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
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D.C. Series#1: A Time-Travel Stroll (Rating: C)
Dupont Circle, Dupont Circle, Washington, DC 20036, USA, Washington, DC, 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.
How many stories do you actually remember?
Often, it’s not just the tale itself— it’s the storyteller who breathes life into it. We’ve all heard familiar lore, yet wondered why so few details ever truly stick. Step aboard a metaphorical time machine and join a gossip historian (??!!) with zero chill for a journey into the past, where history isn't just told... it's forged into memories that last forever.
Come and join us for a light ~7.5-mile trek (nah, let's call it strategic strolling) to hear some of the most fascinating stories from the nation’s capital.
On this hike (at least pretend for the sake of our fitness apps, please), we’ll cover as many intriguing spots as possible, complete with a few scenic detours along the way. Consider yourself warned—come prepared, wear comfortable shoes, and bring an appetite for local drama!
Here is a sneak peek at some of the hidden, scandalous, and bizarre corners we'll explore in the greatest city on Earth:
- Put away your passports—we’re about to ascend a landmark named after a country that had absolutely nothing to do with building it.
- Prepare to enter a hidden sanctuary where global superpower alliances were mapped out amidst manicured greenery.
- Unearth juicy secrets that politicians and spies tried to take straight to the grave.
- Step inside a legendary watering hole where spy craft, political deals, and high-society secrets have been washed down with cold drinks for decades. If these walls could talk, they'd need a security clearance!
- Conquer a legendary spot for movie buffs and glute workouts alike.
- Sneak into the darkest concrete corner of American political scandal.
- Travel back to a 19th-century "interstate highway," moving at a blistering speed of two miles per hour.
- Discover how a single piece of duct tape on a door latch changed the course of world history.
- And finally, sign off by saying goodbye to a larger-than-life genius lounging casually on a bench! 😊
We will meet and officially start at Dupont Circle, near Water fountain and finish at Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro Station. Check the starting and endpoint coordinates in the description below. Feel free to coordinate your transit and commute at your own discretion—just make sure you arrive on time and get ready to stroll!
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.
PLEASE PRINT OUT ANY MAPS THAT YOU MAY NEED AS I DO NOT PROVIDE COPIES OF MAPS. ALL THE LINKS AND COORDINATES YOU WILL NEED HAVE BEEN PROVIDED.
If you have ANY question about your ability to complete this hike, please contact hike leader.
Need to know details:
Distance: Approximately 7.5 miles
Elevation gain: Approximately 500 feet
Pace: 2-2.5 mph (Average)
Terrain: Mostly flat
Park entry fee: N/A
Carpool Fee: N/A
Starting point coordinates (Dupont Circle-Water fountain): 38.909694, -77.043351
Endpoint coordinates (Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro): 38.900920, -77.050462
Trailhead meetup time: 8.30 a.m.
Dogs permitted, please on leash. NVHC Dog Policy: https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Bring: Minimum 2-liter water, food/snacks, sun hat, layers, basic first aid kit, rain gear (depending on weather), poles, good walking shoe, sunscreen, bug spray, and your big, happy smile 😊.Any questions? Message or text me! Looking forward to this awesome hike.
Saran
(848) 248-055545 attendees
Capital Crescent/Glover-Archbold Loop (Rating: C)
Westmoreland Hills Local Park, 5315 Elliott Drive, Bethesda, MD, 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.
8.5 Loop Hike with maximum 433 ft of elevation gain
Description: We will start our hike in Battery Bailey Park. From there, we proceed to the Capital Crescent Trail leading us to Fletcher's Boathouse along the C&O Canal.
We will take a short break here in the picnic area overlooking the Potomac River.
From there we will proceed along the canal tow path to Foxhall Road where we will get on the Glover-Archbold Trail to Massachusetts Avenue and back to our starting point..Pace: We will hike at 2 to 2.5 mph while moving.
Facilities: There are restrooms at Fletcher's Boathouse
Bring: Adequate water/hydration, snacks/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes since there are a few rocky areas and tree roots along the way. Hiking poles if you use them. Insect repellent and sunscreen also recommended. A fair portion of our hike will be shaded.
Fee: N/A
Dogs: No dogs on this hike. NVHC Dog Policy.
Weather: the weather for this location can be found HERE.
Where to Meet:
We will meet at Battery Bailey Park parking lot
GPS Coordinates: LINK
There are ONLY 22 parking spaces in the lot as well as ample parking in the neighborhood on Elliot and Duvall.
Take a Left onto Duvall Street behind Westmoreland UCC at 1 Westmoreland circle, Bethesda, MD; then a right onto Elliot. The park is at the end of Elliot. I have a White Honda HRV, Back up. Please arrive at 8:45 am to get signed in and ready to hike at 9:00 amYou must be able to hike this distance at the above pace, any questions regarding that please contact me. Dawn 703 533 9231
21 attendees
Fall Three-fer (Rating: C, Fun)
Carderock Recreation Area, Carderock Recreation Area, Potomac, MD 20854, USA, Potomac, MD, US*** New Trial Process - No More Signing In ***
Step 1: Read the Liability Disclaimer: https://www.nvhc.com/signin.pdf
Step 2: When prompted, type:
"I Accept/Full Name/Contact Number/Emergency Contact Number"
Example: "I accept/Jane Doe/703-555-5555/301-666-6666"This is a trial process and is not available on all hikes.
Length: 5-6 mi. Elevation: 600 feet.
Pace: 1.5 miles per hour uphill, 2.5 downhill** Not suitable for fast paced hikers **
DESCRIPTION
Join us as we enjoy the Fall season with three activities offered in Montgomery County, MD: a hike in Black Hill Regional Park, a "pick your own" visit to forage what we can (no apples :(), and a winery visit,DETAILS
1. Fall Colors hike in Black Hill Regional Park:
Starting at the parking lot near the facilities, we will hike the Hamilton, Field Crest, Cabin Branch, and Hard Rock trails, taking in the scenery.2. "Pick your own" visit:
Next, we will drive over to the "pick your own" site at Homestead Farm located 15604Sugarland Rd, Poolesville MD (coordinates 39.111295, -77.355120)). Sorry no apples to pick but they have pumpkins and a hayride. Cost: $4 per head. They also have a produce stand where you can buy stuff already picked.3. Winery Visit:
Lastly, we will drive over to the Windridge winery to sample their Fall offerings. They are located at 15700 Darnstown Road (aka Rte. 28), Darnstown, MD. Coordinates: 39.121774, -77.325736. Lunch will be at the winery. You can either eat at the winery, or at the nearby food truck, or bring your own.WHERE TO MEET
Two options:
Option #1: Carderock Rec Area Lot #2 (or "B" the one with restrooms) at 8:00, if you want to carpool (either drive or ride). Leader will be at the carpool location. 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: $5.
Option #2: Trailhead at Black Hill Park at 8:30. coordinates: It will be marked Parking Lot #3, at the Discovery Center. You will need to pass Parking Lots 1 and 2 on your way. Look like the lot we need is at 39.190999, -77.292080.
DOGS permitted per NVHC dog policy https://nvhc.com
38 attendees
Sky Meadows State Park - Special Event (Rating: D Fun!)
Sheetz Gainesville, 7201 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.
Join us for the 2nd U.S./9th Union Cavalry Living History Demonstration
Step back into Civil War cavalry history at Sky Meadows State Park.
Visitors will have the chance to view and experience a Union cavalry camp, complete with A-frame tents, a working picket line, historic replica equipment and live horses. Enjoy exploring the camp and chat with interpreters followed by a cavalry training exhibition, black-powder firing, and meet and greet with the horses. This will be a great opportunity to see how the Civil War cavalry lived and trained.Description: We will do a short 4 mile hike on a few back trails before the event begins to get warmed up. After the hike, we can tour the camp and then get ready for the demonstration which is scheduled to start at 11:00am.
The pace will be about 2.5 mph.
Bring: Adequate water/hydration, snacks/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes since there are some rocky areas, and tree roots. Hiking poles if you 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 the new Sheetz convenience store which is at Gainesville Park & Ride. 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. Suggested carpool fee: $4.00 per rider. Driving time from Gainesville Park & Ride to Sky Meadows is about 30 minutes. The Sheetz at Gainesville Park & Ride is located at 7201 New Stable Way, Gainesville. GPS 38.80182, -77.58866
Park across the road from Sheetz instead of in their parking lot.
Please DM or text me if you plan on meeting at the carpool location.Sky Meadows trail map link: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/document/data/trail-guide-skymeadows.pdf
NOTE: The hike starts at 9:00am at the parking lot at Sky Meadows State Park. If you are carpooling from Sheetz Gainesville Park & Ride, plan on leaving there by 8:15am.
Meeting Place Instructions: We are meeting at the parking lot closest to the Visitor Center GPS coordinates 38.991732, -77.966120
This parking lot is in front of the Mount Bleak House. There is an overflow parking lot in case the main parking lot is full.
Optional rehydration at a local winery TBD😃
Any questions please message me here or text/call me at 202-528-0456. If you text me please include your name.
18 attendees
Past events
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