Occoquan and August Birthdays (Rating: C)

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.

As there are many people interested in this hike, the hike leaders have consulted and decided to increase the number of slots to 50, but the group will be split in half and one group will do the hike in reverse.

Last year it seemed like lots of regulars have birthdays in August. So this year we decided to lead an August birthday hike. If you have a birthday in August note that in your RSVP and we'll be sure you get on the hike. All BD hikers will be recognized at the hike start. Everyone is invited to join in the post-hike celebration at Brickmakers.

The hike itself is a mix of wooded dirt trails and paved blacktop walking paths in the Occoquan Regional Park, the Workhouse and the Slaughterhouse Trail back to Occoquan Regional Park. Most of the elevation is on a few dirt trails in Occoquan Regional Park. If you regularly use poles, you may want to bring them as there is elevation and tree roots on the dirt trails. In Occoquan Park we'll go past the Suffragist Memorial and beehive brick kiln, used by prisoners to make bricks for the Occoquan Workhouse/Lorton Reformatory and many other buildings around DC & Northern VA.

Distance: ~ 6.5 miles
Elevation Gain: ~ 500 feet
Hike pace: ~ ~2.5 mph when moving
Restrooms: At hike start
Entrance fee: None
Dogs: Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy

Optional post-hike lunch and birthday celebration.

Also, after the hike/lunch you may want to explore the Suffragist's Memorial, the art exhibits at the Workhouse or visit the Lucy Burns Museum.

Leaders: Teresa B 703-728-7635; Bob G 301-775-3558

How to get there: From I-95 South, exit 160A Gordon Blvd/VA 123 towards Occoquan. Proceed 1.3 miles to the light at Occoquan Regional Park. Take a right at the light into the Park and proceed to the first large lot on the left, across from Brickmaker's Cafe.

Please arrive by 8:45 am so we can get everyone checked in and leave promptly at 9:00.