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
23
Signal Knob 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.
Meetup date/time: November 15 at 8:15 a.m. (carpool location) or 9:30 a.m. (trailhead location)
Distance and Elevation Gain: Approximately 10 miles and 2.200 feet. You should have prior, recent experience with "A" level hikes.
Description: This is a circuit on Massanutten Mountain in the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests. The hike is predominantly on the Massanutten (orange blazed) and Tuscarora (blue blazed) trails, and includes great views from Buzzard Rock Overlook, Fort Valley Overlook, and Signal Knob. Signal Knob's historical significance stems from its use as a lookout point during the Civil War by both the Confederate and Union troops. We hike at a pace of ~2.5 mph while moving, slightly slower on the uphills and slightly faster on the downhills.
Carpooling: For those wishing to carpool, the suggested carpool location is at the Centreville P&R (38.836080, -77.455327). The driving time from there to the trailhead is about 1 hour. Please arrive at the Park and Ride by 8:15 AM. Neither the Club nor the hike leader is responsible for coordinating transportation to/from the trailhead. Hikers are not guaranteed 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 is $7. The hike leader will be at the carpool location.
Trailhead: Please be at the trailhead by 9:30. Signal Knob Parking Lot: 11263-, 11621 Fort Valley Rd, Fort Valley, VA 22652 (GPS: 38.934984, -78.319957).
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Leader: Jolie
Park Entry Fee: $0.00
Rating: AHiking Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/signal-knob-loop-trail-fb4c835-2
24 attendees
C&O Canal Towpath, Olmsted Island, Billy Goat C - (Rating: B)
Billy Goat Trail Section C, Naval Surface Warfare Center 38.972500, -77.200000, Carderock, 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.
10 miles with 250 feet elevation gain.
This is a beautiful area along the scenic C&O Canal National Historical Park towpath. This trek will include a hike on Billy Goat C trail with great views of the Potomac River, as well as the roaring waters of Olmsted Island and the Great Falls overlook. This route includes a very scenic section of the towpath.
Description:
We'll start our hike on Billy Goat C trail and hike until we connect with the C&O Canal towpath. We'll hike to the Tavern visitor center for lunch break before we reconnect with the towpath. and make our way to Olmsted Island and the Great Falls Overlook. We'll then resume on the towpath until we cross over the canal onto Berma Road for a short distance where we reconnect to the towpath at Angler's Inn parking area. We're back on the towpath where we will return to the starting point.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 on Billy Goat C. Also recommend insect repellent and sunscreen.
Restrooms are available at the Carderock Picnic Area parking lot where we start as well as at the Tavern Visitor Center.Trailhead:
We will meet in the Carderock Picnic Grounds parking lot in Carderock Recreation Area.
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: Dogs are not allowed on the Olmsted Island boardwalk, so you will have to wait while the group completes the Olmsted Island walk.There are no fees.
Map of Hiking Trails at Great Falls, Maryland:
https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/upload/Great-Falls-Hiking-Map.pdfDirections to Carderock Picnic Grounds Parking at Carderock Recreation Area:
From I-495, take the exit for Clara Barton Pkwy, continue on the Pkwy until you see the exit for Carderock near the Naval Surface Warfare Center. After exiting at Carderock, you will pass under the towpath tunnel. Turn left after going under the towpath tunnel and continue into the picnic grounds parking lot.
GPS 38.97122, -77.19874Any questions, please message me here or text/call @202-528-0456. If you text me, please include your name.
22 attendees
Urban Hike: New Skyscrapers of Manhattan (NYC) (Rating: B, Fun)
BWI Amtrak Station, 7 Amtrak Way, BWI Airport, MD, US*** New 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/Monster/(240)604-5555/(301)562-6666"This is a trial process and is not available on all hikes.
LENGTH: 10-11 mi. Elevation: Negligible PACE: 2.5 - 3.0 miles/hour
** Not suitable for fast paced hikers **
EXTERNAL RESERVATIONS: Amtrak tickets (see below) - about $70 return as of August 8, 2025. Book EARLY for reduced fares.
DESCRIPTION
Manhattan's Empire State Building and Chrysler Tower are of course legendary and indelible parts of the Manhattan skyline. However, the skyline has been changing with several new additions over the last few years. This hike covers the skyscrapers (from the outside) added this century. Along the way, we will cover many attractions.PLAN
We will take Amtrak Sunday morning (Saturday's Amtrak fares were much higher) - see below for train details. In Manhattan, we will take the Subway to Brooklyn Cadman Plaza (this will be our only Subway ride for the day). Lunch will be in a restaurant at Cadman Plaza. We will then start our hike. First, we will walk the Brooklyn Bridge back to Manhattan. The first 21st Century skyscraper will be One World Trade Center, followed by the Jenga Tower, 125 Greenwich St., One Vanderbilt Tower, 432 Park Avenue, 111 West 57th St., and the Central Park Tower, in that order.ATTRACTIONS
We will pass by several attractions along the way including Brooklyn Bridge with views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and other attractions in the NY Harbor, Wall Street, Greenwich Village, Washington Square Park, Madison Square Park, Grand Central Station, the southern tip of Central Park, and Times Square,BREAKS
We will stop from time to time for coffee/tea, pastries, and maybe a Bellini at Cipriani's in Grand Central Station. Time permitting, we will dine before boarding the train. Restroom stops will include the Penn Station (Moynihan Terminal Departure Hall), restaurant at Cadman Plaza, Grand Central Station, Central Park, and back at Penn Station; we will add a stop (location to be determined) between lunch and Grand Central station.AMTRAK RESERVATIONS
Please reserve as below. Note that the departure station is assumed to be BWI (where parking is convenient and relatively cheap); you may board at alternative locations (Union Station).Adding the "flex" option (about 10% more) is recommended since it will allow you to cancel or re-schedule without penalty.
Outbound: Train 54 (Vermonter), departing BWI at 7:57 a.m.
Return: You have two options:
Option A (low fare): Train 165 (NE Regional) departing Penn at 8:01 p.m.
Option B (Accela): They have made some enhancements which I want to check out: Train 2259 departing Penn at 8:24 p.m.21 attendees
Bull Run Occoquan Trail Bull Run Marina-Coe Creek (Rating: C)
Bull Run Marina, 12619 Old Yates Ford Rd, Clifton, 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.
7.5 mile out and back lariat hike with 900 feet of elevation gain.
Description:
Join us for a scenic hike along Bull Run and in the adjoining forest. We will hike on the Bull Run Occoquan Trail from Bull Run Marina heading east toward Coe Creek area. There are rolling hills but they are short and spread out. This will be a nice workout!NOTE: This is just below a B hike rating. Make sure you are physically able for the distance and elevation gain.
Hiking Pace:
The pace will be about 2.5 mph.There should be a porta-potty at the trailhead marina parking lot across the street from our trailhead, but you may want to schedule a pit stop on the way before you arrive.
We will stop for snack/lunch break about halfway through.
Bring:
At least 2 liters of water/hydration, snacks/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes since there are some rocky areas and tree roots. Hiking poles if you use them. Most of the hike is in the forest canopy.Meet at the trailhead parking lot 15 minutes early to allow everyone to sign in and get ready to hike at 9:00am.
Fee: There is no parking fee.
Dogs are welcome.
NVHC Dog policy: https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicyBull Run Occoquan Trail:
https://www.novaparks.com/parks/bull-run-occoquan-trailMeeting Place Instructions: We are meeting at the large parking lot on the left side of Yates Ford Rd, (coming from Clifton), across from the road going down to the Marina. If you come to the Marina road or the bridge, you've gone too far. NOTE: We park in the large parking lot across the road from the marina parking.
GPS coordinates 38.74399, -77.38327Optional post-hike rehydration in Clifton.
Any questions, please message me here or text/call @202-528-0456. If you text me, please include your name.
35 attendees
Past events
4557
