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
22
Leesylvania State Park (Rating:C)
2001 Daniel K Ludwig Dr, 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.
7.5-mile hike with 580 feet of elevation gain.
Join us at Leesylvania State Park for a scenic and enjoyable hike!
Description: We will hike several trails within the park which includes historic sites and a great bluff overlook of the Potomac River and the Neabsco Creek areas.
We will then walk along the shore of the Potomac River until reaching the forest area of Powell’s Creek where we will do another short loop to include a section of the Potomac Heritage Trail.
There are several rolling hills but they are short and spread out.The pace will be about 2.5 mph.
There are restrooms adjacent to the parking area. Lunch/snack break about halfway through.
Bring:
Sufficient water/hydration, snacks/lunch, and good hiking shoes. . Most of the hike will be in the forest canopy. Recommend insect repellent and sunscreen. There are no stream crossings.Fee: The park fee is $10 unless you have a Virginia State Park Pass or an REI receipt from a participating Virginia REI. You may want to bring cash in case the contact station is not staffed. If the contact station is not staffed, place your fee or REI receipt in the envelope, tear off the tab and hang that from your rearview mirror.
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.
Leesylvania State Park: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/leesylvania
Trail Guide: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/document/data/trail-guide-leesylvania.pdf
Meeting Place Instructions: We are meeting at the far end of the parking lot past the visitor center (about 2.5 miles after entering the park). Coordinates 38.590687,-77.249670
Optional post-hike rehydration tbd.
Any questions, please message me here or text/call @202-528-0456. If you text me, please include your name.
21 attendees
Donaldson Run (Rate: C)
Theodore Roosevelt island, Potomac heritage trail, 38°53'52.4"N 77°04'03.5"W, Arlington, 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.
7.9 mile Out-Back hike with 417 feet of elevation gain. Est. 4 hr. We will get take the Potomac Heritage Trail along the Potomac River to Donaldson Run.
Description:
This fun hike starts out at the Roosevelt Island parking lot (Rosslyn
We follow the Potomac Heritage Trail which overlooks the Potomac River.This is a “rugged” hiking trail with beautiful waterfalls and amazing views but it features steep, rocky scrambles and is muddy after rain.
Windy Run is the first point of interest before reaching Donaldson Run; both offer the ability to exit the trail to local neighborhoods.
We will exit the trail and follow Donaldson Run to Military Road.There is a lot of maneuvering along this trail: several stream crossings, rock scrambles, need to navigate over trunks.
You must be experienced in hikes of this level of challenge, distance, pace and elevation gain.
Hike Pace: Pace will be about 2 to 2.5 mph.
Bring: Adequate water/hydration, snacks/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes since there are stream crossings, rocky areas/tree roots.. Hiking poles if you normally use them.
Fee: None
Dogs: dogs are NOT welcome on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy.
Where to Meet: Meet at the Rosslyn end of the Roosevelt Island parking lot at 9:00 to allow everyone to get signed in and ready to hike at 9:30 am. The Hatchback of my Honda Fit will be up.
By Metro Roosevelt island is a 10-15 minute walk from the Rosslyn Metro station toward the Key Bridge. A short paved connecting trail leads downhill to the Roosevelt parking lot. A small green sign indicating Roosevelt Island at 0.25 mile on the right.
By Car Drivers can only reach Theodore Roosevelt Island from the Virginia side of the river in the northbound lanes of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. After Memorial Bridge, follow the signs and turn right into the parking lot.
Coordinates: 38.8958415°N, -77.0624191°W
LINK to Roosevelt Island18 attendees
4H Center - Compton Peak - Hickerson Hollow (Rating: A)
Centreville Park & Ride, 14700 Lee Hwy, Centreville, VA, USREQUIRED: You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet
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 11 miles with 2400 feet elevation gain in SNP.
Pace will be about 2.5MPH while moving. We will begin at the 4H Center near Front Royal (park at the top lot after the 4H gate), pick up the Appalachian Trail, go over to Compton Peak, back over to Dickey Ridge Trail and return via Hickerson Hollow Trail. Bring an apple or some carrots in case the horse at the Promised Land comes out to greet us.**You must be experienced in hikes of this distance, elevation gain and speed. ***
Leader: David K 571-488-4449
The hike leader will meet at the trailhead at 8AM.For those wishing to carpool, the suggested carpool location is at the Centerville P&R. The driving time from there to the trailhead is about 1 hour. Please arrive at the Park and Ride a few minutes before 7AM to form carpool so all cars can leave at 7AM.
Suggested carpool fee is $7.
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.
I plan to meet everyone at the trailhead.
Suggested carpool fee is $7.
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.
IMPORTANT!
You must be experienced in hikes of this distance and elevation gain. If I do not already know you, please contact me directly (571-488-4449). I reserve the right to drop anyone I feel may not have the necessary skills!
If I see that you are "double-booked" on another hike on the same day as this hike, I WILL DROP YOU FROM THIS HIKE. This is a courtesy to those waiting patiently on the waitlist.Trailhead: 4-H Center Parking Lot at 8AM
GPS Coordinates: 38.86418073943538, -78.16974356847578 https://goo.gl/maps/oTdG2BfeYMTP1cu16
Park Entry Fee: $0
Rating: B
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/1H_3z72qDAuyoD05_lzrXPnc3v4RNQmO7/view?usp=share_link
6 attendees
Volunteer Work Day - Sweet Run State Park (Rating: Fun)
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.
Sweet Run State Park Virginia features expansive views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Sweet Run and Piney Run streams bisect the property. The property includes eleven miles of hiking and 9 miles of equestrian trails along streams, through mature forest, meadows and mountain-side terrains. It is located between Hillsboro, VA, and Harper's Ferry, WV.
They have a need for volunteers to assist in doing maintenance in the park. Some hiking required. The work will involve removing water bars from the Derry Loop that are no longer doing their job and creating tripping hazards for equestrians and hikers. This will involve digging, lifting, and then re-grading the area. Bring a water bottle and work gloves. Sunscreen and bug spray/bug net are also recommended. Wear good cover from the sun and long pants. They will have a water cooler and snacks. This is your chance to do some rewarding work.
We plan to work from 9:00am until noon. After the work you are welcome to bring your lunch to eat at the picnic tables afterwards.
Leader: Ed Brimberg 703-944-9920
Attendees limited to 15.
No dogs permitted.
Park Entry Fee: None, as volunteers they will pass out hang tags to us at the parking lot.
Rating: Fun
Carpools: 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 $5. **The leader will be at the carpool location.** Driving time to the trailhead from the carpool location ~45 minutes.
If meeting at the Blue Ridge Center, arrive by 8:45am work starts at 9:00am.
GPS Coordinates: 39.2925, -77.7260 https://goo.gl/maps/EerEemX8pKPZe7sD7Neither 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.
This event will be postponed in the event of bad weather.
11 attendees
Past events
4837
