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
30
Mill Mountain Trail/Big Schloss (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 hike in the GWNF is approximately 11.9 miles long and has an elevation gain of 2,066 feet, give or take. The top of Big Schloss peak is an interesting rock formation with great views. Hikers must be physically fit and able to maintain an overall pace of 2.25 to 2.5 miles/hour when moving.
This hike is at the upper end of the "A" range. If you have not recently done an "A" hike or at least two "B" hikes, this hike is not for you. Please message the leader if you have any concerns about your ability to complete this hike.Basics:
Distance: 11.9 miles
Elevation Gain: 2066 ft
Rating: A (due to distance and elevation gain).Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Carpool details:
Meeting place: Centreville Park and Ride (38.835996, -77.455574)
https://goo.gl/maps/hc3LRG7Hsy2wMJs18
Meeting time: please be a few minutes early for departure at 7:00
Leader will not be at the carpool location.Driving time to trailhead: 1 hour 30 minutes without stops
Carpooling is highly encouraged because parking is limited at the trailhead.Suggested carpool fee (Riders pay drivers): $8
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 participation is at your own risk.
Trailhead details:
Location: Walf Gap Rec Trailhead parking, GWNF
38.924414, -78.689461
https://maps.app.goo.gl/7f9xDEAyNVxAt8pp9Meeting time at the trailhead: 8:45 am for a 9:00 am departure
Please let the group know (in the Event Comments) if you plan to meet us at the trailhead.Map of the hike (and more details): https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/west-virginia/mill-mountain-trail
Trail Info and map.Hike starting time: 9:00 am
Please bring lunch, snack, 2 quarts of water, hat, bug spray, first-aid kit, and proper footwear. Hiking poles advised. The trails may be wet and muddy in sections.Robert He, 703-981-0154
9 attendees
Mason Neck State Park (Rating: C)
Mason Neck State Park, 7301 High Point Rd, Lorton, 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.
8.5 miles with 250 foot elevation gain.
A scenic hike at Mason Neck State Park which is situated on a peninsula formed by Pohick Bay on the north, Belmont Bay on the south and the Potomac River on the east. The peninsula is the site of an active heron rookery. The park also attracts several other migrating and non-migrating species of birds, including whistling swans and assorted species of duck. Bald eagles and Osprey also inhabit the area.
Description:
We'll combine several trails in the park to complete an 8,5 mile loop, a couple of the trails are out and back to bird viewing stands. There will be a great view of the bay area as well as a lake and marshes.Hiking Pace:
Pace will be about 2.5 mph.There are restrooms at the main picnic area as well as at the Visitor Center which is near where we begin our hike.
The hike is being limited to 25 participants to accommodate the park policy.
Bring:
Adequate water/hydration (at least 2 liters), also snacks/lunch, The route is mostly level and there are no stream crossings. Some sections may get muddy after heavy rains. I recommend sturdy hiking shoes there are areas of the trail with many tree roots covered by fallen leaves.Park Entrance Fee:
$10.00 park entrance fee (no fee for state park pass holders) or use your REI purchase receipt parking coupon.
Provide your REI receipt parking coupon from a participating Virginia REI, to the contact station ranger or insert it in a self-pay envelope at the contact station.
Use the self-pay envelope to pay the entrance fee if the contact station is not open and hang the tear-off tab on your rear view mirror.Dogs:
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicyMason Neck Hiking Upward:
https://www.hikingupward.com/OVH/MasonNeck/Mason Neck State Park:
https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/mason-neckMeet at the trailhead parking lot 15 minutes early to allow everyone to be signed in and get ready to hike at 9:00am. The gate at the contact station opens at 7:00am.
Meeting Place Instructions: Mason Neck State Park, 7301 High Point Road, Lorton, VA. Access to the park is via U.S. 1, then five miles east on Route 242 (Gunston Road) to the park entrance. Continue into the park on High Point Rd, and take a right onto Outlet Rd. toward the Visitor Center. The main picnic area veers off to the left just before the Visitor Center. We will meet at the main picnic area parking lot. GPS 38.642150, -77.197876
Any questions, please message me here or text/call @202-528-0456. If you text me, please include your name.
25 attendees
Ball's Bluff Battlefield Regional Park ( Rating:D)
Edwards Landing Park, 901 Powhatan Court Northeast, Leesburg, 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 ~5mile hike with an elevation gain of 600' on various trails in the Ball's Bluff Battlefield Regional Park
https://www.novaparks.com/parks/balls-bluff-battlefield in Leesburg, VA. We will stop half way for a short snack break. We hike at a pace of 2.5 mph while moving.This is the site of one of the largest Civil War engagements in Loudoun County. Major sites at Ball's Bluff include a cemetery, which is the third smallest national cemetery in the United States. Ball's Bluff Battlefield Regional Park also features an interpretive trail, signage and an amazing view of the bluff itself, overlooking the Potomac River.
We will start Edwards Landing Park.Leader: Nancy 703-346-3218 (C)
Rating: D
Meet: 9:00am at Edwards Landing Park. GPS coordinates: 39.120075, -77.524277
https://maps.app.goo.gl/JnfJ9EURn4Z9GURC7Dogs are not permitted on this.
Carpool Fee: N/A
Park Entry Fee: $0.00
11 attendees
Shenandoah River State Park (Rating: B)
New Stable Way, 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.
9 miles with 900 feet of elevation gain.
Description: A very scenic hike in the forest of Shenandoah River State Park and along the shore of the South Fork of the Shenandoah River. In addition to the meandering river frontage, the park offers scenic views of Massanutten Mountain to the west and Shenandoah National Park to the east.
We will combine several trails in the Park to make a nice loop. We will visit a couple of nice overlooks, one of which we stop at for lunch.The pace will be about 2.5 mph. The elevation gain on this hike is pretty much spread out over the course of the hike. You should be experienced at this distance and elevation gain.
There are restrooms at the canoe launch area (where we start) as well as at the Visitor Center.
Bring: adequate water/hydration (at least 2 liters), also snacks/lunch, and insect repellent, sun screen. The route is mostly level with some rolling hills and there are no stream crossings. Some sections may get muddy after heavy rains. I recommend sturdy hiking shoes there are areas of the trail with tree roots.
Fee: $10.00 park entrance fee (no fee for state park pass holders) 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 and hang the tab on your rearview mirror.
Dogs:
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicyCARPOOLING: For those who are looking to carpool, meet at University Blvd - Gainesville Park and Ride and plan to leave NLT 8:00am to arrive at the trailhead in time to get signed in and start hiking at 9:00am.
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, -77.589532Neither 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: $6.00 per rider. Driving time from Gainesville Park & Ride to Shenandoah River State Park is about 50 minutes.
NOTE: The times listed for the hike include starting and finishing at Gainesville Park & Ride.
If you are going directly to the trailhead at Shenandoah River State Park the times will be 9:00am-1:00pm.Meet at the trailhead parking lot 15 minutes early to allow everyone to be signed in and get ready to hike at 9:00am. The gate at the contact station opens at 8:00am.
Shenandoah River State Park Info:
https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/shenandoah-riverShenandoah River State Park address is:
350 Daughter of Stars Dr., Bentonville, VADirections to Shenandoah River State Park.
Trailhead GPS coordinates 38.86284, -78.30555
From Northern Virginia, take I-66 West to exit 13 (Linden). Turn left off the ramp. Go one block to a stoplight where you'll take a right onto Rt. 55 West. At the fifth stoplight, turn left onto 340 South. Drive eight miles; the park's entrance is on the right. About 50 minutes drive time from Gainesville Park & Ride.Post hike rehydration TBD
Please DM me if you are planning to meet at the Gainesville Park & Ride.
Attendees are welcome to reach out to each other to arrange for other carpool locations.Any questions, please message meus here or text/call @ 202-528-0456
40 attendees
Past events
5041
