What we’re about
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 (4+)
See all- Take a Hike! @ Sugarloaf Mountain, Friday Hike (1-4pm) & Happy Hour!! (4-7pm)Sugarloaf Mountain West View Parking Lot, Dickerson, MD
Come enjoy a day filled with fresh air, great views, and friendly company as we hike Sugarloaf Mountain! This hike is all about enjoying the outdoors, getting some exercise, making new friends, and sharing a memorable experience with a great group of people.
We’ll meet at the West View Parking Lot (check the map pin for the exact location) and head out on a 5.5-mile loop that will take about 3 hours. The hike kicks off with a good workout along the Blue Trail loop. About mid way, we’ll pause to take in the stunning views, snap some photos, and catch our breath at a scenic overlook.
After the hike, join us for a casual Happy Hour meetup at Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard. The Friday Happy Hours offer food, wine & music, from 4 to 7pm.
It’s the perfect way to relax, enjoy good conversation, and toast to a fantastic day spent outdoors.We’re excited to have you join us! Be sure to wear your hiking shoes, bring water, and pack your positive energy. Let’s make this a fun and refreshing day together!
Meeting Time & Location:
We’ll meet at 1:00pm at the Sugarloaf Mountain West View Parking Lot. Look for us by the picnic tables near the trailhead.Distance: 5.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,063 feet
Difficulty: Level 3 - Intermediate Hike
This hike is rated Level 3 for its moderate inclines. The trail then descends for about 3 miles, with a few final inclines returning to the parking lot. There are no stream crossings or rock scrambles.Estimated Duration
This hike is expected to take approximately 3 hours.Pace: Moderate Pace
We'll walk a steady, comfortable 2 mph 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
We’ll park at the West View Parking Lot, which has plenty of spaces available and is a convenient starting point for our hike. Please refer to the event map to locate the correct parking area. Do not park at the East View Parking Area, which is the first parking area you’ll pass.** Trail Map **
We will be hiking the Blue trail loop.Restrooms
There are a couple of porta-potties located at the trailhead for your convenience. Be sure to plan accordingly, as these are the only restroom facilities available on this hike.Happy Hour after the Hike
Join us for a relaxed Friday Happy Hour at Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard after the hike. They have live music and the DM Sliders food truck available from 4:00pm until 7:00pm. Feel free to bring your own food or simply enjoy a glass of wine with the group. Please note that outside alcohol is not permitted, but the vineyard offers a wonderful selection of wines available for purchase. Dogs are welcome if kept on a leash.This is a wonderful chance to relax, take in the scenic views, and connect with the group.
Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard
18125 Comus Rd, Dickerson, MD 20842 - Take a Hike! @ Sugarloaf Mountain, Friday Hike (1-4pm) & Happy Hour!! (4-7pm)Sugarloaf Mountain West View Parking Lot, Dickerson, MD
Come enjoy a day filled with fresh air, great views, and friendly company as we hike Sugarloaf Mountain! This hike is all about enjoying the outdoors, getting some exercise, making new friends, and sharing a memorable experience with a great group of people.
We’ll meet at the West View Parking Lot (check the map pin for the exact location) and head out on a 5.5-mile loop that will take about 3 hours. The hike kicks off with a good workout along the Blue Trail loop. About mid way, we’ll pause to take in the stunning views, snap some photos, and catch our breath at a scenic overlook.
After the hike, join us for a casual Happy Hour meetup at Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard. The Friday Happy Hours offer food, wine & music, from 4 to 7pm.
It’s the perfect way to relax, enjoy good conversation, and toast to a fantastic day spent outdoors.We’re excited to have you join us! Be sure to wear your hiking shoes, bring water, and pack your positive energy. Let’s make this a fun and refreshing day together!
Meeting Time & Location:
We’ll meet at 1:00pm at the Sugarloaf Mountain West View Parking Lot. Look for us by the picnic tables near the trailhead.Distance: 5.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,063 feet
Difficulty: Level 3 - Intermediate Hike
This hike is rated Level 3 for its moderate inclines. The trail then descends for about 3 miles, with a few final inclines returning to the parking lot. There are no stream crossings or rock scrambles.Estimated Duration
This hike is expected to take approximately 3 hours.Pace: Moderate Pace
We'll walk a steady, comfortable 2 mph 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
We’ll park at the West View Parking Lot, which has plenty of spaces available and is a convenient starting point for our hike. Please refer to the event map to locate the correct parking area. Do not park at the East View Parking Area, which is the first parking area you’ll pass.** Trail Map **
We will be hiking the Blue trail loop.Restrooms
There are a couple of porta-potties located at the trailhead for your convenience. Be sure to plan accordingly, as these are the only restroom facilities available on this hike.Happy Hour after the Hike
Join us for a relaxed Friday Happy Hour at Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard after the hike. They have live music and the DM Sliders food truck available from 4:00pm until 7:00pm. Feel free to bring your own food or simply enjoy a glass of wine with the group. Please note that outside alcohol is not permitted, but the vineyard offers a wonderful selection of wines available for purchase. Dogs are welcome if kept on a leash.This is a wonderful chance to relax, take in the scenic views, and connect with the group.
Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard
18125 Comus Rd, Dickerson, MD 20842 - Take a Hike! @ Difficult Run to Great Falls ParkCross County Trail Access Point, Herndon, VA
Join 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 \ 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
Lunch After the Hike
Join us for an optional lunch after the hike at . It’s a perfect way to relax and unwind after our time outdoors!
