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
23
Bear Church Rock (Rating: A+)
Centreville Park & Ride, 14700 Lee Hwy, 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 A+ hike (strenuous) due to distance and elevation.
PLEASE NOTE: This hike is only suitable for those who have recent experience hiking this distance and elevation gain. There is a potentially tricky water crossing depending on the water level. Shoe covers are advised.
This hike is 12.8ish miles and about 3,100 feet of elevation gain. We will start the hike on the Graves Mill Trail then take the Staunton River Trail to the Fork Mountain Fire Road to the Jones Mountain Trail, where we’ll eventually hit Bear Church Rock, then back to the Staunton River Trail and Graves Mill Trail to the cars.
For those wishing to CARPOOL, the suggested carpool location is at the Centreville Park and Ride, 14700 Lee Highway, Centreville, VA. The driving time from there to the trailhead is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes (with no stop). Please arrive at the Park and Ride before 7:00 AM to form carpools so all cars can leave at 7:00 AM sharp. I WILL BE AT THE CARPOOL LOCATION.
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 participation is at your own risk. Suggested carpool fee: $9.00 per rider.
Need-to-know info:
- CARPOOLING: See above. Parking is limited so carpooling is advised.
- Distance: 12.8ish miles
- Elevation gain: 3,100ish ft.
- Pace: 2.5 - 2.7 mph overall
- Trailhead meetup time: 8:45 A.M. Hike starts at 9:00 A.M. SHARP.
- Parking Coordinates: 38.43714,-78.36709
- Park Entry fee: $0
- Carpool Fee: $9
- Pace: 2.5-2.7 mph when moving.
- Terrain: Somewhat rocky, steep and gentle grades, three stream crossings
- Bring: Adequate water, lunch/snacks, hat, tick/bug spray, basic first aid kit, map, rain gear (depending), hiking poles, hiking shoes, boot covers for the stream crossing (just to be prepared) and a good attitude.
- Pets: Allowed per NVHC guidelines. Must be leashed
PLEASE PRINT OUT ANY MAPS THAT YOU MAY NEED. ALL THE LINKS AND COORDINATES YOU WILL NEED HAVE BEEN PROVIDED.
AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/reverse-bear-church-rock-de03bef
Any questions? Message or call the Hike Leader:
Caroline S (703)489-1315
17 attendees
First and Second Manassas Battlefield Hike (Rating: B)
Manassas Battlefield, 6511 Sudley Rd, Manassas, 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.
This is a 9 mile, approximately 580 feet elevation gain hike within the Manassas National Battlefield Park over the First and Second Manassas Trails.
The hiking pace will be about 2.5 mph.The “First and Second Manassas” are named for two important American Civil War battles that occurred on July 21, 1861 (First Manassas) from August 28 to August 30, 1862 (Second Manassas) respectively.
NOTE: The North typically named battles after nearby rivers or geographical features. Whereas the Confederacy often named battles after the nearest town or city. For example, the South named First Manassas because of nearby Manassas but the battle was named First Bull Run by the North after Bull Run.
Route:
The route map is pictured in the photos.Meetup
Meet at the Manassas Battlefield National Park’s Henry Hill Visitor Center located at GPS: 38.812964,-77.520982 no later than 8:30 AM.
NOTE: I have a gray Subaru Outback with Virginia license plate VTS-2219.Dogs
Dogs are permitted in accordance with the NVHC pet policy: https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy. Please note that park policy states that dogs and other pets are allowed in the park and must be kept on a leash, even on the trails. The leash must remain connnected to you and the pet at all times while in the park.Fees
There is no park entrance or parking fee.
Suggested carpool fee is $0.
Leader: Jim Hollis (703-927-7189)… Please use text or leave message.11 attendees
Fountainhead West - Bull Run Occoquan Trail (Rating: B)
Fountainhead Regional Park, 10875 Hampton Road, Fairfax Station, 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 mile out and back lariat hike with 984 feet of elevation gain.
Description:
Join us for a scenic hike in the forest of Fountainhead and along Occoquan Reservoir. We will hike on the Bull Run Occoquan Trail from Fountainhead Regional Park heading west to the Wolf Run, Coe Creek areas and back. There are rolling hills, but they are short and spread out. We'll get an enjoyable workout!Hiking Pace:
The pace will be about 2.5 mph.Bring:
At least 2 liters of water/hydration, snacks/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes since there are some rocky areas with tree roots and leaves. For the hills, hiking poles if you normally use them.WHERE TO MEET:
After pulling into Fountainhead Park (10875 Hampton Road, Fairfax, VA), continue driving in on Fountainhead Access Rd, past the maintenance building on the right. The large parking lot is the next turn; it's on the right. Meet at the trailhead parking lot 15 minutes early to allow everyone to sign in and get ready to hike at 9:30am. GPS 38.72483, -77.33010Fee: There is no parking fee.
Dogs are welcome.
NVHC Dog policy: https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicyThere are porta-johns at the trailhead at Fountainhead Park parking lot.
Trail Map:
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/afternoon-hike-8223de3?u=i&sh=oxfau4Optional post-hike rehydration at Bunnyman Brewing Cafe at Lorton Workhouse.
Any questions, please message me here or text/call @202-528-0456. If you text me, please include your name.
25 attendees
Tuscarora South of Route 55 (Rating: A)
Centreville Park & Ride Lot, 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 a 11 mile in and out hike on the Virginia/West Virginia border with 1900 feet elevation gain on Great North Mountain in George Washington & Jefferson National Forests. We will follow the Tuscarora Trail from route 55 south for 5.5 miles to a ridge with an overlook. We will then retrace our steps back to the Gerhard shelter where we will stop for lunch. We will then continue back to the cars. Nice views from the ridge. We hike at a pace of 2-2.5 mph while moving.
Leader: Dick Pregent (703) 587-2359
Carpools: Meet at the Centreville Park and Ride at 7:30am. Suggested carpool fee is $5. The leader will not be at the carpool location. Carpooling is encouraged as parking is limited. GPS Coordinates: 38.836038, -77.455371. https://goo.gl/maps/hc3LRG7Hsy2wMJs18
Driving time to trailhead from carpool location: 1 hour 5 minutes.
Meet at the trailhead @ 8:45am. GPS Coordinates: 39.085566, -78.509264 https://goo.gl/maps/Zph8XiJSqghYgHtXA
Park on the left side of the road by the chain link fence. For safety you may need to continue down the hill a little to find a safe place to make a U-turn. Parking is on the shoulder of road.
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.
Park Entry Fee: $0
Rating: A
Map for hike: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B1YnThwxtF-hN3laSmotSHFoMzg/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-KVZJsK_d_1OJ-4bjD5hbZQ
Alltrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/tuscarora-south-of-route-55?u=i
****You must be experienced in hikes of this distance, pace and elevation gain***
20 attendees
Past events
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