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 were 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 (4+)
See all- Robertson Mountain to Nicholson Hollow (Rating: A+)Centreville Park and Ride, Centreville, VA
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.
PLEASE NOTE: **** This is a VERY difficult hike and is only suitable for those who have recent experience hiking this distance and elevation gain. But this isn't the most difficult version of Robertson, so it's a good time to give it a shot! If I don’t know you, you MUST message me with 24 hours of signing up with a recent A+ hike you have done or a hike leader who can vouch for you. Otherwise, you will be moved to “Not Going”. ***
************* THE GOOD STUFF **************************
Join me on this beautiful and strenuous A+ hike of approximately 11.5 miles and almost 3,000 feet of elevation. The hike includes the long steep ascent of the east side of Robertson Mountain, one of the more strenuous hikes in the SNP. We will start from the upper Old Rag Parking Lot up Weakly Hollow Road to the Robertson Mountain trailhead to ascend the mountain. We will then proceed to the Old Rag fire road getting on the Corbin Mountain Trail, Indian Run Trail, and Nicholson Hollow Trail to the cars.
NOTE: There are multiple water crossings on Nicholson Hollow trail, and some can be difficult to cross if water levels are high. Please bring boot covers or water shoes and hiking poles to help with balance.
*For those wishing to CARPOOL, the suggested carpool location is at the Centreville Park and Ride, 14700 Lee Highway, Centreville, VA. The driving time from there to the trailhead is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes (with no stop). Please arrive at the Park and Ride before 6:30 AM to form carpools so all cars can leave at 6:30 AM sharp. I WILL BE MEETING EVERYONE AT THE TRAILHEAD.
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 participation is at your own risk. Suggested carpool fee: $7.00 per rider.
- Meet at the trailhead @ 8:00 am. We will start hiking at 8:15 am SHARP.
- TH Parking Coordinates: 38.572079,-78.29433 This is the Upper Old Rag Parking Lot
- Park entry fee: $30.00 (Free with Park Pass)
- Carpool Fee: $7
- Distance: 11.5ish miles
- Elevation: Almost 3,000 feet
- Terrain: Rocky, Steep. There are several water crossings.
- Dogs are welcome in accordance with NVHC Dog policy: https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Bring: Adequate water, food/snacks, hat, basic first aid kit, map, tick spray, rain gear (depending), hiking poles, hiking shoes, water shoes or boot covers, additional pair of socks/liner in case your socks get wet
PLEASE PRINT OUT ANY MAPS THAT YOU MAY NEED AS I DO NOT PROVIDE COPIES OF MAPS.
All Trails MAP: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/robertson-mountain-indian-run-nicholson-hollow-11mi-2800-vertical-17eb7ec
AND FINALLY!
- Don't come if you’re not feeling well.
- Avoid the most severe, unspeakable bad karma by CHANGING YOUR RSVP if you're not able to attend within a reasonable time - not hours before - so someone on the wait list can have your spot.
- No complaining allowed.
For questions, message or call the hike leader:
Susan M. (703) 963-8939Not open - Canoe Trip: Shenandoah (Rating: Fun)Centreville Park and Ride, Centreville, VA
*** New Post COVID 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: Seven miles. Elevation: None. Pace: Depends on the current (roughly 2-3 miles/hour)
DESCRIPTION
Seven gentle miles along the Shenandoah river near Front Royal (Bentonville, VA). All gear related to canoeing will be provided by the outfitter. Beginners welcome. Two people per canoe. Leader will try and help you find a partner if you don't have one. The cost is about $45/person not including carpool fees. Bring cash (exact change please), lunch, water, swimwear, sunscreen, cheap shades, towel, change of clothes, and old tennis shoes or some kind of protective footwear. About a week before the trip the leader will provide further details.DOGS
Permitted per Club policy: Policies – Northern Virginia Hiking Club (nvhc.com).CARPOOLS
Participants can form their own carpools at the meeting place. Neither the Club nor the leaders are responsible for coordinating transportation to/from the trailhead. Hikers are not guaranteed to get a ride from the carpool location. Carpooling is organized by the participants and they participate at their own risk. Leader plans to be at the meeting place. Suggested carpool fee: $10 - Stony Man, Crescent Rock, Millers Head - SNP (Rating: A)Gainesville Park and Ride, Virginia, VA
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 hike is about 9.5 miles with an elevation gain around 1725 ft.
Description:
A very nice hike in Shenandoah National Park to three iconic overlooks with great western views of the Shenandoah Valley.Details:
We will hike starting at Skyland Lodge parking area and connect to the Stony Man Trail to the summit of Stony Man. After enjoying the view at the summit, we will depart and connect to the Appalachian Trail and make our way over to White Oak Canyon trail, then onward to the Limberlost and Crescent Rock trails. We will stop for lunch at Crescent Rock and take in the view there. We will then begin our return toward Skyland on the AT, with a stop at the Skyland Stables then onward to Millers Head where we will have another great overlook opportunity. We'll then return back to the Skyland parking lot.You should be in good physical condition to deal with the mileage and elevation gain. If you haven't hiked with me before, I may contact you to discuss this hike. If you have any questions about this, please contact me.
Hiking Pace:
The pace will be about 2.5 mph, slower on the uphill. Hiking time with lunch, about 4 hours.Bring:
Adequate water/hydration (at least 2-3 liters), snacks/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes for some of the rocky areas, tree roots, and potential wet areas. Hiking poles are helpful if you usually hike with them. Recommend insect repellent and sunscreen.Park Entrance Fee:
$30 entrance fee for Shenandoah National Park unless you have a National Park pass or a Shenandoah annual park pass. Military and Veterans are eligible for a military pass, just show your military/retired/veterans ID.Dogs:
Dogs are not permitted on this hike due to park restrictions on Stony Man and Limberlost.CARPOOLING: For those who are looking to carpool, meet at University Blvd - Gainesville Park and Ride and plan to leave at 7:45am to arrive at the trailhead in time to get signed in and start hiking at 9:30am.
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, -77.589532Suggested carpool fee is $6. The hike leader will be at the carpool location. Driving time to Skyland Lodge is about 1 hour 35 minutes. Carpoolers should plan to leave the Park & Ride by 7:45am. The hike leader may leave the Park & Ride earlier than 7:45am.
**NOTE: The hike starts at the Skyland Lodge parking area 9:30am
The hike times listed above include starting from and returning to Gainesville Park & Ride.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.
If you are driving directly to the trailhead at Skyland, please be there a few minutes before 9:30am so we can get everyone signed in. Skyland Lodge parking is at mile marker 41.7 on Skyline Drive , GPS 38.59570, -78.38212
Optional post-hike rehydration at Skyland Lodge.
If you have not hiked with me before, please provide your full name, cell phone number, and emergency contact number. You can provide the info to me on Meetup message or text me at the number below.
Any questions? Message me on Meetup messenger or text me, 202-528-0456. If you text me, please include your name.
- Bird Knob - Emerald Pond (Rating : A)Centreville Park and Ride, Centreville, VA
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 11 mile with 2,500 feet elevation gain in the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests. We begin at the now closed old Massanutten Visitor Center at New Market Gap and then utilize the Massanutten South, Browns Hollow, Roaring Run, and Bird Knob trails to form the circuit. A small pond about midway provides a pretty spot for lunch. We hike at a pace of 2.5-3.0 mph while moving.
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Leader: Ed Brimberg 703-944-9920 (C)
Park Entry Fee: $0
Carpools: Plan to arrive at the Centreville Park and Ride at 7:15am. Carpools leave at 7:30 a.m. Suggested carpool fee is $10. The leader will be at the carpool location. GPS Coordinates: 38.836038, -77.455371. https://goo.gl/maps/hc3LRG7Hsy2wMJs18
Driving time to trailhead from carpool location: 1 hour 30 minutes.
Meet at the trailhead @ 9:00am at the old Massanutten Visitor Center (now closed) GPS Coordinates: 38.642621, -78.611218 https://goo.gl/maps/GFpkeLKNkshFMxv4A Hike starts at 9:15am.
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/recording/bird-knob-761efc8?u=i
You must be experienced in hikes of this distance and elevation gain. There is significant uphill in the first couple of miles. This hike has some steep uphills.
