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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.
Предстоящие события
29
Marys Rock and Cave Falls (Rating: A+)
Gainesville Park and Ride Lot - University Boulevard, 7250 New Stable Wy, Gainesville, VA 20155, Gainesville, 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 hike is ~13 miles’ circuit with an elevation gain of ~ 3350 ft., featuring Cave Falls and Mary’s Rock Vista. The hike starts from Buck Ridge trailhead parking area on route US-211.
Parking is limited near the trailhead, recommend carpool and try to be on time. In case if we run out of space in the main parking lot (coordinate location), we may need to park couple of cars in next parking lot which is few hundred meters ahead. Also, there are some small parking spots available on both sides of 211, within few hundred meters from the trail starting point. If you have to park in any of these spots, please make sure to park safely & properly to avoid any issues and walk carefully. If you plan to meet at Gainesville Park and Ride, be there NLT 06.45 AM ET to sort out carpool and we will leave by 6.50 AM ET. Approximate drive time to trailhead is 1 hour.
Safety is paramount for all of us. This circuit is steep on descend at places and may be slippery and wet so please bring hiking poles and wear proper hiking shoes to enjoy the trails safely. The water crossing(s) may be slippery, and we may take short detour or walk in water so please be prepared. Please bring minimum 2 liters of water.
This hike is suitable for experienced, fit hikers who did similar distance/elevation in past few months. This circuit has uphill/downhill climbs so please be prepared. If you have ANY question about your ability to complete this hike, please contact me.
Need to know details:
Distance: 13 miles (approximately)
Elevation gain: 3350 feet (approximately)
Pace: 2.5 mph (Average)
Terrain: Steep/Staircase/Water Crossings
Park entry fee: None
Carpool Fee: $5
Trailhead Coordinates: 38.658276, -78.281928
Directions from Gainesville Park and Ride:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/qSeH8sVvqpSogb429
Trailhead meet up time: 8:00 a.m. We aim to start the hike at 8.10 a.m.
Dogs permitted in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy: https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicyBring: Adequate water, food/snacks, hat, layers, basic first aid kit, map, rain gear (depending), hiking poles, hiking shoe (It’s steep trail on descend) sunscreen, bug spray, water shoe (for water crossing, if you want), additional pair of socks and your big happy smile 😊.
Quiz: At lunch stop we can have 3 quizzes related to this hike. First correct answer gets the prize 😊
Thanks: To the teams, individuals and volunteers who contributes to keep the trails safe, beautiful and updates the portals to keep the trail data up to date which helps fellow hikers.
Any questions? Message or text me! Looking forward to this awesome hike.
Saran
(848) 248-055516 участников
Urban Hike: Philadelphia (Rating: D, 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: 7 mi. Elevation: Negligible PACE: 2.0 - 2.5 miles/hour
** Not suitable for fast paced hikers **
EXTERNAL RESERVATIONS: Amtrak tickets (see below) - about $60 return as of January 28, 2026. Book EARLY for reduced fares.
DESCRIPTION
This hike will feature three prominent Philly attractions: (1) Rittenhouse Square (2) Liberty Bell and Independence Hall and (3) the Art Museum (from the outside).PLAN
We will take Amtrak Sunday morning (Saturday's Amtrak fares are much higher) to Philly - see below for train details. On our walk, our first stop will be at Rittenhouse Square, the happening place in Philly. This will be our brunch stop. We will then visit the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. After a brief visit to the waterfront, we will retrace our steps and visit the Art Museum, stopping en route for an afternoon snack. We will return by Amtrak to the DC area.BREAKS
Apart from the main stops mentioned, we will stop as needed for bathroom breaks and coffee/tea/hot chocolate.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 120 (NE Regional), departing BWI at 8:33 a.m. (to PHL - William H Gray III 30th St. Sta.)
Return: Train 149 (NE Regional) departing Philly at 6:36 p.m.
The price, as of January 28, 2026 is $59.
CARPOOL
Not ApplicableDOGS
Not suitable due to the nature of the trip5 участников
Bull Run Occoquan Trail - Hemlock Overlook Regional Park (Rating: B )
Hemlock Overlook Regional Park, 13220 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.
8 mile out and back lariat hike with 800 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 Hemlock Overlook Park and proceed east toward Kincheloe soccer field area and take in the sights. There are rolling hills, but they are short and spread out. We will take a lunch/snack break about halfway through. We will then return to Hemlock Overlook Park but will use the backside route. This will be a scenic and nice workout!The pace will be about 2.5 mph.
There is no restroom at the trailhead so you may want to schedule a pit stop on the way before you arrive.
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.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/nvhcdogpolicy
Bull Run Occoquan Trail: https://www.novaparks.com/parks/bull-run-occoquan-trail
Meeting Place Instructions: We are meeting at 8:45am to sign in so we can start promptly at 9am. Look for the parking area on the right side of Yates Ford Rd, across from Paradise Springs Winery.
GPS Coordinates 38.76605, -77.40652
Finding the trailhead can be difficult if you are not familiar with the area. Use 13220 Yates Ford Road, Clifton VA 20124 for Google directions. You can also plug in Paradise Springs Winery. Do not put Hemlock into your GPS as that may take you to a different parking area.
NOTE: We park in the dirt parking area across the street from Paradise Springs Winery.
Optional post-hike rehydration TBD.
Any questions, please message me here or text/call @202-528-0456. If you text me, please include your name.
26 участников
Great Falls Park - Virginia (Rating: D)
Great Falls Park, 9200 Old Dominion Dr, McLean, 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 a 5 mile hike with 550' elevation gain on various trails in Great Falls Park Virginia. Maneuvering on some rocks is required. We hike at a pace of 2.5-3.0 mph when moving.
Leader: Ed Brimberg 703-944-9920 (C)
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Meet: At the Great Falls Park parking lot. Arrive at 8:45am, hike starts at 9:00am.
38.998198, -77.255878
https://maps.app.goo.gl/m5LGdmjqFtLfEUAfAPark Entry Fee: $20.00 or free with a park pass.
AllTrails Map for hike: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/great-falls-park-5-miles-c0e9053?u=i&sh=7cs7ov
34 участников
Прошедшие события
4726
