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- Goats and Horses - Gabrielson Garden Park Reston/Oakton (Rating: C)Walker Nature Center, Reston, 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 is an 7.5-mile hike with 600 feet of elevation gain through the woodlands of Reston and Oakton. On the hike we'll pass horse paddocks and may even see a group of curious goats. This is one of my favorite sections of the Cross County Trail and probably the least traveled. Thanks to Tom Underwood for the photo.
We'll start at the Walker Nature Center and pick up the Cross County Trail (CCT) for an out and back of the northern half of CCT Section . Our turn will be at Gabrielson Garden Park,
Park on Glade Road so the Nature Center parking lot can be kept open for the Center's pre-school activities and drop-offs.We hike at a pace of approximately 2.5 -3.0 mph while moving. You must be experienced with hikes of this length and elevation gain.
Dogs are welcome on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicyhttps://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolic
Leader: Steve Frith cell 703-629-0174
Park Entry Fee: $0.00
Map for hike:
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/gabrielson-garden-goats-horse-steve-frith-4cc5400?u=i&sh=iypgzx - Ellanor C. Lawrence Park & Solace Brewing Tour (Rating: C)Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, Chantilly, 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.
We have a special treat following this hike! NVHC member Julie Arms has organized a behind the scenes production tour of Solace Brewing, owned by her son. This is located just 15 minutes from E.C. Lawrence Park.
This is a 7.5-mile out-and-back hike, with approximately 300’ in elevation gain. We will begin from the Visitor Center for the Ellanor C. Lawrence Park. This was the historical location of the Walney family home, which dated from before the Civil War. Highlights include the lily pond, new Woodlands Education Center and historic Cabell's Mill, believed to date back to 1769. From there we begin a short out-and-back on the wooded Rocky Run Stream Valley Trail. Over the course of the hike there are only a few short and moderate climbs, plus a stream crossing. Following the hike for those who are interested, we'll meet at Solace Brewing for a tour and lunch. Solace is located at 42615 Trade W., Sterling. We should finish the hike around noon.
Cover photo courtesy of All Trails.MEET: 8:45am at the Public parking lot for Ellanor C. Lawrence Park on Walney Road. GPS Coordinates: 38.8609181,-77.4303287
HIKE: 7.5 miles out and back with 300 ft. elevation on dirt trails, with stream crossing.
PACE: 2.5-3mph, while moving.
FEE: This hike has a permit fee for groups of 12+. I will need to collect $2.00 from everyone at the beginning of the hike. Small bills only please.
RESTROOM: Restrooms available at the Visitor Center
LEADER: Kris N. (618) 623-2484
DOGS: Dogs are permitted on the hike portion of this event per the NVHC Dog Policy**:** https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
- REVERSE Bear Church Rock (Rating: A+)Centreville Park & 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 is an A+ hike due to distance and elevation. PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE POST BEFORE RSVPING.
PLEASE NOTE: **** This hike is only suitable for those who have recent experience hiking this distance and elevation gain. If I don’t know you, you MUST message me within 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”. *** There is a potentially tricky water crossing depending on the water level. Shoe covers are advised.
************* THE GOOD STUFF **************************
This is a new twist on the classic lollipop hike of 12.8ish miles and about 3,100 feet of elevation gain. We will be doing this hike in the opposite direction from what everyone knows, which means we’ll hit Bear Church Rock in the afternoon rather than in the morning.
We will start the hike on the Graves Mill Trail then take the Staunton River Trail to the Fork Mountain Fire Road to the Jones Mountain Trail, where we’ll eventually hit Bear Church Rock, then back to the Staunton River Trail and Graves Mill Trail to the cars.
*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 40 minutes (with no stop). Please arrive at the Park and Ride before 6:00 AM to form carpools so all cars can leave at 6:00 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: $8.00 per rider.
Need-to-know info:
- CARPOOLING: See above. Parking is limited so carpooling is advised.
- Distance: 12.8ish miles
- Elevation gain: 3,100ish ft.
- Pace: 2.25 - 2.75 mph overall
- Trailhead meetup time: 7:45 A.M. Hike starts at 8:00 A.M. SHARP.
- Parking Coordinates: 38.43714,-78.36709
- Park Entry fee: $0
- Carpool Fee: $8
- Pace: 2.25-2.75 mph when moving.
- Terrain: Somewhat rocky, steep and gentle grades, three stream crossings
- Bring: Adequate water, lunch/snacks, hat, tick/bug spray, basic first aid kit, map, rain gear (depending), hiking poles, hiking shoes, boot covers for the stream crossing (just to be prepared) and a good attitude.
- Pets: Allowed per NVHC guidelines. Must be leashed
- NO complainers allowed! :-)
PLEASE PRINT OUT ANY MAPS THAT YOU MAY NEED AS I DO NOT PROVIDE COPIES OF MAPS. ALL THE LINKS AND COORDINATES YOU WILL NEED HAVE BEEN PROVIDED.
AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/reverse-bear-church-rock-de03bef
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.
Any questions? Message or call the Hike Leader:
Susan M (703) 963-8939
- Five Boro Bike Tour - New York City (Rating: Moderately Difficult)Needs location
*** 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" followed by your
A: Full name
B: Contact number and
C: 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: 40 mi. Elevation gain: Steady uphill on the bridges. PACE: 8-10 mi/hr.
REQUIRES EXTERNAL RESERVATIONS (SEE BELOW)
PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE INFORMATION BELOW CAREFULLY. This is a lot to take in. Message the leader or post a comment if you have questions.
DATE
The ride is set for Sunday, May 4. Leader will be traveling to NYC on Saturday, May 3 and staying overnight in a hotel in Lower Manhattan, and traveling back Sunday evening after the ride (see the TRAVEL section below).THE RIDE
The Five Boro Bike Tour is an annual recreational cycling event in New York City. It began in 1977 and it is the biggest one-day bike event in the United States. It is produced by Bike New York. The 40-mile (64 km) ride includes over 30,000 riders. The route takes riders through all five of New York's boroughs and across five major bridges. The entire route, including bridges and expressways which normally prohibit cyclists, is closed to automobile traffic for the ride. This bike ride is NOT a race and is suitable for road and hybrid bikes. There are rest stops in every boro with free snacks and drinks. The leader plans to ride at a slow pace of 8-10 miles/hour. At the end of the ride, time permitting, we will have a celebration after the ferry ride back to Manhattan.REGISTRATION
Registration is open. Go here to register:
Five Boro Bike Tour Ticket Selection — Let’s Do This
The event is expected to fill up quickly. When you register, select the "early as possible" option for the start of the ride. Also, when prompted, choose "Join an Existing Team" and pick "Northern VA Hiking Club" for name of the team.HELMET AND BIKE LABELS
These will be mailed out for an additional $60, or you must pick up the day before (leader's plan).NVHC TEAM DINNER SATURDAY
There will be an optional dinner on Saturday, May 3rd in NYC for the NVHC team. 7:00? It will be in lower Manhattan, close to the action. Some Club members are taking part in the Saturday walk around Manhattan and will join the dinner. Everyone pays for their own meal. Recommendations on a restaurant welcome.LOGISTICS
Everyone decides whatever is best for them for transportation and overnight stay.TRAVEL
Unfortunately, the bike racks in trains are already sold out. Leader plans to take the morning (8:48) train from BWI (#152) on Saturday from BWI to New York Penn Station and an evening train Sunday after the event back to BWI (#165 NE Regional departure 8:01 p.m.). In NYC, leader plans to rent a bike. Most hotels let guests store their bikes in the rooms - be sure to check before booking. You can also bring your own bike of course. Alternatively, you can drive to Staten Island, stay overnight there, and take a ferry to the start of the ride Sunday morning. That way you are close to your hotel when the ride ends, and you avoid driving into Manhattan. Make sure to leave plenty of time for the ride, the party afterwards, a ferry ride if applicable, and other unexpected delays while reserving the return journey. Departures after 8 p.m. are safe.STAY
Leader plans to stay in one of the hotels in lower Manhattan, close to the start of the ride, which ends at the ferry terminal in Staten Island, leader plans to ride the free ferry back to Lower Manhattan. If you want to share a room with someone else, you need to arrange it by yourself.
