visitor Center.

Bring:
At least 2 liters of water/hydration, snacks/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes since there are rocky areas and tree roots. Although there are no stream crossings, it is not unusual to have water on the trail & rocks at both locations. Hiking poles may be helpful especially if you usually use them..

Meet at the Big Meadows lodge parking area, located at mile marker 51
GPS 38.52979,-78.44096 You must follow the road from Big Meadows Wayside back to the Lodge. Hike starts there at 9:00am.

CARPOOLING: For those who are looking to carpool, meet at University Blvd - Gainesville Park and Ride and plan to leave at 7am to arrive at the trailhead in time to get signed in and start hiking at 9am.
A new Sheetz has opened in the Park & Ride, this would be a good meeting point. New Stable Way, directly across from the Sheetz store.
GPS 38.801119, -77.589532

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: $7.00 per rider. Driving time from Gainesville Park & Ride to Big Meadows Lodge is about 1 hour 40 minutes. You may want to plan on a little extra time for a pit stop on the way.

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.

If you are driving directly to Big Meadows Lodge please be there a few minutes before 9am so we can get everyone signed in.

Please note: The hike starts at Big Meadows Lodge parking lot at 9am. If you plan on carpooling from Gainesville Park & Ride, plan to leave there at about 7am in order to arrive at at the Big Meadows Lodge by 8:45.

Fee: $30 park entrance fee unless you have a National Park pass. Military and veterans are eligible for entry with identification or America the Beautiful military pass.

Optional rehydration at Big Meadows Lodge.

Any questions, please message me here or text/call @202-528-0456. If you text me, please include your name.
29 attendees
Sat, Oct 25 · 8:30 AM EDT
Kent Island (Rating: A)
Forest Glen Metro Station, 9730 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD, US
*** New Trial Process - No More Signing In ***
Step 1: Read the Liability Disclaimer: https://www.nvhc.com/signin.pdf
Step 2: When prompted, type:
"I Accept/Full Name/Contact Number/Emergency Contact Number"
Example: "I accept/Jane Doe/703-555-5555/301-666-6666"

This is a trial process and is not available on all hikes.

Length: 15 mi. Elevation: Negligible. Pace: 2.5 miles per hour

** Not suitable for fast paced hikers **

** Due to a medical condition the leader will hike slowly and will need frequent rest stops **

** It will probably be dark by the time we get back to the cars **

DESCRIPTION
Join us as we take in the stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay and Bridge from Terrapin Park and then walk the Cross-Island Trail. Some woods, some roadside; never too far from the Bay. Lunch will be at the picturesque The Narrows restaurant on the water ($20-30). There are gas stations along the way for people to get a snack or a drink or use the facilities. Mainly pavement, although the initial part in Terrapin Park can be a very muddy, wet dirt trail - hiking boots recommended. 15 long miles.

WHERE TO MEET

Two options:

Option #1: Forest Glen Metro at 8:30, if you want to carpool (either drive or ride). Leader will be at the carpool location. 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. Suggested carpool fee: $10.

Option #2: Trailhead at Terrapin Park at 9:30: Terrapin Nature Park lot on Log Canoe Circle (38.989942, -76.320481). Cross Bay Bridge, take the first exit, turn left on Business Parkway, turn left on Skipjack Parkway, and turn left again at stop sign on Log Canoe Circle. Go a short distance and you will see the lot on your left.

DOGS permitted per NVHC dog policy https://nvhc.com/hikes/policies/
13 attendees
Sun, Oct 26 · 9:30 AM EDT
Sugarloaf Mountain Fall Hike & Sip (Rating:A)
Sugarloaf Mountain East View Parking, Sugarloaf Mountain Dr, Dickerson, MD, US
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.

Meetup date/time: 10/26 at 9:30 a.m.

Distance and Elevation Gain: Approximately 8.5 miles and 1,700 feet;
not a beginner hike but an easy A.

Description: This is a circuit hike on Sugarloaf Mountain in Maryland (http://www.sugarloafmd.com/http://www.sugarloafmd.com/), about an hour from D.C. Expect some short but steep climbs, rocky trails, minimal stream crossings, and pretty views. Sugarloaf Mountain is a conservation/recreation area owned and managed by the Stronghold Foundation. Optional post-hike gathering at Sugarloaf Mountain Winery (Link).

Park Entry Fee: Stronghold requests that visitors make a voluntary donation of $5 or more. Your donations provide needed funding for maintenance of property and facilities. There is a box for donations as you enter the park. Please remember to bring cash.

Directions: The hike begins and ends at the East View Parking lot. Go to the end with the porta potties and picnic benches.

Hiking Pace: 2.5-2.75 mph average moving pace (slower on steep uphills). We will be hiking as a group; the group will determine the overall pace. You should have prior experience of A and B level hikes.

Map for Hike

To Bring: Please bring plenty of water, snacks, and sturdy, comfortable footwear. And of course a positive attitude!

Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy: https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy. You must let the hike leader know if you are bringing a dog, and the dog must be kept on a leash.
32 attendees