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
35
Dickey Ridge to Visitors Center/Return (Rating: B)
Centreville Park and Ride, 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 an 8 mile out and back hike to the Dickey Ridge Visitors center with approximately 1,400 feet of elevation gain.
We are hiking from outside the Shenandoah National Park into the park to the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center and then back out. We are NOT meeting at the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center.Speed: Our pace will vary from 2.0 to 2.5. The trail is well maintained with some short rocky areas.
Leader: Gail Markulin (703) 402-5902 (C)
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Trailhead Parking: Parking is on the side of the road by the trailhead and before the Front Royal Entrance Station. If you have gone to the park entrance, you have gone too far. The Dickey Ridge trailhead is right by the parking area. https://www.google.com/maps/place/Dickey+Ridge+Trailhead/@38.9062115,-78.19661,15z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x89b5c5e0b5d9c4f1:0xee10b295aebb171d!8m2!3d38.9062115!4d-78.19661!16s%2Fg%2F1tfj411p?entry=ttuMeet at the trailhead parking lot 15 minutes early to allow everyone to be signed in and get ready to hike at 9am.
Carpool Location: For those wishing to carpool, the suggested carpool location is at the Centreville Park & Ride, 14700 Lee Hwy in Centreville.
GPS Coordinates: 38.836038, -77.455371, https://goo.gl/maps/hc3LRG7Hsy2wMJs18
The driving time from there to the trailhead is about 1 hour. Please arrive at the Park and Ride by 7:50 AM to form carpool so all cars can leave at 8:00AM. The leader will be at the Park & Ride.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.
Suggested carpool fee is $6.00.
Entry Fee: None
Map for hike: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ofxLeFFmHZ90xZKEleK_S6YaTbLx4OzO/view
You must be experienced in hikes of this distance, pace and elevation gain.Terrain: Well maintained trail with some rocky areas.
Recommended Equipment: Insect repellent, Hiking boots or shoes, snack/lunch, 2 liters water, hiking poles if you use them
6 attendees
Reston Lakes and Woodlands (Rating: C)
Walker Nature Center, 11450 Glade Dr, 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 is an enjoyable hike with beautiful lakes, wooded trails and even a snack/rest room break at a Starbucks. It is about an 8 mile hike with 423 feet of elevation gain around lakes and among the woodlands of Reston. We'll meet at the Walker Nature Center at 9:00 am and hike through the Glade Stream Valley and then along Lake Audubon and Lake Thoreau. The hike route is about 60% on paved paths with the remainder on dirt trails. Restrooms are available at the Walker Nature Center.
We hike at a pace of approximately 2.5 mph while moving. You must be experienced with hikes of this length and elevation gain.
Park on Glade Road so the Nature Center parking lot can be kept open for the Center's pre-school activities and drop-offs.
Dogs are welcome on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicyhttps://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolic
Leader: Steve Frith cell 703-629-0174
Park Entry Fee: $0.00
Map for hike:
29 attendees
Motts Run Reservoir Recreation Area (Rating: C)
Occoquan commuter lot, 1325 Old Bridge Rd, Woodbridge, VA 22192, USA, Woodbridge, VA, USDetails
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.
This is an 8.1-mile hike with 738 feet of elevation gain.
The Motts Run Loop meanders through views of water and woodlands. Portions of the trail run alongside the reservoir. With Late-season autumn blooms, we might see Fall Asters. Hopefully, we will see the Black gum and red maple trees begin to show their vibrant colors. As we continue, the trail opens up into a fire road, characterized by a series of ups and downs. We'll encounter some rock gardens and root-filled sections. Bridges along the trail let us cross ravines safely, though we'll also navigate a few small water crossings. Throughout the loop, we'll be treated to beautiful views of the lake and surrounding meadows.
Hiking Pace: Pace will be about 2.5 mph while moving.
Leader: Schenell Agee 540.207.7128 (C)
Bathrooms and Porta Johns are available
and are a fairly short walk from the trail start.AllTrails Map https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/motts-run-loop-0346c89?u=i&sh=pcotzb
Motts-Run-Reservoir-Trail-Guide-PDFMeet at the trailhead parking lot 15 minutes early so everyone can sign in and get ready to hike at 9:00 am. The park is open Thursday – Monday, 7 am – 7 pm.
Trailhead Meeting Instructions: 6600 River Road Fredericksburg, VA 22407 (540) 786-8989 GPS Coordinates: 38.328085, -77.554509. https://maps.app.goo.gl/MBcDfH67pFZkVEJL7
Access to the park via River Rd. We will meet at the Motts Run entrance. Look for a Dark Brown Toyota Highlander.Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
PETS - Pets are permitted at Motts run All dogs must be on a leash. Please clean up after your pet. Pets may not be left unattended at any time.Recommendations:
Insect repellent, snack/lunch, adequate hydration/2 liters of water. Some sections may require a bit of scrambling. I recommend sturdy hiking boots/shoes and poles if you normally use them.Post hike rehydration TBD
Any questions, please message me or call 540.207.7128. If you text me, please include your name.
Park Entrance Fee:
$0.00 | There is limited parking (15 vehicles) at the trailhead start. Additional parking is located down the hill, pass the car park once you enter the area.Carpool Parking:
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.
Hikers will depart at 8:00 A.M. It's about a 45-minute to one hour drive from the Lake Ridge Commuter Lot to Mott's Run depending upon traffic. Suggested carpool fee is $5. Hike leader will meet the group at the trailhead.7 attendees
Past events
5022
