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
18
Riverbend Park, Bluebell Hike (Rating: C)
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.
7.5 mile circuit hike with 370 feet of elevation gain.
A nice hike along the scenic Potomac River and adjoining forests of Riverbend Park admiring the beautiful blooming bluebells.
Description: We'll start our hike in Riverbend Park south along the Potomac Heritage trail where we should see bluebells along the trail and riverside. We will the make our way on a few trails on our way to some additional bluebells sections. Should be a scenic and nice stroll along the Potomac trail section of Riverbend with the bonus of seeing these beautiful Virginia native flowers. After the bluebell hike, there will be an option to hike over to Great Falls Park overlooks for anyone interested in joining me.
The pace will be about 2 mph.
Bring some hydration, snacks/lunch, as you feel necessary.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:
https://www.hikingupward.com/OVH/RiverBend/images/Map.pdfIf you haven't hiked with me before, please provide your full name, cell phone number and emergency contact number. You can message me on Meetup or text me at my cell phone listed below. This will save time getting folks signed in.
Meet 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 39.01758,-77.24621
Any questions, please message me here or text/call @202-528-0456. If you text me, please include your name.
30 attendees
Mount Marshall via the Appalachian Trail (Rating: A)
Centreville Park and Ride, 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 a 9 mile out and back hike along the Appalachian Trail with a 1,700 foot elevation gain in the Shenandoa National Park. We'll go out about 4.5 miles to a neat viewpoint, have lunch/snack, and then return the way we came.
Speed: Our pace will vary between 2 and 2.5 mph. The trail is well maintained and not very rocky.
GPS Coordinates for trailhead: 38.80719, -78.18102
Entry to Shenandoa National Park costs $30.00 per car unless you have a park pass.
Leader: Dick Pregent 703-587-2359
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
For those wishing to carpool, the suggested carpool location is at the Centerville P&R. The driving time from there to the trailhead is about 1 hour. Please arrive at the Park and Ride a few minutes before 7:30 AM to form carpool so all cars can leave at 7:30 AM.
Hike leader will not be at the carpool location.
Please arrive at the trailhead 15 minutes before 9:00 AM so we can get everyone signed in. We will start hiking promptly at 9:00 AM.
Suggested carpool fee is $5.
PLEASE NOTE: 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.
23 attendees
Cedar Run to White Oak Canyon Loop (Rating: A)
Centreville Park & Ride, 14700 Lee Hwy, Centreville, VA, USThis is an 8.6 mile loop hike with around a 2,400 elevation gain (mostly in the first 3-3.5 miles). We will hike it in the clockwise direction going up the steeper/longer Cedar Run, across the ridge line, and then down White Oak Canyon. The trails here can be steep and challenging but that's the price we'll have to pay for the views and waterfalls. We'll be hiking at a 2-2.5 MPH pace slowing down for the inclines and photo ops.
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.
We will stop for lunch at the first overlook on White Oak Canyon. The hike leader is unlikely to partake, but if there is consensus within the group we will stop at one of the pools near the end of White Oak for those that wish to swim. Be sure to square that with your carpool driver.
Hike map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/virginia/white-oak-canyon-and-cedar-run-trail-loop
GPS Coordinates for trailhead: 38.53906, -78.34808
Entry to Shenandoa National Park costs $30.00 per car unless you have a park pass.
Leader: Dale Johnson, 540-454-5592
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy But be aware that this is a challenging hike.
For those wishing to carpool, the suggested carpool location is at the Centerville P&R. The driving time from there to the trailhead is about 1.5 hours. Please arrive at the Park and Ride by 7:00 AM to form carpool so all cars can leave at 7:15 AM. Suggested carpool fee is $5.
Hike leader will not be at the carpool location.
Please arrive at the trailhead 15 minutes before 9:00 AM so we can get everyone signed in. We will start hiking promptly at 9:00 AM. There are port-a-pottys at the trailhead.
REHYDRATION: For those interested we will stop at the Tap 29 Brewery/Prince Michel Winery (154 Winery Ln, Leon, VA 22725) on the way home. They have a good selection of beer/cider/wine and a solid kitchen. It should only add about 5-10 minutes driving time on your way home, but depending upon the quality of their libations you may get waylaid a little longer.
PLEASE NOTE: 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.
18 attendees
Massanutten Trail to Duncan Knob (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.
Thanks to Harvey for this route. This 8½ mile hike in GWNF has an elevation gain of 1500 ft, a rock scramble, and a fantastic view.
We'll start on the Massanutten Trail (orange) from the Stephens Trail Parking lot (GPS: 38.7279, -78.5153) just north of Camp Roosevelt Rd (Rt 675). At about 1 mile we cross Little Passage Creek which can be a high water crossing. We continue following Little Passage Creek and at 3.2 mi we turn sharply uphill on the Gap Creek Trail (blue) and climb 900ft in 1 mile to Duncan Knob.
Pace: 2 to 2.5 mph, slowing to a crawl on the boulder scramble
Map: AllTrails: Duncan Knob via Massanutten Trail
Dogs: Sorry, no dogs for this hike.
Trail Notes: Muddy and/or wet in places, laden with loose rocks and leaves. Water resistant boots are suggested, at least bring some dry footwear for the car. The scrambles will require the use of your hands on the way up and a 5 point descent on the way down. The stream crossing at the start may be difficult.
Carpools: Feel free to arrange carpools in the comments below.
Driving time from the Centreville Park & Ride is about 90 minutes. Please arrive at the Park and Ride by 7:10 to allow drivers to leave by 7:15. 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 is $12.Entry Fees: none
Leader: Steve Wiley, cell 571-345-6441
Trailhead: Please arrive by 8:45 so we can get everyone checked in and start hiking at 9:00.
Coordinates: 38.7279, -78.515311 attendees
Past events
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