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
25
C&O Canal National Historic Park, Great Falls, MD- Fee Free Day (Rating: B)
C&O Canal - Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center, 11710 MacArthur Blvd., Potomac, 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.
9 miles with 600 feet elevation gain.
Fee Free Day!
Join us in celebrating Flag Day for a nice hike along the scenic Potomac River and adjoining forests of C&O Canal National Historical Park, Great Falls, Maryland.
Description:
We'll start our hike traveling to the Ford Mine Trail. Once completing that trail, we will then reconnect to the towpath and head to the Potomac Overlook on Olmsted Island for some great views of the falls and cascading water.
After reconnecting on the towpath for a short distance, we will connect to the Gold Mine loop trail in the forest and Gold Mine Overlook and return to our cars. There are a couple of short hills while in the forest but they are small, otherwise the route is mostly level.
There are a few small stream crossings on Ford Mine trail that are easily crossed. We may include the River Trail which runs along the shore of the Potomac, depending on the water level conditions.Participants will have the option to do as much of the hike as they desire.
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 in the forest. Restrooms are open near the Tavern visitor center. May want to also bring some insect repellent and sunscreen.Meet:
We will meet on the sidewalk in front of the old refreshment snack bar on the right side of the parking lot before you get to the restrooms and Tavern visitor center. The snack bar is currently closed but it is under the tree canopy. Look for me by the fence anxiously awaiting your arrival.
Please plan on being there at 8:45am so we can get everyone signed in and start the hike on time.Dogs are welcome. Dog Policy https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Please note that dogs are not allowed on the Olmsted Island boardwalk, so if you bring your dog, you will have to wait for us at the entrance to Olmsted IslandPark Fee: Park Fees waived on Flag Day.
If you haven't hiked with me before, please provide your name, contact number and emergency contact number. You can text me the info of direct message me on Meetup. Do not pose in comments.
Map of Hiking Trails at Great Falls, Maryland:
https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/upload/Great-Falls-Hiking-Map.pdfDirections to Park:
https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/greatfallstavernvisitorcenter.htm
GPS: 39.00223, -77.24697Any questions, please message me on Meetup or text/call @202-528-0456. If you text me, please include your name.
37 attendees
Harpers Ferry Amory Trail, Battlefields & Streets (Rating: C)
Dulles Transit Center Park and Ride, XHG8+GGG, dulles, 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 7 mile hike with 900’ elevation gain in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. This is not your usual Harpers Ferry hike, for a some of the hike we will be on paved roads and streets. We will cover the historic Amory and trail, battlefields and surrounding streets stopping for lunch at a beautiful overlook.
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/nvhcdogpolicyLeader: Ed Brimberg 703-944-9920 (C)
Carpools: Plan to arrive at the Dulles Transit Park and Ride at 7:45am, Carpools leave at 8:00am. GPS Coordinates: 38.976317, -77.433659, https://maps.app.goo.gl/5VB71QdWsy9KjGZi8. Go to the end of Pacific Blvd and turn left into the Park and Ride lot.
Suggested carpool fee is $7. The leader will be at the carpool location. Driving time to the trailhead from the carpool location ~1 hour.If you are going to the trailhead, arrive at the Harpers Ferry Train Station at 9:00am hike starts at 9:15am, GPS coordinates: 39.324540, -77.731047
https://goo.gl/maps/yLmDLB9cx44Bkr4z7Parking Fee at Train Station: $20 (The only way to pay is scan the QR code on your phone) or free with National Park pass. If you have a pass please display it with signature side up on your vehicle's dashboard, where it can clearly be seen through the windshield.
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.
AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/harpers-ferry-armory-canal-75a05b5?u=i&sh=7cs7ov
You must be experienced in hikes of this distance and elevation gain.
29 attendees
Ashby Gap to Rod Hollow Shelter (Rating: B)
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 an out-and-back hike, about 7.2 miles with approximately 1,200' elevation gain. We'll hike north along the AT to the Rod Hollow shelter, where we'll stop for a snack break. On the return leg, we'll take a side trail passing by the Myron Glaser cabin (pictured). We'll hike at a pace of 2.0-2.5 mph when moving.
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Leader: Steve Wiley, cell: 571-345-6441
*For those wishing to carpool, the suggested carpool location is at the Centerville Park & Ride The driving time from there to the trailhead is about 40 minutes. Please arrive at the Park and Ride by 8:00AM to form carpools so drivers can leave at 8:05AM. The hike leader will not be at the carpool location. Suggested carpool fee is $5.
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.
Trailhead: Ashby Gap Appalachian Trail Access 8:45 AM
GPS Coordinates: 39.017020, -77.962249
Look for a gravel driveway on the left, about .2 mile after turning north on VA-601.Park Entry Fee: $0
Rating: B
Map for hike: AllTrails, Ashby Gap to Rod Hollow Shelter
You must be experienced in hikes of this distance and elevation gain.
17 attendees
Lands Run Gap to Dickey Ridge Visitors Center (Rating: B)
Centreville Park & Ride Lot, 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.
Speed: Our pace will vary from 2.0 to 2.5 (slower on uphills).
This is essentially an out-and-back hike, 8 miles total with approximately 1,400 feet of elevation gain. Most of the hike is under canopy. We will stop for lunch after 4 miles on the Dickey Ridge Trail at the Dickey Ridge Visitors Center. There are restrooms, water sources, and great views here. Coming back, we will take the Snead Farm Trail and see an interesting old barn.
Please arrive at the Centreville Park and Ride Lot by 7:20 a.m. to sign in, form carpools, and leave by 7:30.
GPS Coordinates: 38.836038, -77.455371, https://goo.gl/maps/hc3LRG7Hsy2wMJs18
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.
We will drive to the Shenandoah National Park, North Entrance. It is suggested that you stop at Dickey Ridge Visitors Center, which is shortly after entering the park on the right as there are no restrooms trailhead. Then drive to Lands Run Gap, which is on the right side of the parkway at about Mile Post 9. We will start our hike here.
There are only about a dozen parking spaces in the lot, so, car pooling is recommended.
Anyone wishing to meet us in the park, please be at the trailhead by 8:50 a.m.
Entrance fee to Shenandoah National Park is $30 per car, to be shared by those in the car. If anyone in the car has a national park pass, such as Senior Pass, there is no fee for that car. Carpool fee is $8 per person.
You must be experienced in hikes of this distance, pace and elevation gain.
Recommended Equipment: Insect repellant, Hiking boots or shoes, snack/lunch, 2 liters water, hiking poles if you use them
Leader: Gail Markulin (703) 402-5902 (C)
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
20 attendees
Past events
4848
