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
19
Pinnacles Loop (Rating: B)
Pinnacles Overlook, Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park, 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 hike is in the central district of Shenandoah National Park, with a length of about 7.5 miles and ~1800' of elevation gain.
- We will hike down from the Overlook on the Hannah Run Trail to the Catlett Mtn Trail.
- Where we'll turn left, go 200 ft to the next intersection, and
- Turn left on the Catlett Spur and head to our low point of 2165 ft where the Spur meets the Hazel Mountain Trail.
- There we'll turn left to head up to Skyline,
- Taking a short left jog to cross the road and onto the Meadow Springs Trail and up to the AT.
- Turning left we'll continue on the AT past Byrd's Nest #3 Shelter to "The Pinnacle", third highest peak in the park at 3514 ft and the highest point on our hike.
- After lunch/snack, we continue down the AT 0.1 mi
- Turn left and take a short 800-ft BUSHWHACK to Skyline Drive.
- Turn left and walk back on the road 0.4-mi to the trailhead and our cars.
Pace: We'll hike at ~2.5 mph when moving.
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Rating: B
(although it is a bit harder B-rated hike with a short BUSHWHACK)Leader: Harvey
Carpools: Feel free to organize carpools in the comment section below. It is 1-hr 20-min from Centreville Park & Ride to the trailhead you should leave there by 7:25a to reach Pinnacles Overlook by 8:45
Neither the Club nor the hike leaders are responsible for coordinating transportation to/from the trailhead. Carpooling is organized by the participants and they participate at their own risk.
Start time: 9:00 (try to be 15 min early to check in)
Trailhead: Meet at the Pinnacles Overlook on Skyline Drive just south of MP 35. Enter the park at Thornton Gap, proceed south on Skyline Drive.
Park Entry Fee: $30 or free with National Park Pass
You must be experienced in hikes of this distance, pace and elevation gain, including a bushwhack.
Trail Maps:
A pdf map of the hike can be downloaded here:
https://www.icloud.com/iclouddrive/034ZM_FvNVppn8VIj1vHu7Djg#Pinnacles_loopA GaiaGPS map of the hike can be found here:
https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=14.3/-78.3175/38.6230&pubLink=aWIo752proPj9zakVwSWq1p5&routeId=ddb9db79-641d-40a1-8ba1-ac17852058d320 attendees
White Oak Canyon - Cedar Run loop - Frozen waterfalls (Rating: A+)
Location not specified yetYou 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 hike is rated A+ due to the possibility of ice and/or significant snow along the trail route. Under normal conditions, this would be an A hike that just misses being a B hike.
Join me for a 8-mile loop hike in SNP to see the frozen waterfalls along White Oak Canyon and Cedar Run before the weather warms up and the effect is lost. We will start from the Lower White Oak Canyon parking lot and head up the White Oak Canyon Trail to Upper White Oak Falls. Then we will follow the White Oak Fire Road and the Skyland - Big Meadows Horse Trail to Cedar Run Trail, and take Cedar Run Trail back to the cars.
Traction gear required. Snowshoes advised. There may be significant snow and ice on the trails. What is highly likely is icy trails due to the snow being compacted by previous hikers. As this hike is expected to be in below-freezing conditions, please dress in layers and avoid cotton. Ensure that you have proper footwear and insulation for your hands and feet. Also please bring along hand and foot warmers in case added heat is needed for those extremities.
NOTICE: This may become as out-and-back hike on White Oak Canyon Trail. Mary H. reports in the comments that Cedar Run Trail is currently impassible. We will venture up White Oak Canyon Trail as far as we can, prepared to turn around when conditions become overly treacherous. Unless conditions improve markedly, we will not do the full loop as planned.
Meet at 7:30 at Centreville Park and Ride or at 9:15 am at the trailhead. Carpooling advised as I am not sure of what to expect at the parking area.
I will be vetting people for this hike. Everyone will start off on the waitlist. I will take you off of it as I vet you. Please message me if you have not hiked with me previously or if you have any concerns about this hike. Also please be sure that I can message you if I have questions about your ability. I will move anyone I cannot message to "not going" due the inability to vet them. I also will move anyone who does not respond in a timely manner (meaning within a day or two) to "not going".
I am looking for hikers with A+ hiking experience and winter hiking experience. This promises to be a spectacular hike, but it is one that you need to be well-prepared for.
Bring lunch, snack, water (in a thermos or a camelback kept under your coat), an extra layer, and had/foot warmers. Realize that we may be warm going uphill but cooler coming downhill. Do not skimp on the water: 2 quarts are advised, just in case.
Basics:
- Distance: 8 miles
- Elevation Gain: 2400'
- Rating: A+ (due to added exertion caused by winter conditions).
- Meetup Location: Centreville Park & Ride. (GPS Coordinates: 38.835789, -77.455532)
- Centreville Meetup time 7:30 am
- Traihead location: Lower White Oak Canyon parking lot. (GPS Coordinates: 38.539699, -78.349080)
- Trailhead Meetup time: 9:15 am.
- Hike start time: 9:30 am.
- Dogs not allowed due to the expected adverse conditions.
- Entry fee: Free due to the time of year.
- Carpool fee: $8 suggested (riders pay drivers)
Edward 703-850-3251
5 attendees
Prince William Forest Park (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.
10 mile circuit hike with 790 feet of elevation change.
Description: A scenic hike along the Quantico Creek and the adjoining forest. We will hike several trails - Laurel Loop, South Valley, North Valley, Taylor Farm Rd, and a few shorter connector trails.
There are several rolling hills, but they are short and spread out. It will be a good winter 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 make a brief stop.
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 normally use them.
Winter weather can be unpredictable, so I'll be closely monitoring weather conditions as the hike day approaches.
Fee: The park entrance fee is $20 unless you have a National Park Pass. Military, veterans, and gold star family members are also eligible for free admission. I
https://themilitarywallet.com/military-free-admission-national-parks/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 9:30am.
Prince William Forest Park link: https://www.nps.gov/prwi/index.htm
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 (currently under construction).
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.
30 attendees
Potomac Heritage Trail - Loudoun County (Rating: D)
Bles Park, 44830 Riverside Pkwy, Ashburn, 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.
You must have traction devices to be permitted on this hike.
An out and back 6.8 mile hike along the Potomac Heritage trail in the Ashburn area of Loudoun County. We will begin at Bles Park and follow the Potomac River north to Goose Creek and then return. Very little elevation gain.
No dogs permitted on this hike,
Leader: Ed Brimberg 703-944-9920 (C)
Park Entry Fee: $0.00
Meet at Bles Park @ 9:00am. GPS Coordinates: 39.068909, -77.449010
https://maps.app.goo.gl/9CBS11B7bKaPZHsb7
Do not turn in at the sign that says "Bles Park Trailhead and Kayak Launch". Continue on to the next entrance.AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/potomac-heritage-trail-loudoun-county-7-miles-51769da?u=i&sh=7cs7ov
30 attendees
Past events
4675
