What we’re about
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
26
Hull School-Thornton River-Neighbor Mountain Loop (Rating: A)
Centreville Park & Ride, 14700 Lee Hwy, 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 a 10-mile loop hike with 2100' feet of elevation gain in very lightly used back country.
The hike starts at the Beahms Gap Overlook on Skyline Dr., about 4 miles north of the Thornton Gap entrance to Skyline Dr.
From the Beahms gap parking area, we'll cross Skyline Dr just south of the lot and take a very short hike on the AT to a left on Rocky Br. Trail. We will take that .4 miles to the Hull School Parking lot, cross over the lot to Skyline Dr, and take a right on Hull School Trail just past the lot. We'll hike downhill about 2.5 miles and take a left on to the Thornton River Trail (TRT). We will proceed on the TRT up hill about 3 miles to Skyline Dr., where we'll turn left on Skyline Dr a short way and cross it to continue up hill on the TRT another half mile (steep) to it's intersection with the AT, where we'll have lunch. We'll proceed left (south) on the AT from there, and take left on to the Neighbor Mountain Trail to it's summit and Byrd Shelter #4. We'll then backtrack on the Neighbor Mountain Trail back to the AT and continue south on the AT back to the parking lot.
There are multiple stream crossings on this hike, so be prepared with poles, change of socks, etc.
We hike at a pace of 2.5-3.0 mph when moving.
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Leader: John H
This hike has an "A" rating for difficulty. Rating: A
Carpools: Meet at the Centreville Park and Ride at 7:20am and leave by 7:30am. Use the comment section to arrange carpools.
Driving time to trail head: One hour 20 minutes.
The trailhead is 60 miles from the suggested carpool location.
Suggested carpool fee is $7.
The leader will not be at the carpool location.
GPS Coordinates: 38.836038, -77.455371
https://goo.gl/maps/hc3LRG7Hsy2wMJs18
Trailhead: Meet at Beahms Gap Overlook by 8:50 so we can start hike at 9:00am.
GPS Coordinates: 38.69511, -78.31997
https://maps.app.goo.gl/fAYczA3QifjWrqRR9
The parking lot is U-shaped. There are two entrances into the lot.
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. Use the comment section to organize carpools.
Park Entry Fee: $30 (free with park pass)
You must be experienced in hikes of this distance, pace and elevation gain.15 attendees
Riverbend to Great Falls Loop ( Rate: C)
Riverbend Park Boat Ramp, Potomac Heritage Trail, Great Falls, 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 mile circuit hike with 646 feet of elevation gain.
Description:
This is a beautiful hike along the scenic Potomac River and adjoining Riverbend Park and Great Falls Park.
We will begin our hike in Riverbend and then follow the Potomac Heritage trail along the Potomac River to Great Falls.
We will stop at the Great Falls overlooks for some amazing views of the falls and then continue on the River Trail as it winds along Mather Gorge We will then connect to the Ridge Trail to Old Carriage Road, and back to Riverbend. Lunch break at the Ridge trail intersection.
Hike Pace: Pace will be about 2.5 mph.
Bring: Adequate water/hydration, snacks/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes since there are some rocky areas/tree roots on the River Trail. Hiking poles if you normally use them. There are no stream crossings. Recommend insect repellent and sunscreen.
Fee: There is no entrance fee at Riverbend Park, but I will need to collect $2.00 from each hiker to cover the cost of group fees at Riverbend. for groups of 12 or more. I will get the Group Permit in advance. Small bills only please!
Dogs: dogs are welcome on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy.
Great Falls Park trail map:
https://www.nps.gov/grfa/upload/GRFA-complete-map-508.pdf
Where to Meet: Meet in the parking lot across from the Riverbend Park Visitor's Center 15 minutes early to allow everyone to get signed in and ready to hike at 9:00 am.
Coordinates 39.01817, -77.24599
Address: 8700-8814 Jeffery Rd, Great Falls, VA 22066
Any questions, please text/call Dawn 703 533 923135 attendees
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 are fairly certain you can attend. Thank you.
Join me for a lovely winter 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. You might want to bring your binoculars, as eagles are often spotted.
The National Refuge land has an interesting history. It was 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 by 9:20am to sign in. 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/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
Buck Hollow/White Rocks/Cave+Waterfall (Rating: A+)
Centreville Park and Ride, 14700 Lee Highway, Centreville, VA, USREQUIRED: 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 fast paced brisk A+ level hike. The hike is about 14 miles with 3700 feet of elevation gain in SNP. We hike at a speed of 2.6 to 3mph.
We start at the Trailhead at 7:45 am. This is the small parking area on the left along Rt 211 between Sperryville and Thornton Gap. Please be there a little early so that we can get a prompt start.
GPS coordinates to the trailhead are: 38.658491, -78.281944
Map Link:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/buck-hollow-hazel-mountain-white-rocks-hazel-river-and-buck-ridge-trail-loop?sh=cnfvoi&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality
We will begin at the Buck Hollow Trailhead and climb up the Buck Hollow Ridge Trail to the Hazel Mtn Trail to the Sam's Ridge intersection before descending via the Hazel River Trail. We cross the stream and ascend White Rocks Trail to the cave/waterfall (where we will eat lunch, rest, and optionally go for a swim?). We continue on White Rocks Trail back to Hazel Mtn Trail, take Buck Hollow Trail and descend back to the parking lot.
Carpools: Meet at the Centreville Park and Ride at 6:15am. Suggested carpool fee is $7. The leaders WILL NOT be at the carpool location. GPS Coordinates: 38.836038, -77.455371, https://goo.gl/maps/hc3LRG7Hsy2wMJs18
Trailhead: Meet at Buck Ridge trailhead on Route 211 at 7:45am. Trailhead parking is limited, carpooling is encouraged. GPS coordinates: 38.658491, -78.281944
https://goo.gl/maps/hRP3Qd8MyrQcZDDb7
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.
Driving Time to the trailhead is about 1 hour 15 minutes from the Centreville area of I-66 and exit 52.
You must be experienced in hikes of this distance, elevation gain and speed. If I do not know you already, you must contact me (571-488-4449) to explain how you have done similar hikes in the recent past.
Leaders: David K. 571-488-4449 and Chris B.
The hike leaders will meet you at the trailhead at 7:45AM.
Park Entry Fee: $0
Rating: A+
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy15 attendees
Past events
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