Wilderness Hiking

We will be hiking the loop trail, (counter clockwise) around the BeaverDam Reservoir starting at the brand new Reservoir Park VisitorsCenter. Beautiful views of the water and varied woodland areas. This is an 7.5 MILE loop hike around one of Northern Virginia's largest bodies of water. The loop is mainly flat with a tiny hill or two. I've rated the loop moderate because the distance is 7.5 miles and we will be hiking about 22 minutes per mile - just under 3 miles per hour. After the hike we'll head over to Lark Brewing. 24205 James Monroe Hwy, Aldie, VA 20105 for food and beverages. I will make every effort for your safety. You are hiking at your own risk. Dogs are welcome on the hike as long as they are good with groups, friendly and you follow all leash laws. I like kids but this is an adult event so please no kids or any one under 21. We do start on time so please plan accordingly. Meet in front of the bathrooms by the parking lot. Reservoir Park Trail on AllTrails https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/reservoir-park-trail?sh=lkkoxr&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality

Join us for a hike at Sugarloaf Mountain on Sunday, June 21st Address 7901 Comus Road Dickerson, MD 20842 Information about rules and trails may be found here: https://sugarloafmd.com/ Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on a leash at all times. Parking info TBA. There isn't much parking at the base of the mountain, but there are three parking lots up on the mountain road. Please show up on time as once we start hiking it may be difficult to find us.

We hiked this trail in March 2026 with The Bethesda Social Club, and everyone loved it! **Lake Needwood–Gude–Blue Heron Loop in Rock Creek Regional Park.** • Distance: 3.6 miles • Difficulty: Easy, with a gentle climb of 337 ft • Time: 1.5–2 hours at a leisurely pace • Scenery: Beautiful lake views, wetlands, and lots of birds (herons, ducks, geese) • Ideal if you’re looking for a peaceful, scenic, and not too tiring experience • Wide, well-marked trails — perfect for chatting Don’t forget to pack your essentials (water, snacks, and tissues are a good idea). If you’re bringing your dog, please let us know in the comments, just in case anyone has allergies. We’ll all meet at the parking lot near the boat house.

We hiked this trail in March 2026, and everyone loved it! Lake Needwood–Gude–Blue Heron Loop in Rock Creek Regional Park. • Distance: 3.6 miles • Difficulty: Easy, with a gentle climb of 337 ft • Time: 1.5–2 hours at a leisurely pace • Scenery: Beautiful lake views, wetlands, and lots of birds (herons, ducks, geese) • Ideal if you’re looking for a peaceful, scenic, and not too tiring experience • Wide, well-marked trails — perfect for chatting Don’t forget to pack your essentials (water, snacks, and tissues are a good idea). If you’re bringing your dog, please let us know in the comments, just in case anyone has allergies. We’ll all meet at the parking lot near the boat house.

**IMPORTANT -** If you are not 100% committed please do ***not RSVP.*** No shows will be de-propritized for future events. We got rained out on Memorial day - so let's try this again on July 4th weekend! The Mount Rogers/Grayson Highlands loop hike is an iconic section of the Appalachian Trail, located in the southwestern hills of Virginia within the Jefferson National Forest. This region is best known for its vast mountain views and alpine peaks with **wild ponies** roaming about. This area is also home to Virginia's highest point, Mount Rogers, sitting at 5,729'. This is a premier east-coast backpacking destination, so don't miss this one. ## **Trail Facts** * **Difficulty Level:** Moderate * **Length:** 21.4 Miles * **Duration:** 3 Days * **Elevation Gain:** 3,898 Feet * **Bear Canisters:** Not Required * **Permits:** None * **Dogs**: Allowed * **Meetup/Carpool:** Vienna Metro South * **Trailhead Parking:** 36.6893579, -81.5320954 * **AllTrails Map**: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/mount-rogers-and-appalachian-trail-loop-958adb5?u=i&sh=rak641 **Trail Details:** We will meet at The Vienna Metro station on Friday morning at 8am and drive to the Mt Rogers Trailhead (off Rt 603). This parking lot is **NOT** the paid lot near Masie Gap, and so can fill up. I'd like to try to get there as early as possible. The drive is about 5 hours. I will drive and am happy to have others carpool with me - but please note, I will have my small black labrador in the back seat. **Day 1** After we park, we will hike about 7 miles to our campsite, diverting once to summit Mt Rogers. There arent any views here, but it's worth the .3 miles to say you've been to the highest point in VA! We will camp on the first night at the scenic tent sites near the Thomas Knob Shelter on the AT. There is water at this site and we may see wild ponies if we're lucky. **Day 2** The second day is about 10.7 miles, which includes spectacular views, unique rock formations and wide open grassy meadows. We will camp near the Old Orchard Shelter. There is a spring with water at this site as well. **Day 3** The third day will be a short 3.5 mile hike from camp back to the cars. Getting to the cars early will mean that we should get back to DC around 4-5pm. On the drive home, I plan to stop at Martin's in downtown Roanoke (413 1st St SW, Roanoke, VA 24011). **Essential Items**: * Tent * Sleeping pad​ * Sleeping bag suitable for expected temperatures​ * Backpack (appropriate for overnight backpacking)​ * Backpacking stove with fuel​ * Pot, cup, dish, and utensils​ * Dehydrated meals​ and snacks * Water bottles or hydration system (capacity for at least 2 liters)​ * Water filter or purification tablets​ * Headlamp with extra batteries​ * Rain gear * Dry bags or pack cover​ * Warm clothing layers (non-cotton) * Trowel for and toiletries for Leave-No-Trace compliance **Optional Items**: * Personal first aid kit​ * Map and compass or GPS device * Power bank or external battery * Trekking poles​ * Camp shoes * Electrolyte supplements​ * Alcohol​ * Books, games, or other enterainment * Gaiters​ * Sunscreen, lip balm, insect repellent​​ **CARPOOL:** Don't forget if you want a ride or are willing to offer a ride – be a friend to the environment, save money, and make friends. **LIABILITY NOTICE:** Please remember that this group operates under the common adventurer model. We are a group of friends and volunteers organizing trips for fun and shared experience. Participants are expected to be familiar with best hiking practices and choose hikes that align with their physical abilities and experience. Organizers and members are not liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to persons or property arising from group activities. By attending this event, you agree to assume all risks associated with the activity.​ For more information on the common adventurer model, please see [Ron Watters' definition](https://www.ronwatters.com/CADefine.htm).​ If you believe you may be lost during the hike, follow the advice of the [US Forest Service](https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/if-you-get-lost). ​ See you on the trail!

**We’re hitting the beautiful Scout Trail for a relaxed morning hike. No major hills, no rush—just a great way to get outside, move, and connect with awesome people!** **Meeting Spot: Claude Moore Park Visitor Center** **(21544 Old Vestals Gap Rd, Sterling, VA 20164)** **Trail: The Scout Trail (~3.3-mile loop)** **Difficulty: Easy & flat** **After the hike we will go to Crooked Run at 22455 Davis Dr #120, Sterling** **Key features:** **Beverages: Offers a diverse range of contemporary and traditional beers, plus natural wines, ciders, and seltzers.** **Food: Multiple food options are available on-site, including pizza, tacos, and biscuits.** **Atmosphere: A spacious, fun environment with a taproom, outdoor and indoor seating.** **We will try to get seats outside under the tent.**

**We’re hitting the beautiful Scout Trail for a relaxed morning hike. No major hills, no rush—just a great way to get outside, move, and connect with awesome people!** **Meeting Spot: Claude Moore Park Visitor Center** **(21544 Old Vestals Gap Rd, Sterling, VA 20164)** **Trail: The Scout Trail (~3.3-mile loop)** **Difficulty: Easy & flat** **After the hike we will go to Crooked Run at 22455 Davis Dr #120, Sterling** **Key features:** **Beverages: Offers a diverse range of contemporary and traditional beers, plus natural wines, ciders, and seltzers.** **Food: Multiple food options are available on-site, including pizza, tacos, and biscuits.** **Atmosphere: A spacious, fun environment with a taproom, outdoor and indoor seating.** **We will try to get seats outside under the tent.**