About us
Welcome to Take a Hike! (DMV) – a friendly and inclusive group for anyone who loves exploring the outdoors in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area! Whether you’re an experienced hiker or simply looking to spend more time in nature, this group is for everyone interested in discovering new trails and meeting new people.
We organize hikes across the DMV area, focusing on scenic and accessible trails within an easy drive of DC. Each outing is a social experience where you can enjoy great conversations, make new friends, and connect with a diverse community of outdoor enthusiasts. Some hikes may be more challenging than others, but each one promises adventure, camaraderie, and the assurance that we don’t leave anyone behind.
After the hike, join us for an optional social get-together for lunch at a local spot nearby! It’s a great chance to unwind, share stories from the hike, and build friendships over good food and relaxed conversation.
Lace up your boots, bring a sense of adventure, and come Take a Hike! with us!
Upcoming events
2
Take a Hike! @ Difficult Run to Great Falls Park
Cross County Trail Access Point, Leigh Mill Rd., Herndon, VA, USJoin us for an easy hike along the Difficult Run Trail to Great Falls Park and kick off your day with great company and engaging conversations! The trail is mostly flat, but a 246-foot incline within Great Falls Park will give us a fun little cardio challenge. Don’t worry - we’ll pause at the top to regroup, hydrate, and catch our breath while soaking in the views. Whether you're here for the exercise, the scenery, or the chance to meet like-minded people, this hike has something for everyone!
This trail is packed with sights: enjoy picturesque views along Difficult Run Stream and breathtaking overlooks of the Potomac River from up high. We’ll even come across a picnic table at the top of one incline, the perfect spot to rest, take in the view, and soak up some good vibes!
Afterward, join us for an optional lunch at Mookie's BBQ to relax and unwind after our hike.
Meeting Time & Location
Meet at 9:30 AM at Cross County Trail Access Point (Leigh Mill Rd & Kelso Rd). If you're running a bit late, you can catch up with us at the Difficult Run parking lot off Georgetown Pike - we’ll pass through about 30 minutes into the hike.Distance: 5 miles
Difficulty: Easy (246 feet of elevation gain)
This hike is rated Easy for its gentle terrain, wide paths, and manageable 246 feet of elevation gain.- Easy Water Crossing: Large stepping stones make the stream crossing simple and safe.
- No Rock Scrambling or Steep Climbs: The trail has no steep rocky sections or scrambling required.
- Mild Inclines: The mostly flat route includes a gentle 246 foot incline within Great Falls Park.
Pace: Moderate Pace
A steady, comfortable pace that’s manageable for most hikers with a reasonable fitness level. Breaks are regular but not overly frequent, allowing for a balanced experience of exercise and enjoyment.Parking
Plenty of parking is available. You can park off Route 683 by Cross County Trail Access Point (Leigh Mill Rd & Kelso Rd) (be sure to park head-in, with your car clear of the street). Additional parking is on the shoulder of Kelso Road. The trailhead is at the intersection of Route 683 and Kelso Road, marked with a crosswalk.Trail Map (AllTrails): Take a Hike! (DMV) - Difficult Run to Great Falls Park
Dog Attendance
For everyone’s comfort and enjoyment, we kindly ask that you leave your dogs at home for this hike. Thank you for understanding!Lunch After the Hike
Join us for an optional lunch after the hike at Mookie's BBQ, 1141 Walker Rd, Great Falls, VA 22066. It’s a perfect way to relax and unwind after our time outdoors!81 attendees
Take a Hike! @ Harpers Ferry (Free Admission Day)
Harpers Ferry NHP Visitor Center, 171 Shoreline Drive Harpers Ferry, WV 25425, Harpers Ferry, WV, USJoin us for a challenging yet rewarding hike at Harpers Ferry! The first hour is all uphill, giving you a great workout and a chance to push yourself alongside friends. At the top, we’ll pause to enjoy the sweeping views from Maryland Heights before heading back down. It’s the perfect way to combine fitness, fresh air, and good company - reconnecting with old friends and meeting new ones along the trail.
From the town, we will take the Overlook Cliff Trail and hike up to Maryland Heights. At the Maryland Heights, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful view of where the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers meet and the picturesque town of Harpers Ferry below. This trail is moderately challenging, requiring good hiking shoes and some stamina. The climb involves a long incline of about 1,000 feet, but thankfully, it’s much easier going back down.
After enjoying the views, we’ll head back down and gather for an optional lunch and drink at Harpers Ferry Brewing. The weather will be nice, making it a perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy good conversation with new friends while taking in the spectacular scenery.
To learn more about the trail, click the link in the Trail Map section below.
Meeting Time & Location:
9:30 AM at the National Parks Visitor Center, located at 171 Shoreline Drive
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425. We'll meet in front of the visitor center.Distance: 4.11 miles
Elevation Gain: 1027 feet
Difficulty: Medium
This hike is rated as medium difficulty, primarily due to the initial elevation gain of 1,027 feet. The trail is wide and well-maintained, with no stream crossings or rock scrambling involved. We'll take regular breaks during the more strenuous ascent to make the climb more manageable.Estimated Duration
This hike is expected to take approximately 3 hours.Pace: Moderate Pace
We’ll maintain a steady, comfortable pace with regular but brief breaks for a balanced mix of exercise and enjoyment.Parking
Ample parking is available at the Visitor Center. Please note that you'll need to purchase a park entrance pass for $20 or have a National Parks Annual Pass (including the lifetime senior pass) to access the parking area.Trail Map (AllTrails)
Take a Hike! @ Harpers FerryRestrooms
Restrooms are available at the Visitors Center.Dog Attendance
For everyone’s comfort and enjoyment, we kindly ask that you leave your dogs at home for this hike. Thank you for understanding!Age Requirement: Children under 16 are not permitted. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Lunch After the Hike
Join us for a relaxing post-hike lunch at Harpers Ferry Brewing, located at 37412 Adventure Center Lane. This local favorite not only offers delicious food but also has a great view, providing the perfect setting to unwind, socialize, and enjoy some well-earned refreshments.45 attendees
Past events
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