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
18
Harpers Ferry Short Version (Rating: C)
One Loudoun Park and Ride, 20360 Savin Hill Dr, One Loudoun, 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 6 mile hike with 1000’ elevation gain to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia and is perfect for those that want to experience Maryland Heights without having to do a long hike. We will begin at the Harpers Ferry Train Station parking lot. We will do a loop around town and then take the Appalachian Trail across the Potomac River on the footbridge. Taking a left we go briefly along the C&O Canal before taking the steep trails up to Maryland Heights for lunch. We hike at a pace of 2.0-2.5 mph when moving.
Rating: C (Upper level C hike, almost a B)
Leader: Ed Brimberg 703-944-9920 (C)
Park Entry Fee: $20 or free with National Park pass.
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Carpools: Arrive at the One Loudoun Park and Ride at 7:45am, carpools leav at 8:00am GPS Coordinates: 39.053141, -77.459133, https://maps.app.goo.gl/MUJ2c9E1oVYRu5Rp7 . Suggested carpool fee is $4. 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, meet at the Harpers Ferry Train Station at 9:00am, hike starts at 9:15am. A national park pass (leave on car dashboard) or $20 payment upon arrival using a smartphone and a credit or debit card via a QR code system.
GPS coordinates: 39.324540, -77.731047 https://goo.gl/maps/yLmDLB9cx44Bkr4z7Neither 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/copy-harpers-ferry-maryland-heights-6-5-miles-53a7297?u=i&sh=7cs7ov
You must be experienced in hikes of this distance and elevation gain.
33 attendees
Historic Fairfax and 3 Parks (Rating: D)
Fairfax Old Town Square, 10415 North Street, Fairfax, 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 me for a loop hike starting in Old Town Fairfax through Belle's Bird Sanctuary, Van Dyck Park and Daniels Run Park along Accotink Creek. We'll pass colorful murals and historical sites including Town Hall, the oldest home in Fairfax, Jail and Courthouse, the home of a Confederate Spy and Blenheim Civil War Interpretive Center. After the hike for those who are interested, we'll enjoy lunch at Commonwealth Brewery, 10426 Main St. This is a short walk from the start of our hike. Please arrive at 9:15 am so we can get everyone checked in and start on time.
DISTANCE: 5 miles
ELEVATION: 300 ft.
PACE: 2.5-3 mph
TRAILS: Paved and dirt plus urban sidewalks, no water crossings
MEET: 9:15am at Old Town Square (next to Town Hall), 10415 North St.
PARKING Fairfax Public Library across street, or several free outdoor lots
RESTROOMS: one portable restroom at the start and midway point
FEES: None
DOGS: Dogs are permitted on this hike per NVHC policy https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
LEADER: Kris N., 618-623-248435 attendees
Discover the U.S. Botanic Garden (Rate C Fun!)
Columbia Island Marina, George Washington Memorial Parkway, Arlington, 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.
About a 7 mile Loop with minimal elevation gain. Most of the hike will be on pavement.
Treat yourself to a lovely visit to the United States Botanic Garden. It is the oldest continuously operating public garden in the United States. During the late 18th century, George Washington had a dream of a national botanic garden and was instrumental in establishing one on the National Mall in 1820.
To Prepare our Visit to this 'secret garden', you might want to first take a Virtual Tour ; an Audio Tour; or a Video Tour of the gardens.
From there we will head over to the Sculpture Garden Pavilion Cafe for lunch. You can eat at the cafe or bring your own lunch.
Description:
We will leave from from Columbia Island Marina, head along the Potomac River on the Mount Vernon Trail, cross Memorial Bridge to the Mall. We will admire the view of Mall from the Monument. From there we continue along the Mall to the U.S. Botanic Garden. After Lunch at the Sculpture Garden Pavilion Cafe we will return to the Marina over the 14th street bridge.Pace:
Pace is about 2.5 mph while moving.Bring:
- Hydration and snacks as you desire or purchase lunch at the Sculpture Garden Pavilion Cafe.
-The route is basically level. Most of the hike will be on paved surfaces so wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Dress in layers for the weather paying special attention to your head/hands.Dogs: Dogs are NOT welcome on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy.
Weather: weather in this location is HERE.
Meetup Location: We will meet up at Columbia Island Marina at 9:15 am to get checked in and ready to leave by 9:30 am.
GPS Coordinates: 38.87651,-77.04947Maps
Map National Mall38 attendees
Neabsco Creek Boardwalk to Leesylvania State Park (Rating: B)
Neabsco Regional Park, 15125 Blackburn 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.
9.5 mile hike with 600 feet of elevation gain.
Join us as we hike from Neabsco Creek Boardwalk to Leesylvania State Park and back. Should be a scenic and enjoyable hike!
Description: We will start off at Neabsco Regional Park and make our way to the boardwalk and across the marsh at Neasbsco Creek. This allows for unique access to wetlands where the tall grasses and marsh filter pollution from the river and provide a rich habitat for birds and other wildlife. Once across the boardwalk, we will hike a short distance through the Julie Metz Wetlands area and then enter Leesylvavnia Park on the Potomac Heritage trail. We will hike several trails within the park which includes views of the Potomac River.
There are several rolling hills but they are short and spread out.You must be capable of hiking this distance and elevation.
The pace will be about 2.5 mph.
There are porta-johns at the parking area at Neabsco Regional Park as well as restrooms at Leesylvania State Park where we will break for lunch.
Bring: Sufficient water/hydration, insect repellent, sunscreen, snacks/lunch, and good hiking shoes. There are no stream crossings. Hiking poles if you normally use them.
Fee: There is no parking fee at Neabsco Regional Park parking lot.
Dogs are welcome. NVHC Dog policy: https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Please ensure your dog is capable of this distance.Meet: At the trailhead parking lot 15 minutes early to allow everyone to sign in and get ready to hike at 9:00am.
Leesylvania State Park: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/leesylvania
Neabsco Creek Boardwalk: https://www.visitpwc.com/listing/neabsco-creek-boardwalk/1648/
Meeting Place Instructions: We are meeting at Neabsco Regional Park parking lot at 15125 Blackburn Rd., Woodbridge, VA. Coordinates 38.61595,-77.27503
Optional rehydration at Stonebridge Town Center
Any questions, please message me on Meetup or text me @ 202-528-0456 If you text, please include your name.
21 attendees
Past events
4686
