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
35
Motts Run Reservoir Recreation Area (Rating: C)
Occoquan commuter lot, 1325 Old Bridge Rd, Woodbridge, VA 22192, USA, Woodbridge, VA, USDetails
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 8.1-mile hike with 738 feet of elevation gain.
The Motts Run Loop meanders through views of water and woodlands. Portions of the trail run alongside the reservoir. With Late-season autumn blooms, we might see Fall Asters. Hopefully, we will see the Black gum and red maple trees begin to show their vibrant colors. As we continue, the trail opens up into a fire road, characterized by a series of ups and downs. We'll encounter some rock gardens and root-filled sections. Bridges along the trail let us cross ravines safely, though we'll also navigate a few small water crossings. Throughout the loop, we'll be treated to beautiful views of the lake and surrounding meadows.
Hiking Pace: Pace will be about 2.5 mph while moving.
Leader: Schenell Agee 540.207.7128 (C)
Bathrooms and Porta Johns are available
and are a fairly short walk from the trail start.AllTrails Map https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/motts-run-loop-0346c89?u=i&sh=pcotzb
Motts-Run-Reservoir-Trail-Guide-PDFMeet at the trailhead parking lot 15 minutes early so everyone can sign in and get ready to hike at 9:00 am. The park is open Thursday – Monday, 7 am – 7 pm.
Trailhead Meeting Instructions: 6600 River Road Fredericksburg, VA 22407 (540) 786-8989 GPS Coordinates: 38.328085, -77.554509. https://maps.app.goo.gl/MBcDfH67pFZkVEJL7
Access to the park via River Rd. We will meet at the Motts Run entrance. Look for a Dark Brown Toyota Highlander.Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
PETS - Pets are permitted at Motts run All dogs must be on a leash. Please clean up after your pet. Pets may not be left unattended at any time.Recommendations:
Insect repellent, snack/lunch, adequate hydration/2 liters of water. Some sections may require a bit of scrambling. I recommend sturdy hiking boots/shoes and poles if you normally use them.Post hike rehydration TBD
Any questions, please message me or call 540.207.7128. If you text me, please include your name.
Park Entrance Fee:
$0.00 | There is limited parking (15 vehicles) at the trailhead start. Additional parking is located down the hill, pass the car park once you enter the area.Carpool Parking:
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.
Hikers will depart at 8:00 A.M. It's about a 45-minute to one hour drive from the Lake Ridge Commuter Lot to Mott's Run depending upon traffic. Suggested carpool fee is $5. Hike leader will meet the group at the trailhead.8 attendees
Ball's Bluff Battlefield Regional Park ( Rating:D)
Edwards Landing Park, 901 Powhatan Court Northeast, 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 a 4~5mile hike with an elevation gain of 600' on various trails in the Ball's Bluff Battlefield Regional Park
https://www.novaparks.com/parks/balls-bluff-battlefield in Leesburg, VA. We will stop half way for a short snack break. We hike at a pace of 2.5 mph while moving.This is the site of one of the largest Civil War engagements in Loudoun County. Major sites at Ball's Bluff include a cemetery, which is the third smallest national cemetery in the United States. Ball's Bluff Battlefield Regional Park also features an interpretive trail, signage and an amazing view of the bluff itself, overlooking the Potomac River.
We will start Edwards Landing Park.Leader: Nancy 703-346-3218 (C)
Rating: D
Meet: 9:00am at Edwards Landing Park. GPS coordinates: 39.120075, -77.524277
https://maps.app.goo.gl/JnfJ9EURn4Z9GURC7Dogs are not permitted on this.
Carpool Fee: N/A
Park Entry Fee: $0.00
7 attendees
Sky Meadows State Park Loop (Rating: B)
Sky Meadows State Park Visitor Center, 11012 Edmonds Ln, Markham, VA 22643, USA, Markham, 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.
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 will be part of our hike. Hopefully we'll get some nice fall colors.
Starting from Sky Meadows State Park visitors center parking area, we will combine several trails including the Ambassador Whitehouse Trail, a portion of the Old Trail, a portion of the Appalachian Trail and the North Ridge and South Ridge Trails There are some nice scenic overlooks, and hopefully we'll get some fall color. Most of the elevation gain is at the beginning.
Optional post-hike gathering at Barrel Oak Winery and Brewery. Feel free to bring your own food (no large coolers) or purchase light fare from Barrel Oak.
HIKE: 7 miles, 1400 ft. of elevation gain. Trails have some rocks and roots. Please make sure you are comfortable with this pace and the elevation gain.
PACE: 2.5-3mph average. Slower uphill, faster downhill.
MEET: Large parkiing lot near the Sky Meadows Visitor Center. There are restrooms behind the log cabin, adjacent to the Visitor Center. Please arrive at 8:45 to allow everyone to check in.
FEE: $10 entrance fee. Hang your VA State Park Pass on the window, or present $10 cash or your REI receipt to the contact station ranger. Use the self-pay envelope to pay the entrance fee if no one is at the contact station is not open and hang the tear-off tab on your rear view mirror.
DOGS: Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
LEADER: Kris N. (618) 623-2484. Please include name when texting.
CARPOOLS: Feel free to organize your own carpools from Centreville Park and Ride. Suggested carpool fee is $4. The leader will not be at the carpool location. GPS Coordinates: 38.836038, -77.455371, https://goo.gl/maps/hc3LRG7Hsy2wMJs18
Driving time from carpool location is ~ 35 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.30 attendees
D.C. Series#1: A Time-Travel Stroll (Rating: C)
Dupont Circle, Dupont Circle, Washington, DC 20036, USA, Washington, DC, 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.
How many stories do you actually remember?
Often, it’s not just the tale itself— it’s the storyteller who breathes life into it. We’ve all heard familiar lore, yet wondered why so few details ever truly stick. Step aboard a metaphorical time machine and join a gossip historian (??!!) with zero chill for a journey into the past, where history isn't just told... it's forged into memories that last forever.
Come and join us for a light ~7.5-mile trek (nah, let's call it strategic strolling) to hear some of the most fascinating stories from the nation’s capital.
On this hike (at least pretend for the sake of our fitness apps, please), we’ll cover as many intriguing spots as possible, complete with a few scenic detours along the way. Consider yourself warned—come prepared, wear comfortable shoes, and bring an appetite for local drama!
Here is a sneak peek at some of the hidden, scandalous, and bizarre corners we'll explore in the greatest city on Earth:
- Put away your passports—we’re about to ascend a landmark named after a country that had absolutely nothing to do with building it.
- Prepare to enter a hidden sanctuary where global superpower alliances were mapped out amidst manicured greenery.
- Unearth juicy secrets that politicians and spies tried to take straight to the grave.
- Step inside a legendary watering hole where spy craft, political deals, and high-society secrets have been washed down with cold drinks for decades. If these walls could talk, they'd need a security clearance!
- Conquer a legendary spot for movie buffs and glute workouts alike.
- Sneak into the darkest concrete corner of American political scandal.
- Travel back to a 19th-century "interstate highway," moving at a blistering speed of two miles per hour.
- Discover how a single piece of duct tape on a door latch changed the course of world history.
- And finally, sign off by saying goodbye to a larger-than-life genius lounging casually on a bench! 😊
We will meet and officially start at Dupont Circle, near Water fountain and finish at Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro Station. Check the starting and endpoint coordinates in the description below. Feel free to coordinate your transit and commute at your own discretion—just make sure you arrive on time and get ready to stroll!
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.
PLEASE PRINT OUT ANY MAPS THAT YOU MAY NEED AS I DO NOT PROVIDE COPIES OF MAPS. ALL THE LINKS AND COORDINATES YOU WILL NEED HAVE BEEN PROVIDED.
If you have ANY question about your ability to complete this hike, please contact hike leader.
Need to know details:
Distance: Approximately 7.5 miles
Elevation gain: Approximately 500 feet
Pace: 2-2.5 mph (Average)
Terrain: Mostly flat
Park entry fee: N/A
Carpool Fee: N/A
Starting point coordinates (Dupont Circle-Water fountain): 38.909694, -77.043351
Endpoint coordinates (Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro): 38.900920, -77.050462
Trailhead meetup time: 8.30 a.m.
Dogs permitted, please on leash. NVHC Dog Policy: https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Bring: Minimum 2-liter water, food/snacks, sun hat, layers, basic first aid kit, rain gear (depending on weather), poles, good walking shoe, sunscreen, bug spray, and your big, happy smile 😊.Any questions? Message or text me! Looking forward to this awesome hike.
Saran
(848) 248-055545 attendees
Past events
5025
