Northern Virginia Hiking Club (NVHC)

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 a 9.75-mile out-and-back hike along the Appalachian Trail with about 1,700 feet of elevation gain. We'll start at the Weverton Park and Ride and head north on the Appalachian Trail up to Weverton Cliffs for the view. Then another 4 miles or so on the AT for lunch. Then back the way we came.

Start time: 9:00 a.m. (meet at the trailhead parking area 15-30 minutes early for sign in)

Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles/hour when moving

Hike map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/weverton-heights-to-ed-garvey-shelter-via-appalachian-trail-75c58d3

Trailhead: GPS: 39.33295, -77.68326 https://maps.app.goo.gl/NduJqpjG7UiG86Je6

CARPOOLING: Carpools: Meet at the Dulles Town Center Park and Ride at 8:00am. The leader will not be at the carpool location. Suggested carpool fee is $4.

GPS Coordinates: 39.034079, -77.430102

https://goo.gl/maps/Lj1uBdayGR9GTS7VA

Neither 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.

Leader: Dick Pregent 703-587-2359

Dogs: Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. Please contact the hike leader in advance if you intend to bring a dog.
https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy

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.

8.5 miles with 1500 feet elevation gain.

Let's hike to see the Trilliums and other wildflowers of Sky Meadows!

Description:
Sky Meadows State Park is rich in history, the park has rolling pastures and woodlands, scenic vistas and is also a working farm. The park also has access to the Appalachian Trail which we will hike our way up to.

Starting from Sky Meadows State Park visitors center parking area, we will combine several trails including the South Ridge, North Ridge Trails, the Old Trail, a portion of the Appalachian Trail and the Ambassador Whitehouse Trail. We'll also check out a new trail. There a some nice scenic overlooks including the Paris, VA overlook where we will take a break before returning back down to the visitor center. Most of the elevation gain is when we ascend to the top of the ridge to the AT. Make sure you are up to doing the elevation gain. After that, its mostly level and downhill.

The pace will be about 2.5 mph, slower uphill.

Bring:
At least 2 liters of water/hydration, snacks/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes since there are some rocky areas, and tree roots. Recommend insect repellent and sunscreen. Hiking poles if you normally use them.

Fee:
The park fee is $10 unless you have a Virginia State Park Pass 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. If main entrance contact station is not staffed you must use the self-pay envelope provided at the gate and hang the stub on your rearview mirror.

Dogs are welcome. NVHC Dog policy: https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy

CARPOOLING: For those who are looking to carpool, meet at University Blvd - Gainesville Park and Ride and plan to leave at 7:45-8am to arrive at the trailhead in time to get signed in and start hiking at 9am.

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, -77.589532

Sky Meadows trail map link: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/document/data/trail-guide-skymeadows.pdf

NOTE: The hike starts at 9am at the parking lot at Sky Meadows State Park. If you are carpooling from Gainesville Park and Ride plan on leaving there by 8:15am. The hike leader may depart around 8:10am.
Suggested carpool fee is $3.00

Meeting Place Instructions: We are meeting at the parking lot closest to the Visitor Center where the hike starts GPS coordinates 38.991732, -77.966120

This parking lot is in front of the Mount Bleak House. You may want to arrive early to secure a parking spot.

Optional post hike rehydration TBD😊

Any questions please message me here or text/call me at 202-528-0456. If you text me please include your name.

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 7.5-mile hike with 600 feet of elevation gain through the woodlands of Reston and Oakton. On the hike we'll pass horse paddocks and may even see a group of curious goats. This is one of my favorite sections of the Cross County Trail and probably the least traveled. Thanks to Tom Underwood for the photo.

We'll start at the Walker Nature Center and pick up the Cross County Trail (CCT) for an out and back of the northern half of CCT Section . Our turn will be at Gabrielson Garden Park,
Park on Glade Road so the Nature Center parking lot can be kept open for the Center's pre-school activities and drop-offs.

We hike at a pace of approximately 2.5 -3.0 mph while moving. You must be experienced with hikes of this length and elevation gain.

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:
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/gabrielson-garden-goats-horse-steve-frith-4cc5400?u=i&sh=iypgzx

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.

We have a special treat following this hike! NVHC member Julie Arms has organized a behind the scenes production tour of Solace Brewing, owned by her son. This is located just 15 minutes from E.C. Lawrence Park.

This is a 7.5-mile out-and-back hike, with approximately 300’ in elevation gain. We will begin from the Visitor Center for the Ellanor C. Lawrence Park. This was the historical location of the Walney family home, which dated from before the Civil War. Highlights include the lily pond, new Woodlands Education Center and historic Cabell's Mill, believed to date back to 1769. From there we begin a short out-and-back on the wooded Rocky Run Stream Valley Trail. Over the course of the hike there are only a few short and moderate climbs, plus a stream crossing. Following the hike for those who are interested, we'll meet at Solace Brewing for a tour and lunch. Solace is located at 42615 Trade W., Sterling. We should finish the hike around noon.
Cover photo courtesy of All Trails.

MEET: 8:45am at the Public parking lot for Ellanor C. Lawrence Park on Walney Road. GPS Coordinates: 38.8609181,-77.4303287

HIKE: 7.5 miles out and back with 300 ft. elevation on dirt trails, with stream crossing.

PACE: 2.5-3mph, while moving.

FEE: This hike has a permit fee for groups of 12+. I will need to collect $2.00 from everyone at the beginning of the hike. Small bills only please.

RESTROOM: Restrooms available at the Visitor Center

LEADER: Kris N. (618) 623-2484

DOGS: Dogs are permitted on the hike portion of this event per the NVHC Dog Policy**:** https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy