About us
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.
Upcoming events
17
Bluebells to Bluetail (Rating: C)
Riverbend Park, 8700 Potomac Hills Street, Great Falls, 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.
DESCRIPTION:
Roughly 7ish mile circuit hike (with nature focus) from Riverbend Park (with acres of peaking bluebells and other wondrous wildflowers) to Great Falls Park (where an uber-rare red-flanked bluetail bird from Siberia and beyond has been visiting since New Year’s Day). Roughly 350ish elevation change.At our start in Riverbend Park, we’ll dawdle slowly for the first mile to admire the wildflowers, frogs, toads, salamanders, an eagles' nest, and scenery.
After that, we’ll hike at roughly 3 mph but still stop occasionally for flowers, frogs, and other fun stuff. We’ll trek along Riverbend’s uphill trails and then down by the Potomac River to Great Falls Park. There is a slightly tricky rocky crossing between Riverbend and Great Falls — right by the now infamous Potomac Interceptor sewage line that crosses the Potomac River and creates a mini-waterfall. People with balance problems would likely find that difficult.
When we enter Great Falls, we’ll look for the bluetail bird, which resembles an Eastern Bluebird. We’ll turn around (and take a break) near the Great Falls' overlooks. Then we’ll head back to Riverbend along the river with its almost endless eye-candy views of rocks and rapids.
The bluebells will be about peak -- along with gobs of other wildflowers (cutleaf toothwort, Virginia springbeauty, sessile trillium, etc.) -- like they're all dressed up for our Easter Parade.
CARPOOL: Carpooling is recommended. Riverbend is hosting its own short hike at 9:30 so we don’t want to use too many of their parking spots.
WEATHER: Change in weather policy: if there is a threat of some minor rain, we will still hike. We may have to adjust our route to avoid some of the slippery parts. I will post a final decision by 5 PM on Saturday.
IMPORTANT NOTES: Adults only. No pets, not even real live Easter bunnies.
BRING: $2 cash. Riverbend, a Fairfax County park, requires a $30 payment for more than 12 hikers so please bring $2 cash. No change, please. Also bring water, a snack, and a fully charged cell phone. Optional: camera and/or binoculars, iNaturalist app, and high-quality chocolate to share with your fellow hikers.
BATHROOMS: Portapotty at start, restrooms at turnaround, and at end.
MEET: 8:30 a.m. RIVERBEND PARK'S VISITOR CENTER (Not the Nature Center) deck facing the river.
Please arrive early and ready to go by 8:40. Thanks.
Riverbend Park 8700 Potomac Hills St., Great Falls, VA
Beware of Google Maps directions. Use these GPS coordinates to reach the visitor center at the intersection of Potomac Hills Street and the Potomac River. 39.018743, -77.245956
https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbendRIVERBEND PARK TRAIL MAP:
https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/sites/parks/files/assets/documents/trails/trail%20maps/riverbendtrailmap2.pdfGREAT FALLS PARK:
https://www.nps.gov/grfa/index.htmGREAT FALLS PARK TRAIL MAP:
https://www.nps.gov/grfa/upload/GRFA-complete-map-508.pdfEBIRD GREAT FALLS PARK:
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L718485/recent-checklistsNORTHERN VIRGINIA’S WILDFLOWERS:
https://www.pwconserve.org/plants/NATIONAL PARK SERVICE’S FREE MAP/BROCHURE APP:
https://www.nps.gov/subjects/digital/nps-apps.htmWASHINGTON POST’S BLUETAIL STORY:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2026/03/08/rare-bird-red-flanked-bluetail-virginia/VIRGINIA WILDLIFE MAGAZINE’S BLUETAIL STORY:
https://dwr.virginia.gov/blog/spotted-a-superstar-red-flanked-bluetail-far-from-home/18 attendees
Raven Rocks and Bear Chase Brewery (Rating: C)
One Loudoun Park and Ride, 20360 Savin Hill Dr, One Loudoun, 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 5.8 miles with 1600 feet elevation gain. Although this hike distance is short, there are four uphill climbs of about 300-400 each. The trails are rocky. Will will start near the Appalachian Trail (AT) on route 7 and go in and out on the AT to Raven Rocks,
After the hike, for those that choose to do so, we will drive a short distance to lunch to the Bear Chase Brewery, https://bearchasebrew.com GPS Coordinates: 39.111372, -77.845820.
We hike at a pace of 2.5-3.0 mph when moving.
No dogs permitted on this hike
Leader: Ed Brimberg 703-944-9920 (C)
Carpools: Arrive at the One Loudoun Park and Ride at 7:45am, carpools leave at 8:00am GPS Coordinates: 39.054674, -77.459302, https://maps.app.goo.gl/dyK5ptbQGR7hAMV59 . Suggested carpool fee is $3. Meet at the dead-end spur part of the lot. Look carefully at GPS location in the lot. The leader will be at the carpool location. Driving time to the trailhead from the carpool location 40 minutes.
If you are going to the trailhead, meet at the Snickers Gap - Appalachian Trailhead at ~8:45am, GPS coordinates: 39.115727, -77.846759 https://goo.gl/maps/Wks6xstQANuKcti57
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 they participate at their own risk.
Park Entry Fee: $0
Rating: C
AllTrails Map hike: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-1a996ec-9?u=i&sh=7cs7ov
***You must be experienced in hikes of this distance, pace and elevation gain.***
25 attendees
Hains Point-Tidal Basin: Cherry Blossoms Galore! (Rate: C)
Columbia Island Marina, George Washington Memorial Parkway, Arlington, 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.
Join us for an approximately 7 mile hike around Hains Point along the Tidal Basin and over the Memorial Bridge. There is no elevation to speak of. Most of the hike is on pavement.
Description
The 2026 National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. runs from March 20 to April 12 with peak bloom predicted between March 29 and April 5, 2026.Hains Point, located at the southern tip of East Potomac Park, is a popular spot to see Cherry Blossoms, offering a less crowded alternative to the Tidal Basin.
It offers a 4-mile loop trail ideal for walking (and biking), is lined with cherry trees and as the point of convergence of the Potomac River, Washington Channel and Anacostia River, it provides a panoramic view of the area.
Emerging from the Haines point, we will head along the Tidal Basin towards Memorial Bridge and then back to the Marina.
Facilities: Columbia Island Marina and at Hains Point.
Where to meet?
We will begin at Columbia Island Marina (Lady Byrd Johnson Park, GW Parkway, Arlington, VA; Note that the only entrance to the Marina is from the GW Parkway Southbound. GPS Coordinates: 38.876366, -77.049883Arrival Time: Please arrive by 9 am so that we can get all checked in and leave on time at 9:30 am.
What to bring?Bring: Be sure and wear sturdy walking shoes; dress in layers; and have adequate hydration. We will stop for lunch/snack along the way.
Hiking Pace: We will hike at a pace of 2.5-2.7 mph while moving.
You must have experience with hikes of this distance and pace.
Elevation Gain: N/ADogs are not permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy
Weather: the weather for this location can be found HERE.
Rehydration: It might be fun to have a snack at Island Time Bar/Grill on the water at Columbia Island Marina upon completion of our hike
Leader: Dawn Keeler 703 533 9231. I will be in a Honda Hatchback, with the hatchback open.
33 attendees
Riverbend Park, Bluebell Hike (Rating: C)
Riverbend Park Visitor's Center, 8700 Potomac Hills St, Great Falls, 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.
7.5 mile circuit hike with 370 feet of elevation gain.
A nice hike along the scenic Potomac River and adjoining forests of Riverbend Park admiring the beautiful blooming bluebells.
Description: We'll start our hike in Riverbend Park south along the Potomac Heritage trail where we should see bluebells along the trail and riverside. We will the make our way on a few trails on our way to some additional bluebells sections. Should be a scenic and nice stroll along the Potomac trail section of Riverbend with the bonus of seeing these beautiful Virginia native flowers. After the bluebell hike, there will be an option to hike over to Great Falls Park overlooks for anyone interested in joining me.
The pace will be about 2 mph.
Bring some hydration, snacks/lunch, as you feel necessary.Fee: There is no entrance fee at Riverbend Park, but I will need to collect $2.00 from each hiker to cover the cost of group fees at Riverbend. Group fees are required for groups of 12 or more. I will get the group permit in advance. Small bills only please!
Dogs are welcome on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Riverbend Park trail map:
https://www.hikingupward.com/OVH/RiverBend/images/Map.pdfIf you haven't hiked with me before, please provide your full name, cell phone number and emergency contact number. You can message me on Meetup or text me at my cell phone listed below. This will save time getting folks signed in.
Meet at the trailhead parking lot 15 minutes early to allow everyone to get signed in and ready to hike at 9:00am.
Meeting Place Instructions: Riverbend Park, Great Falls, VA. We will meet at the lower parking lot, on the right, across from the Riverbend Visitor Center. Coordinates 39.01758,-77.24621
Any questions, please message me here or text/call @202-528-0456. If you text me, please include your name.
32 attendees
Past events
4754
