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
13
Prince William Forest Park (Rating: C)
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.
8.0 mile circuit hike with 600 feet of elevation change.
Description: A scenic hike along the Quantico Creek and the adjoining forest. We will hike several trails including Laurel Loop, South Valley, North Valley, Turkey Run Ridge.
There are several rolling hills, but they are short and spread out. It will be a nice 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 stop for lunch.
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 use them. Insect repellent and sunscreen also recommended. Most of our hike will be in the forest canopy.
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.
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 9:00am.
Prince William Forest Park link: https://www.nps.gov/prwi/index.htm
If you haven't hiked with me before, please provide your full name, cell phone number and emergency contact number. You can text me the info or message me on Meetup Message, don't post it in the comments. You must be able to hike this distance, 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.
Take the SECOND left after entering the park and continue straight ahead into the large lot. GPS Coordinates 38.55931, -77.34853Optional 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.
32 attendees
Pizza In Tacoma Park, MD (Rating: Fun)
Tacoma Metro Station, Carroll and Cedar Streets, Takoma Park, 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: 2 miles. Elevation: Negligible. Pace: 2.0 miles per hour
DESCRIPTION
This event is not really a hike; it intended to bring together hikers who for whatever reason are unable to go on a regular hike but are interested in keeping in touch. In addition, the event is of course fully open to anyone in the club, regardless of their hiking abilities.The highlight will be pizza at the famed local joint, "Red Hound Pizza" [link] at noon. Prior to the meal, optionally, those who can and are willing can join a leisurely two-mile stroll around the pretty, historic town of Tacoma Park.
We will meet east of the Tacoma station on the red line at the junction of Carroll Street and Cedar Street, one block from the Metro, as below:
(1) Strollers: Meet group at 11:00
(2) Non-strollers: Meet the group at 12:00 (same place)PARKING:
Lots nearby; streetside is an option. Parking is free on Sundays.DOGS:
DOGS permitted per Club policy.10 attendees
Riverbend Park (Rating: D)
Riverbend Park, 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.
This is a ~6 mile hike with 450' elevation gain along the Potomac Heritage Trail and various other trails in Riverbend Park which is just north (up river) from Great Falls Park. We hike at a pace of 2.5-3.0 mph when moving.
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
AllTrails Map for hike: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/riverbend-park--10?u=i&sh=7cs7ov
This hike has a permit fee. I will need to collect $2.00 from everyone at the beginning of the hike. Small bills only please.
Leader: Ed Brimberg 703-944-9920 (C)
Meet at the parking lot behind the Visitor Center GPS Coordinates: 39.018709, -77.246025 https://maps.app.goo.gl/8UJ2ttsiKfQ27EXw5
35 attendees
Past events
4871
