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
14
Sky Meadows State Park (Rating: B)
Gainesville Park and Ride, Virginia, 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.
8.5 miles with 1500 feet elevation gain.
Let's hike to see the sights and activities of Sky Meadows!
Description:
Sky Meadows State Park is rich in history, the park has rolling pastures and woodlands, scenic vistas and is also a working farm. The park also has access to the Appalachian Trail which we will hike our way up to.Starting from Sky Meadows State Park visitors center parking area, we will combine several trails including the South Ridge, North Ridge Trails, the Old Trail, a portion of the Appalachian Trail and the Ambassador Whitehouse Trail. There are some nice scenic overlooks including the Paris, VA overlook where we will take a break before returning back down to the visitor center. Most of the elevation gain is when we ascend South Ridge trail to the top of the ridge to the AT. Make sure you are up to doing the elevation gain. After that, it's mostly level and downhill.
The pace will be about 2.5 mph, slower uphill.
Bring:
At least 2 liters of water/hydration, snacks/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes since there are some rocky areas, and tree roots. Recommend insect repellent and sunscreen. Hiking poles if you normally use them.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 University Blvd - Gainesville Park and Ride and plan to leave at 8:15am 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, -77.589532Sky Meadows trail map link: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/document/data/trail-guide-skymeadows.pdf
NOTE: The hike starts at 9am at the parking lot at Sky Meadows State Park. If you are carpooling from Gainesville Park and Ride plan on leaving there by 8:15am. The hike leader may depart around 8:10am.
Suggested carpool fee is $4.00Meeting Place Instructions: We are meeting at the parking lot closest to the Visitor Center where the hike starts GPS coordinates 38.991732, -77.966120
This parking lot is in front of the Mount Bleak House. You may want to arrive early to secure a parking spot.
Optional post hike rehydration TBD, but a winery nearby😊
Any questions please message me here or text/call me at 202-528-0456. If you text me please include your name.
43 attendees
Gathland State Park to Weverton Cliffs (Rating: A)
Gathland State Park, 900 Arnoldtown Road, Jefferson, 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.
Join me this weekend hiking ~11 miles with ~1,600 feet of elevation gain along the AT through Maryland's state parks! We'll begin at Gathland State Park and hike south along the AT to the Weverton Cliffs Overlook where we'll enjoy the views during a snack/lunch break before heading back.
Here are details for the hike:
- Start time: 8:30 a.m.
- Trailhead parking: Gathland State Park Parking Lot (GPS 39.404671, -77.640304)
- Park entry Fee: None
- Distance: 11.3 miles
- Elevation gain: 1,624 feet
- Pace: 2.5--3.0 miles/hour when moving
- Duration: 5 hours
- Hike map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/gathland-state-park-to-weverton-cliffs-f316e3f
- Leaders: Chris Bosch 703-216-7801
Carpools
The hike leader(s) will meet hikers at the trailhead. Neither the Club nor the hike leader(s) are responsible for coordinating transportation to/from the trailhead. Carpooling is organized by the participants and they participate at their own risk.
What to bring
Bring a backpack, water, snacks, sunscreen, hiking poles if you like. Wear comfortable shoes or boots that are suitable for hiking. Dress in layers for the weather including a hat, gloves, and rain gear as needed.
Dogs
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. Please contact the hike leader in advance if you intend to bring a dog.
https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Park entrance / parking fees
None.
Weather
Here's a National Weather Service URL you can use to check the 7-day weather forecast at the trailhead from which we start the hike (Gathland State Park).
https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.404671&lon=-77.640304
In case of poor or severe weather, this hike will be postponed.
18 attendees
Seven Bends State Park (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 an 9 mile hike with 1600’ elevation gain in the Seven Bends State Park near Woodstock, VA . Mileage may vary as we are checking out some newly created trails. The state park is located near the river in the photo above. https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/seven-bends
The park is surrounded by the North Fork of the Shenandoah River. We will hike various trails in the park. Some are old roads. We will pass by some of the original reservoir system for the town of Woodstock. We will also be hiking on a portion of the Massanutten Trail in George Washington & Jefferson National Forests. We hike at a pace of 2.5 - 3.0 when moving.
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: Meet at the Centreville Park and Ride at 7:30am. Suggested carpool fee is $8. The leader will be at the carpool location. GPS Coordinates: 38.836038, -77.455371, https://goo.gl/maps/hc3LRG7Hsy2wMJs18
Meet at the trailhead by 8:45am, hike starts at 9:00am. The park is located at the Lupton entrance 1191 Lupton Rd, Woodstock, VA. GPS Coordinates: 38.869586, -78.492495 https://goo.gl/maps/YCtPGNtbmPa3s5Ar5
Park entry fee is $5 or free with REI receipt or VA State Park pass. Put money in envelope at self pay station.
Driving time from carpool location is ~ 1 hour 15 minutes.
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 (new trails not shown): https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/sevens-bends-nvhc-hike-333cb76?u=i&sh=7cs7ov
You must be experienced in hikes of this distance and elevation gain.
30 attendees
Bull Run Occoquan Trail: Marina to Hemlock Overlook (Rating: B)
Bull Run Marina, 12619 Old Yates Ford Rd, Clifton, 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.
10 mile out and back lariat hike with 940 feet of elevation gain.
Description:
Join us for a scenic hike along Bull Run and in the adjoining forest. We will hike on the Bull Run Occoquan Trail from Bull Run Marina to Hemlock Overlook Park and back, taking in a couple of sights at Hemlock. There are rolling hills but they are short and spread out. This will be a nice workout! We will be in the forest canopy most of the hike.The pace will be about 2.5 mph.
There should be a porta-potty at the trailhead parking lot but you may want to schedule a pit stop on the way before you arrive.
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 repellent and sunscreen recommended.Meet at the trailhead parking lot 15 minutes early to allow everyone to sign in and get ready to hike at 9:00am.
Fee: There is no parking fee.
Dogs are welcome.
NVHC Dog policy: https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicyBull Run Occoquan Trail:
https://www.novaparks.com/parks/bull-run-occoquan-trailMeeting Place Instructions:
We are meeting at the large parking lot on the left side of Yates Ford Rd, (coming from Clifton), across from the road going down to the Marina. If you come to the Bull Run Marina road or the bridge, you've gone too far.NOTE:
We park in the large parking lot across the road from the marina parking.
GPS coordinates 38.74399, -77.38327Optional post-hike rehydration at Main St. Pub, in Clifton.
Any questions, please message me here or text/call @202-528-0456. If you text me, please include your name.
40 attendees
Past events
4893
