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
24
Harpers Ferry Amory Trail, Battlefields & Streets (Rating: C)
Dulles Transit Center Park and Ride, XHG8+GGG, dulles, 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 7 mile hike with 900’ elevation gain in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. This is not your usual Harpers Ferry hike, for a some of the hike we will be on paved roads and streets. We will cover the historic Amory and trail, battlefields and surrounding streets stopping for lunch at a beautiful overlook.
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/nvhcdogpolicyLeader: Ed Brimberg 703-944-9920 (C)
Carpools: Plan to arrive at the Dulles Transit Park and Ride at 7:45am, Carpools leave at 8:00am. GPS Coordinates: 38.976317, -77.433659, https://maps.app.goo.gl/5VB71QdWsy9KjGZi8. Go to the end of Pacific Blvd and turn left into the Park and Ride lot.
Suggested carpool fee is $7. The leader will be at the carpool location. Driving time to the trailhead from the carpool location ~1 hour.If you are going to the trailhead, arrive at the Harpers Ferry Train Station at 9:00am hike starts at 9:15am, GPS coordinates: 39.324540, -77.731047
https://goo.gl/maps/yLmDLB9cx44Bkr4z7Parking Fee at Train Station: $20 (The only way to pay is scan the QR code on your phone) or free with National Park pass. If you have a pass please display it with signature side up on your vehicle's dashboard, where it can clearly be seen through the windshield.
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.
AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/harpers-ferry-armory-canal-75a05b5?u=i&sh=7cs7ov
You must be experienced in hikes of this distance and elevation gain.
27 attendees
Ashby Gap to Rod Hollow Shelter (Rating: B)
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 out-and-back hike, about 7.2 miles with approximately 1,200' elevation gain. We'll hike north along the AT to the Rod Hollow shelter, where we'll stop for a snack break. On the return leg, we'll take a side trail passing by the Myron Glaser cabin (pictured). We'll hike at a pace of 2.0-2.5 mph when moving.
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Leader: Steve Wiley, cell: 571-345-6441
*For those wishing to carpool, the suggested carpool location is at the Centerville Park & Ride The driving time from there to the trailhead is about 40 minutes. Please arrive at the Park and Ride by 8:00AM to form carpools so drivers can leave at 8:05AM. The hike leader will not be at the carpool location. Suggested carpool fee is $5.
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: Ashby Gap Appalachian Trail Access 8:45 AM
GPS Coordinates: 39.017020, -77.962249
Look for a gravel driveway on the left, about .2 mile after turning north on VA-601.Park Entry Fee: $0
Rating: B
Map for hike: AllTrails, Ashby Gap to Rod Hollow Shelter
You must be experienced in hikes of this distance and elevation gain.
16 attendees
Lands Run Gap to Dickey Ridge Visitors Center (Rating: B)
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.
Speed: Our pace will vary from 2.0 to 2.5 (slower on uphills).
This is essentially an out-and-back hike, 8 miles total with approximately 1,400 feet of elevation gain. Most of the hike is under canopy. We will stop for lunch after 4 miles on the Dickey Ridge Trail at the Dickey Ridge Visitors Center. There are restrooms, water sources, and great views here. Coming back, we will take the Snead Farm Trail and see an interesting old barn.
Please arrive at the Centreville Park and Ride Lot by 7:20 a.m. to sign in, form carpools, and leave by 7:30.
GPS Coordinates: 38.836038, -77.455371, https://goo.gl/maps/hc3LRG7Hsy2wMJs18
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.
We will drive to the Shenandoah National Park, North Entrance. It is suggested that you stop at Dickey Ridge Visitors Center, which is shortly after entering the park on the right as there are no restrooms trailhead. Then drive to Lands Run Gap, which is on the right side of the parkway at about Mile Post 9. We will start our hike here.
There are only about a dozen parking spaces in the lot, so, car pooling is recommended.
Anyone wishing to meet us in the park, please be at the trailhead by 8:50 a.m.
Entrance fee to Shenandoah National Park is $30 per car, to be shared by those in the car. If anyone in the car has a national park pass, such as Senior Pass, there is no fee for that car. Carpool fee is $8 per person.
You must be experienced in hikes of this distance, pace and elevation gain.
Recommended Equipment: Insect repellant, Hiking boots or shoes, snack/lunch, 2 liters water, hiking poles if you use them
Leader: Gail Markulin (703) 402-5902 (C)
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
20 attendees
Bikelane Brewery to Meadowlark Botanical Garden- (Rating: C/B)
The Bike Lane, 11150 Sunset Hills Road, Reston, 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 will be an "out and back" hike covering 9.2 miles with 469 feet of elevation gain. We'll start at the Bike Lane Bike Shop and Brewery and hike on the W&OD , the Twin Branch Trail and the Meadowlark Connector Trail. At the end of the hike we can gather for a beer or other cold beverage at the brewery.
Meadowlark Botanical Garden is one of the true gems of Northern Virginia and features a Korean Bell Garden.
To quote from the Washington Post**:**
"The only Korean Bell Garden in the Western Hemisphere is the place to start: The centerpiece is a natural wooden pavilion — built entirely without nails — holding a three-ton bell, handmade in South Korea and decorated with flora and fauna. The garden also contains a mix of plants native to Korea and Virginia, protective figures carved from volcanic rock called dol hareubangs, walls decorated with images of flowers and symbols of longevity, and a koi pond with a fountain. "To quote from the Meadowlark Garden website:
" Koi swim in Lake Caroline as if parading their gem-like scales among the snapping turtles with decades of filamentous algae streaming from arching shells. October highlights are: False aster (Boltonia asteroides), azure monkshood (Acontium carmichaelii), Canadian burnet (Sanguisorba minor)."We'll stop at the Meadowlark Visitor Center where you can relax, browse the exhibits or take a stroll in the Gardens (General Admission $9 with $5 for those over 60).
We hike at a pace of approximately 2.5 mph while moving. You must be experienced with hikes of this length and elevation gain.
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy.
https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Please note only service animals are allowed in the Garden and Visitor Center so canine hikers will have to wait outside during our stop.Leader: Steve Frith cell 703-629-0174
Park Entry Fee: see above description for optional stroll through the Garden
Map for hike:
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-1b24bc3?u=i&sh=iypgzx
32 attendees
Past events
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