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
28
Bearfence Rock Scramble- Rapidan Camp/Camp Hoover (Rating: A)
Centreville Park n Ride, 6168 Early Autumn Dr, 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 hike is about 12 miles with an elevation gain of about 1900 ft.
A very nice hike in Shenandoah National Park, to the iconic Camp Rapidan, or better known as Camp Hoover, President Hoover's summer mountain retreat. To add to the adventure, before we take off for Camp Hoover, we will do the Bearfence Mountain Rock scramble for some great views.
Description: We will hike starting at the Milam Gap parking area and connect on the Appalachian Trail to the summit of Hazeltop Mtn, (600 ft elevation over about 1.8 miles). We will continue on the AT to Bearfence Rock and complete that loop. There will be an option to do the rock scramble or just hike a short distance around to the other end of Bearfence Rock where we will all meet up. We will snack here while we enjoy the view. We will return on the AT to Laurel Prong trail and descend to Camp Rapidan. We will stop for a late lunch at Camp Hoover with some time to look over the Camp. We will then begin our return on Mill Prong trail back to the parking lot.
You should be in good physical condition to deal with the mileage and elevation gain. If you haven't hiked with me before, I may contact you to discuss this hike. Please note: The rock scramble on Bearfence Rock requires the use of both hands. Read the Bearfence Rock description in the link below. If you have any questions about this, please contact me.
The pace will be about 2.5 mph, slower on rock scramble and uphill. Hiking time with lunch, about 5 hours.
Alltrails Map
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/bearfence-rapidan-51f3eb9?u=i&sh=z7o4imBearfence Rock:
https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/upload/Bearfence_RoadTrail.pdfBring adequate water/hydration (at least 2 liters), snacks/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes for the rock scramble as well as other rocky areas, tree roots, and potential wet areas. Hiking poles are helpful if you usually hike with them. However, you will need to stow your hiking poles for the Bearfence rock scramble. There are several stream crossings, which are usually easily crossed.
Park Entrance Fee: $30 entrance fee for Shenandoah National Park unless you have a National Park pass or a Shenandoah annual park pass. Military and Veterans are eligible for a military pass, just show your military/retired/veterans ID.
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Please note: dogs are not allowed on Bearfence Rock so if you bring a dog, you must take the trail loop on the AT around the rock scramble.
NOTE: Anyone not wishing to do the rock scramble can also take the AT around and meet us at the other end of the Bearfence Rock scramble. We'll stop and discuss when we get to the rock scramble point of the hike.
Carpools: Meet at the Centreville Park and Ride
Suggested carpool fee is $8. The hike leader will NOT be at the carpool location. Driving time to Milam Gap is about 1 hour 50 minutes. Carpoolers should plan to leave the Park & Ride by 7:00am
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.
If you are driving directly to Milam Gap, please be there a by 9am so we can get everyone signed in for a 9:15 am start. Milam Gap is at mile marker 52.6 on Skyline Drive , GPS 38.49985, -78.44556 .
Please note: The hike starts at Milam Gap parking lot at 9:15am.
If you haven't hiked with me before, please provide you full name, cell phone number, and emergency contact number. You can provide the info to me on Meetup message or text me at the number below.
Any questions? Message me on Meetup messenger or text me, 703-489-1315. If you text me, please include your name.
5 attendees
Billy Goat B & C Trails, Olmsted Island, C&O Towpath - (Rating: B)
Billy Goat Trail Section C, Naval Surface Warfare Center 38.972500, -77.200000, Carderock, 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.
10.5 miles with 250 feet elevation gain.
Let's hike the recently reopened Billy Goat B trail which has been closed for several years. One of my favorite sections, I'm glad it's back!
This is a beautiful area along the scenic C&O Canal National Historical Park towpath. This trek will include a hike on Billy Goat B & C trails with great views of the Potomac River, as well as the roaring waters of Olmsted Island and the Great Falls overlook. This route includes a very scenic section of the towpath.
Description:
We'll start our hike on Billy Goat C trail and hike until we connect with the C&O Canal towpath. We'll hike to the Tavern visitor center for lunch break before we reconnect with the towpath. and make our way to Olmsted Island and the Great Falls Overlook. We'll then resume on the towpath until we cross over the canal onto Berma Road for a short distance where we reconnect to the towpath at Angler's Inn parking area. We're back on the towpath where we will connect to Billy Goat B trail. Note: There is one stream crossing on Billy Goat B which is fairly easily crossed by stone stepping.
After completing Billy Goat B, we'll then connect back to the towpath and return to the trailhead parking.The pace will be about 2.5 mph.
Bring:
Adequate water/hydration, snacks/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes since there are some rocky areas and tree roots on both Billy Goat B & C.
Restrooms are available at the Carderock Picnic Area parking lot where we start as well as at the Tavern Visitor Center. Hiking poles may be useful if you normally use them.Trailhead:
We will meet in the Carderock Picnic Grounds parking lot in Carderock Recreation Area.
Please plan on being there at 8:45am so we can get everyone signed in and start the hike on time.Dogs are welcome.
Dog Policy https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicyPlease note: Dogs are not allowed on the Olmsted Island boardwalk, so you will have to wait while the group completes the Olmsted Island walk.
There are no fees.
Map of Hiking Trails at Great Falls, Maryland:
https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/upload/Great-Falls-Hiking-Map.pdfDirections to Carderock Picnic Grounds Parking at Carderock Recreation Area:
From I-495, take the exit for Clara Barton Pkwy, continue on the Pkwy until you see the exit for Carderock near the Naval Surface Warfare Center. After exiting at Carderock, you will pass under the towpath tunnel. Turn left after going under the towpath tunnel and continue into the picnic grounds parking lot.
GPS 38.97122, -77.19874Any questions, please message me here or text/call @202-528-0456. If you text me, please include your name.
20 attendees
Sky Meadows right side everything (Rating: A; ***FAST***)
Location not specified yetREQUIRED: 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.
The hike is about 12.5 miles with 1600 feet elevation gain in Sky Meadows State Park. We will start from the visitor center with a quick warmup climbing up North Ridge trail to the overlooks. After looping back down, we will head to lost mountain and hike almost every trail on the east side.
We hike at a pace of 3-3.5 mph when moving. Faster on flat/downhill sections. This is considered a fast hike. You must be experienced in hikes of this distance, elevation gain and speed.Leader: Xiaobin 857-408-1070
The hike leader will meet at the trailhead at 8AM.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.
Trailhead: Sky Meadows Visitor Parking at 8AM
GPS Coordinates: 38.99193015785012, -77.96586598358779 https://goo.gl/maps/ppMunuKYabQcaH4w8Park Entry Fee: $10 or free if you have a Virginia State Park Pass or a receipt from participating REI stores in Virginia (details: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/pr-relz-detail?id=2016-05-18-14-32-37-164146-2x3)
Rating: A
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Hiking Map: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uZ1XnrV92qQwTChGLe-bBFjNdtn5QcH7/view?usp=share_link
3 attendees
City Nature Challenge at Occoquan (Rating: D)
Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, 14050 Dawson Beach Rd, Woodbridge, 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 DON'T NEED TO ATTEND THIS HIKE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CITY NATURE CHALLENGE. PLEASE READ ON!)
Come hike with us for up to 6ish flat miles on dirt trails along Belmont and Occoquan bays to survey birds, beasts, and blooms for the global City Nature Challenge. Even if you can't attend April 24, you can join this friendly nature competition and either survey on your own anywhere in DC, MD, and/or VA between April 24 to April 27 and/or help us (and other ordinary folks turned citizen-scientists) to identify our observations online from 4/28-5/10. You can find other in-person and/or virtual events here: https://citynaturechallengedc.org/events/
Our pace will range greatly, from dawdling to 3 mph with a plethora of stops. We’ll likely find nesting bald eagles, ospreys, and sunflower-yellow prothonotary warblers; uncommon spotted turtles; wildflowers, fungi; slinky snakes; and much more.
The hike leader is a Virginia Master Naturalist but more a jack-of-all-trades than a specialist in birding or botany. So birders, botanists, herpetologists, biologists, and others with specialized knowledge are especially welcome. But EQUALLY WELCOME ARE COMPLETE NOVICES who are excited to learn about (and protect) the goodies in our figurative and literal backyards.
IT'S EASY-PEASY TO JOIN US:
1. RSVP here.
2. Before you come, download the iNaturalist app and practice with it in your own neighborhood or in a local park. Basically you just photograph an animal, a bird, a plant, or fungi, and just upload the pic to the app or website on your computer. (No pets or cultivated plants, please.)
https://www.inaturalist.org3. OPTIONAL: Join the "City Nature Challenge 2026: Washington DC Metro Area" project on the app and join OBNWR’s own project on the app. (Not required but helpful to learn about relevant projects.)
iNat offers lots of tips, including videos, if you need help. But if you prefer some more personalized help, just post here or send the hike leader a private Meetup message.
MEET: 8 a.m. at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 14050 Dawson Beach Rd., Woodbridge, VA. Copy these GPS coordinates into Google Maps ( 38.644642, -77.244276 ) or click here for directions: https://goo.gl/maps/S1eA3aHXRCUDX5S88
https://goo.gl/maps/S1eA3aHXRCUDX5S88City Nature Challenge 2026 Washington DC Metro Area
iNat Project to join:
https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/city-nature-challenge-2026-washington-dc-metro-areaOBNWR iNat project to join:
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?place_id=57206CASH: Please bring $1 cash (no change) to cover our $20 federal permit.
RESTROOMS: Near start, near middle, at end, and biobreaks in between.
OBNWR HOTSPOT ON eBIRD:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L718641OBNWR BROCHURE & MAP:
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/occoquan-bay
https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/FINAL_OccoquanGenBrochure2018_0.pdfIMPORTANT NOTES: Adults only. No pets are even allowed in cars at this special refuge. We'll likely finish well before 1 p.m., but that's for planning purposes since we don't know what we'll discover on our hike.
BRING: Sense of humor, sense of awe, water, snack/lunch, fully charged cell phone with iNaturalist app, optional camera and/or binoculars, sunblock, hand wipes, bug spray, and dress for the weather.
WEATHER: We'll hike in light rain.
CITY NATURE CHALLENGE WASHINGTON DC METRO:
https://citynaturechallengedc.orgINATURALIST:
Nonprofit group's crowd-sourced scientific database.
https://www.inaturalist.orgVIRGINIA MASTER NATURALISTS (VMN):
http://www.virginiamasternaturalist.orgARLINGTON REGIONAL CHAPTER (ARMN) OF VMNs:
https://armn.org12 attendees
Past events
4784
