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
16
Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge (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.
*The Refuge has a 9 person group limit, so please only sign up if you know you can attend. Thank you.
Join me for a lovely hike along the water in this 644 acre gem. The diverse forest and wetland habitats of Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge support a wide variety of resident and migratory wildlife, including over 200 species of birds, 79 species of butterflies, and 77 species of Dragonflies and Damselflies. Turkeys and eagles are often spotted, and water lotus may be in bloom.
This National Refuge land has an interesting history. It was once a tobacco plantation, fishery, hog farm, and a popular tourist spot known as Dawson Beach in the 1940s. From 1950-1990, it was home to the US Army Harry Diamond Laboratory for radio transmitting and top secret research.
Please arrive 5 minutes early to sign in. We will start promptly at 8:30. The wildlife is usually more active in the morning, and we want to beat the hottest part of the day. Please note that we will NOT be parking at the Visitor Center. When you enter through the gate, keep going straight and you will run into the parking lot on the right.
DISTANCE: 5 miles flat on natural surface
PACE: 2.5-3 mph moderate pace while moving
DOGS: Dogs are not permitted inside the refuge
MEETUP LOCATION: Occoquan National Wildlife Refuge 14050 Dawson Beach Rd. Woodbridge, VA
FEE: $0.00
RESTROOMS: Restrooms at the start.
LEADER: Kris N. (618) 623-24849 attendees
Potomac Heritage- Goose Creek to Bles Park (Rating: C)
Kephart Bridge Landing, 43942 Riverpoint Drive (Lansdowne area), 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 an 8.8 mile with 75 ft elevation out and back hike on the Potomac Heritage Trail in Loudoun County. On this hike we'll experience scenic Goose Creek as it flows into the expanse of the Potomac. There is also a lot of history as we hike along the ruins of the Goose Creek Canal ( see the background information below) and Selden Island which is privately owned and is known for it's prehistoric archaeological sites dating back to 1000BC.
We will begin at Riverpoint Drive trailhead (Porta Potty is available) and follow Goose Creek and then the Potomac to our turnaround at Bles Park where there are restrooms.Background History: In 1849, construction began on a system of locks and dams to render the Goose Creek navigable up to three large mills in the Loudoun Valley. By 1845, the Goose Creek and Little River Navigation Company canal system had been completed on Goose Creek to Ball's (Evergreen) Mill, 12 miles (19 km) upstream from the mouth. Though the lower portion of the canal saw significant usage, only one boat was ever known to have traveled the whole stretch, and by 1857 the canal was put out of business by the completion of the Alexandria, Loudoun and Hampshire Railroad to Leesburg. Most of the locks and dams were destroyed by the Union Army during the Civil War.
We hike at a pace of ~ 2.5 mph while moving. You must have experience with hikes of this length and elevation gain.
Meet at the Riverpoint Drive Trailhead at 8:45am for sign-in. Restroom (Porta Potty) is available at the Trailhead
Dogs are welcome on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicyhttps://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolic
Leaders: Steve Frith cell 703-629-0174
Park Entry Fee: $0.00
Map for hike:
https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=11.3/-77.4740/39.085138 attendees
Shenandoah River State Park (Rating: B)
New Stable Way, New Stable Wy, Gainesville, 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.
9 miles with 900 feet of elevation gain.
Description: A very scenic hike in the forest of Shenandoah River State Park and along the shore of the South Fork of the Shenandoah River. In addition to the meandering river frontage, the park offers scenic views of Massanutten Mountain to the west and Shenandoah National Park to the east.
We will combine several trails in the Park to make a nice loop. We will visit a couple of nice overlooks, one of which we stop at for lunch.The pace will be about 2.5 mph. The elevation gain on this hike is pretty much spread out over the course of the hike. You should be experienced at this distance and elevation gain.
There are restrooms at the canoe launch area (where we start) as well as at the Visitor Center.
Bring: adequate water/hydration (at least 2 liters), also snacks/lunch, and insect repellent, sun screen. The route is mostly level with some rolling hills and there are no stream crossings. Some sections may get muddy after heavy rains. I recommend sturdy hiking shoes there are areas of the trail with tree roots.
Fee: $10.00 park entrance fee (no fee for state park pass holders) or use your REI purchase receipt parking coupon from a participating Virginia REI.
Provide your REI receipt to the contact station ranger or insert it in a self-pay envelope and hang the tab on your rearview mirror.
Dogs:
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicyCARPOOLING: For those who are looking to carpool, meet at University Blvd - Gainesville Park and Ride and plan to leave NLT 8:00am to arrive at the trailhead in time to get signed in and start hiking at 9:00am.
A new Sheetz has opened in the Park & Ride, this would be a good meeting point. New Stable Way, directly across from the Sheetz store.
GPS 38.801119, -77.589532Neither 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. Suggested carpool fee: $5.00 per rider. Driving time from Gainesville Park & Ride to Shenandoah River State Park is about 50 minutes.
NOTE: The times listed for the hike include starting and finishing at Gainesville Park & Ride.
If you are going directly to the trailhead at Shenandoah River State Park the times will be 9:00am-1:00pm.Meet at the trailhead parking lot 15 minutes early to allow everyone to be signed in and get ready to hike at 9:00am. The gate at the contact station opens at 8:00am.
Shenandoah River State Park Info:
https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/shenandoah-riverShenandoah River State Park address is:
350 Daughter of Stars Dr., Bentonville, VADirections to Shenandoah River State Park.
Trailhead GPS coordinates 38.86284, -78.30555
From Northern Virginia, take I-66 West to exit 13 (Linden). Turn left off the ramp. Go one block to a stoplight where you'll take a right onto Rt. 55 West. At the fifth stoplight, turn left onto 340 South. Drive eight miles; the park's entrance is on the right. About 50 minutes drive time from Gainesville Park & Ride.Post hike rehydration TBD
Any questions, please message meus here or text/call @ 202-528-0456
44 attendees
AT - MD Washington Monument, Reno Monument, County Agr. Fair (Rating: C)
Washington Monument State Park parking lot, 6620 Zittlestown Rd,, Middletown, MD, US--Date moved from July 18 to July 25 due to smoke from Canadian wildfires--
Disclaimer
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.Hike description
This is an out and back hike with a distance of 6.5 miles and an elevation gain of 1200 ft.Starting in the parking lot of Washington Monument State Park we'll walk a short distance north to see Maryland's Washington Monument, read it's history, and enjoy the great view. The inside of the Monument opens at 10 am so those who wish to enter can do so after the hike.
We'll then hike back south, past the parking lot and continue on the Appalachian Trail, passing the small Dahlgren Chapel and stopping to check out the Dalhlgren Camping Area.
From there we'll continue hiking south to the Reno Monument which commemorates Union General Jesse Lee Reno, killed in that area during the Civil War Battle of South Mountain on September 14, 1862. We'll stop at the Monument for a snack and then hike back north to the Washington Monument State Park parking lot.
Afterward (optional) we'll drive to the Washington County Ag Expo and Fair at 7313 Sharpsburg Pike, Boonsboro, MD 21713 for fair food and farm animals. They may also have carnival rides. Admission to the fair is $7. Parking is free.
Link to the fair website: https://agexpoandfair.org/.There are regular public toilets next to the parking lot where we'll start and end our hike, and also at the Dahlgren Camping Area.
We’ll hike at a 2.0 to 2.5 mph pace when moving,
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy.
Leader: Ron Krifcher 703-856-7557 (C)
Park Fees:
$2 per vehicle for Maryland residents and $4 per vehicle for non-residents.
Entrance is free for holders of the MD State Park Passport or Golden Age Pass.Meet
Meet at 8:30 am at the Washington Monument State Park parking lot which is northwest from the intersection of Zittlestown Rd and Washington Monument Rd (go up the hill passing the 1st parking lot on the left until you arrive at the 2nd parking lot near the main buildings). GPS Coordinates: 39.499033, -77.623725.Carpools
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 a carpool location. Carpooling is organized by the participants and they participate at their own risk. Feel free to arrange a carpool in the comment section below. Carpooling is organized by the participants and they participate at their own risk.Alltrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-94613c8?u=i&sh=r3znix
You must be experienced in hikes of this distance, pace and elevation gain to join this hike.
6 attendees
Past events
4897
