Sierra Club Potomac Region Outings (SCPRO)

Here’s the perfect way to celebrate Christmas—hiking on Sugarloaf! Combine the views, the scenery, the company, the exercise, the weather, and the holiday cheer, and you end up with something special every year. With few bugs, fewer leaves (better views!), and fewest people, there’s no better place close to home to enjoy a natural Christmas. (Says the ghost of Christmas Nature.)

As a monadnock, Sugarloaf stands out from its surroundings, providing spectacular views in all directions from several cliff overlooks and offering some of the best hiking near the Capital area. The mountain is home to a wide variety of trees, wildflowers, and assorted critters. It has an interesting geology and a fascinating history, including being the site of a proposed presidential retreat (before Camp David).

Photos of Sugarloaf of Christmases past: bit.ly/MWS-SXmas.

HIKE:
The hike is a 7.6-mile circuit hike with about 2900 ft. of elevation change (moderate). There are some strenuous stretches and many ups and downs. This is not an easy hike. A map of the hike route is posted as a photo below, to print, if you wish.

LEADERS are Vicky Hsu and Mike Darzi.

WEAR:
You will need to dress for the weather, in layers so that some stuff can come off as you warm up hiking. Consider the wind chill in addition to the temperature, so an extra jacket or windbreaker is advised. Consider wearing ear covers, gloves, a hat, sunglasses, and a scarf or high collar. The trails are rocky and may be icy, so hiking boots are strongly recommended. Don’t forget your walking poles if you use them. Carrying an extra pair of socks is a good idea.

BRING:
Bring two or more quarts of water, a bag lunch, and leftover holiday treats (especially homemade) to share. Bring binoculars and a camera if you like.

WHEN & WHERE:
We’ll meet at 10:00 am at the West View parking lot on Sugarloaf Mountain. Enter Sugarloaf from the main gate at the intersection of Comus Rd. and Sugarloaf Mountain Rd. Follow Sugarloaf Mountain Drive (not "Road") between the barns and up the mountain, past the East View lot, and take the right at the next fork (with a sign) to West View lot. We will meet near the picnic shelter and porta-johns. From the gate entrance, it is 1.8 miles to our parking lot.

Note that a $5 per vehicle donation (old-fashioned honor system) is suggested as you enter the main gate to help support Sugarloaf, which is a good cause.

There is no formal carpooling. If you need a ride, try posting a request in the comments. (Offering to pay for gas may help.)

SIERRA CLUB
You may join the Sierra Club by clicking the "JOIN" button at the top of the Virginia Chapter’s website. Membership is not required for participation.

Hikers (and non) will continue a long tradition (since 1975) by gathering in Georgetown on January 1 to kick off a new year of hiking! Come join old and new friends in ushering in the New Year, while working off some of the holiday cheer that's starting to show. Leashed pets are also welcome.

Photo albums of previous hikes: bit.ly/MWS-NYDH.

THE HIKE:
We’ll walk 5.1 miles along the C&O Canal Towpath to the Little Falls Pump Station, and back. You can walk at your own pace and turn around sooner (or later) if you want to do less (or more) than 10.1 miles. A handout (to download or print) for the hike is posted here and as a photo below.

LEADERS:
Frank Wodarczyk, Paul Elliot, Gabriele Ludwig, & Mike Darzi.

WHAT TO BRING:
Bring snacks or a bag lunch, and water. Dress warmly in layers and wear rain/snow gear or bring an umbrella if there is a chance of precipitation. Feel free to bring leftover holidays treats to share.

WHEN & WHERE:
We’ll meet at 10 am on the west side of Wisconsin Avenue, NW, south of M Street. There is a small plaza in front of the Pinstripes Bistro (1064 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC) that is next to and above the C&O Canal. If there is no crowd there, start one. Note that street parking is conveniently free on New Year’s Day.

LUNCH:
If you are so inclined, you may also join some of us for après-hike fare at Pinstripes Bistro (where we start and finish the hike) starting at 1:30-1:45 pm.

SIERRA CLUB
You may join the Sierra Club by clicking the "JOIN" button at the top of the Virginia Chapter’s website. Membership is not required for participation.