Adventure Riders
Meet other local people interested in Adventure Riders: share experiences, inspire and encourage each other! Join a Adventure Riders group.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out adventure riders events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the adventure riders events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
Absolutely! Find adventure riders events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.
Adventure Riders Events Today
Join in-person Adventure Riders events happening right now
Handy Bikes | Beginners' No Drop Ride
Meet in the parking lot of the Handy Bikes Service Center.
At the start of each ride, we'll go over introductions to have a sense of participants' cycling experience.
Over the course of our rides, we'll address the following:
group riding dynamics;
safety (ABC check & trail hazards); gear shifting;
hill climbing;
audible and hand communication within the group, with other trail users, and automobile drivers;
what to bring on each ride; etc...
Bring your questions, water & a snack.
When it starts getting dark earlier, we'll need lights as well.
Helmets a MUST.
If you can, and especially if you've had issues with your bike, come a bit early to have it looked at ahead of the ride.
PS - all levels are welcome to join, however, be mindful that if you are an experienced rider, please be prepared to ride at the pace of the newest rider in the group.
Each week, depending on who's in attendance, and participants' riding ability/comfort level, we may do skills practice as a group in the parking lot or at the west end of Wheeler Ave. Once everyone is comfortable, we'll go for a ride on local trails and neighborhood streets and finish back at the shop.
Happy Pedaling !!
\~Maya
3-Day Backpacking Perry Valley Loop, GWNF
The Perry Valley Loop is a wonderful loop hike that includes Big Schloss, Tibbet Knob and Half-Moon Mountain in the George Washington National Forest. This is a full 3 days, beginning on Friday and concluding Sunday afternoon.
* **Length:** 27.4 miles
* **Duration:** 3 days & 2 nights
* **Elevation Gain:** 5,133 feet
* **Peak Elevation:** 2,964 feet
* **Difficulty Level:** Strenuous
* **Cost**: None!
For a thorough overview, please consider reading "[Perry Valley Loop Backpacking Guide](https://intothebackcountryguides.com/trail-guides/perry-valley-loop?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2tOHD9PVCXZrhHyUuboaurGFe3CAkvoqcceheeIUHwWaFrexBgnrMPQdE_aem_gDp3jGVZLhqAopOivcmAvg)" from Into the Backcountry.
For Backpacking Trips, all participants will be **waitlisted** until you have been vetted. Please answer all of the questions asked during the RSVP or you will remain on Waitlist until they are received.
Detailed logistics, carpooling and other trip details will be EMAILED once we have finalized the participants.
**Notes:**
* The PATC requires each hiker to sign a liability waiver, which will be available at the trailhead.
* Please check Meetup the night before. I will cancel a hike due to unsafe conditions.
* Attendance is limited at the discretion of our hike leaders. PATC rules do not permit children under 18 years to participate in a hike without a parent or guardian present.
* Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Club volunteers maintain over 1000 miles of trails in Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia, including 240 miles of AT (and the section we will hike!). For more information about PATC, please visit [https://www.patc.net/](https://www.patc.net/)
**Backpacking Trip Essential Requirements & Expectations**
*These items outline specific requirements and expectations for all participants on our backpacking trips. These are in addition to the PATC Liability Waiver and are crucial for ensuring the safety and enjoyment of everyone, especially given the remote nature of these trips.*
Please read carefully. By registering for a backpacking trip, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to adhere to these requirements.
1\. Self\-Sufficiency & Responsibility:
\* This is a group trip, but we operate on a self-sufficient model. You are responsible for your own well-being and preparedness throughout the trip.
\* You must carry all your essential equipment, including shelter, food, a first-aid kit, water, and water purification supplies. Sharing some items with a partner is acceptable.
2\. Navigation & Preparedness:
\* You are expected to understand the trip's difficulty, including total mileage, elevation gains and declines, type of terrain, and daily splits.
\* You must be in good physical shape and capable of completing the planned itinerary.
\* You are required to have your own printed maps, as well as a compass and/or GPS, and know how to navigate. This is particularly important if you miss the group's morning departure.
\* If you have a medical condition that could become relevant during the trip (e.g., carrying an EpiPen or inhalers), you must inform the hike leader in advance.
3\. Leave No Trace & Wildlife Safety:
\* All participants must follow Leave No Trace (LNT) principles.
\* You must have an established method for securing your food from bears at night.
4\. Group Dynamics & Punctuality:
\* All participants must be 18 or older.
\* Leave your dog at home for backpacking trips.
\* If carpooling, please bring cash or use Venmo to offset the driver's gas expenses.
\* Punctuality is essential. Be on time for carpool departures and be ready to leave campsites at the agreed-upon times.
\* If you tend to move slowly in the mornings, please allow extra time to be ready for departure.
\* Bring a great sense of humor – it's an essential piece of gear!
5\. Communication:
\* We will be in a remote area that may be out of cell service.
\* If you have any questions or concerns before or during the trip, please ask the hike leader.
**Understanding the Risks:**
Please be aware that backpacking in a remote area, potentially out of cell service, involves inherent dangers and risks. Your preparedness and adherence to these guidelines are vital for the safety of yourself and the entire group.
**Questions:**
David M (“Square Feet”) is the PATC Volunteer leading this event and is a PATC certified Hike & Backpacking Leader, member of Trail Patrol and the Backpacking Committee Chair. David is certified in Wilderness First Aid. PATC’s goal is to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, so if you have any questions or need assistance along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out!
😀 3rd Friday Spades in VA@Nando's in the Mosaic District-Posted in 10+ Groups
♠️ Spades in Virginia! ♠️
Nando's Peri Peri, Mosaic District
2987 District Ave Ste 100,
Fairfax, VA 22031
🌟 3rd Friday Spades in Virginia!
🕕 6:30pm to 10:30pm
😀 **Posted in multiple groups. So, expect a nice crowd.**
🚗 Parking is FREE!!!
🍷 Alcoholic beverages are available! Please support the business by purchasing food/drinks.
✅️ No partner needed! Get matched with a partner onsite. All skill levels are welcome.
❤️ Come hang out with a friendly and welcoming group. Meet new people and have a great time!
🌟 The fun starts at 7pm! RSVP today.
Friday Evening Self Care: Relaxing Sound Healing
**Wash away the weeks stress! Fill your own cup of self-care and self-love with a candlelight sound healing experience with the harmonic vibrational sounds of the gong, crystal bowls, Tibetan bowls and many other high frequency instruments that will leave you feeling relax and rejuvenated.**
**This is a laying down experience with No Experience necessary.**
**What you may experience during this session:**
* Stress Relief and deep relaxation
* Ability to connect to your higher self, Ancestors and the divine
* Relief physical pain
* Release anxiety
* Improve emotional balance
* Increased feelings of joy, happiness, and inner peace
* Ability to create self-love and improve relationships
**What to bring:**
* Your own water bottle
* A Yoga mat (or use one at the studio)
* A blanket ( or use one at the studio)
* Eye mask (if you have one)
* Comfortable clothes lay down
* A pillow if you want to get extra comfortable.
**About Jenny Perez Curandera:** Jenny is a full time Curandera and Shamanic Healer. Her core values are to LIVE IN HARMONY with great spirit, the elements, nature, animals and people. DO NO HARM TO OTHER PEOPLE, PLANTS OR ANIMALS. In the traditional Curanderismo that Jenny practices the foundation is LOVE AND RESPECT to the spirit world, towards animals,plants, people,free will and the elders who guard the curanderismo tradition (Los Abulitos de la tradicion).
Curanderas Heart is located in the Westover Village in Arlington VA . 5852 Washington Blvd unit 5 Arlington VA at a walkable neighborhood with plenty of food options and street parking. Space is limited allowing all of our events to have an intimate vibe. Due to limited space pre registration and arriving on time is very important.
**DATE: Friday**
**TIME: 6pm-7pm Doors will open 30 minutes early ARRIVE ON TIME TO SET UP YOUR SPOT. PLEASE DON'T KNOCK ON THE DOOR OR DISTURB THE SESSION. ONCE THE DOOR IS LOCK IT MEANS SESSION IS ALREADY IN PROCESS AND IT WILL NOT OPEN UNTIL THE SESSION IS OVER.**
**Energy Exchange: $45**
**Address: 5852 Washington Blvd unit5 Arlington VA 22205**
**Info: WWW.CURANDERASHEART.COM**
\*\*[healing@curanderasheart.com**](http://healing@curanderasheart.com**/ "http://healing@curanderasheart.com**/")
**703\. 531\.7046 call or text**
For more information, contact Jenny
Website: [www.curanderasheart.com](http://www.curanderasheart.com/ "http://www.curanderasheart.com/") Email: healing@curanderasheart.com
Phone:703-531-7046 (call or text)
**\*\*\*\*Cancellation Policy: There are no refunds for missed, canceled reservations or if you arrive after session has already started\*\*\*\***
Volunteer at Velocity's Bike to Work Day Pit Stop
Bike to Work Day is almost here and Vélocity is once again hosting a stop at Colasanto Park!
Join us to welcome cyclists, hand out the official Bike to Work Day t-shirt, and maybe fix a flat or two. It's a great time and other local businesses will be there.
Bike to Work Day is a great day to start volunteering too!
More info on Bike to Work Day can be found here:
https://www.biketoworkmetrodc.org/
Adventure Riders Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Handy Bikes | Saturday Group Bicycle Ride
Weekly Saturday group ride, starting at Handy Bikes Retail Showroom.
Come ride with locals in the area! This group ride is for average folks who want to go for an average ride. It's not quite a coffee ride, but it's definitely not a race! Routes will vary around the area, with an average speed around 14 mph (minimum of \~10 MPH) for around 15-30 miles.
We'll be on pavement so bikes with smooth tires are encouraged, **helmets are mandatory**. Open to any riders who are willing and able to ride with a group including Class 1, 2, and 3 e-bikes. No speed demons please! Good group ride etiquette is a requirement.
Shop opens at 10:00 am
Show up and sign in by 10:15 am
Roll out 10:30 am
Please RSVP in advance, so that the ride leaders can prepare for the group's size.
[Handy Bikes on Strava](https://www.strava.com/clubs/737920/leaderboard)
[Handy Bikes on RideWithGPS](https://ridewithgps.com/organizations/14675-handy-bikes)
LAMA North East Regional Fundraiser
Join us for an exciting journey to the LAMA North East 2026 Fundraiser! This promises to be a memorable event you won't want to miss. Seize the chance to ride and bond with fellow enthusiasts.
May 16 / 12 – 5 PM
Meetup Location:
Harley Davidson of Washington D.C
9407 Livingston Rd, Fort Washington, MD 20744
Meetup Time: 7:30 AM
Pre-ride Briefing: 7:45 AM
Kickstands Up: 8:00 AM
Event Location:
Moose Lodge # 1860
989 Convery Blvd
Perth Amboy, NJ
Bike Night on Friday evening (15 May) at 6 PM.
Bike Night Location:
Favorites at Woodbridge
8 Lafavette Rd.
Fords, NJ
Remember to start with a FULL tank of gas before we hit the road. It's essential for all riders to participate in the pre-ride briefing. This ride welcomes both LAMA members and non-members. Non-LAMA riders are required to join the Meetup group and officially register for the ride.
Have any questions? contact [[lamadcpresident@hotmail.com](mailto:lamadcpresident@hotmail.com)]
DC Tourist Loop -- with E-Bike Lovers
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55123697
22 miles. Lunch/snack stop TBD.
Join us for a short and pleasant e-bike ride in and around the center of Washington, DC.
The total tour distance is some 22 miles but you can cut it short if needed. The ride is on paved bike paths, some city streets, and flat terrain.
Various monuments can be seen during this route (the Capitol, the municipal Fish Market, the White House, the Washington Monument, the Jefferson Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, the Nationals ballpark, the Titanic Memorial, and the Frederick Douglas bridge).
Lunch: Brown bag TBD.
The group stops a few times for slower riders to catch up. The distance will be some 22 miles or shorter any time you are fully satisfied with biking for the day.
**Please remember to charge your bike, check your tires and brakes, and consider packing an extra tube.**
**We recommend downloading the Ride with GPS route map to enhance your independence.**
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55123697
**Free Ride With GPS for E-Bike Lovers**
The Ride With GPS E-bike Lovers club membership is now free as [www.ebikelovers.com](http://www.ebikelovers.com/) generates sufficient income from ads to cover the costs.
Here is the link to activate your free membership:
[https://ridewithgps.com/auto_approve/Club/6746/Zwa5jhttF5mJrFbN](https://ridewithgps.com/auto_approve/Club/6746/Zwa5jhttF5mJrFbN)
**More information about using GPS files:**
[https://ebikelovers.com/2021/03/15/download-our-trails-and-never-get-lost/](https://ebikelovers.com/2021/03/15/download-our-trails-and-never-get-lost/)
**More information about e-bike ranges:**
[https://ebikelovers.com/2020/12/31/e-bike-longer-and-happier-15-smart-strategies-to-reduce-your-e-bike-range-anxiety/](https://ebikelovers.com/2020/12/31/e-bike-longer-and-happier-15-smart-strategies-to-reduce-your-e-bike-range-anxiety/)
As usual, non-assisted bikers are most welcome.
**Your registration for this ride signifies your agreement with the terms of the disclaimer below.**
**DISCLAIMER**
**LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMISSIBLE PURSUANT TO APPLICABLE LAW, NEITHER GREGORY MAASSEN, RICHARD CAMER, TRIP COORDINATORS, THEIR AFFILIATES, FAMILY AND FORMER AND CURRENT EMPLOYERS NOR ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN CREATING, PRODUCING, OR DELIVERING E-BIKE LOVERS GUIDES, OUR MEETUP EVENTS, AND THE GPS E-TRAILS IS LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF A USER’S ACCESS TO, OR USE OF THE E-BIKE LOVERS GUIDES, OUR MEETUP EVENTS, AND THE GPS E-TRAILS.**
**See for the full disclaimer: https://ebikelovers.com/disclaimer**
DCESK8 🛹 Board Meeting 💼
ATTENTION! The admins of DCESK8 - Washington DC Electric Skateboarding™️ have scheduled a Board Meeting. Attendees are expected to arrive in business professional attire and be prepared to deliberate on crucial matters including:
-shredding the gnar
-dodging traffic
-good vibes and sick hangs
What is the Board Meeting? It's a classic DCESK8 event in which we dress up in suit and tie, cruise the city taking lots of photos, and grab lunch together for a fun social retreat.
For the first time ever, this will be a charitable ride in which we will be supporting The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride, a worldwide dapper motorcycle rideout raising funds and awareness for prostate cancer and mental health. DCESK8 Alumni Robert Fairbarn and Corey Landolt will be riding in the DC event, and we highly encourage you to donate to their fundraisers. We will meet at the pre-ride for the DC Distinguished Gentleman's Ride, see them off, and then do our own ride included copious photos and followed by lunch.
Donate to Robert's fundraiser: https://gentlemansride.com/fundraiser/robertfairbairn?fbclid=IwdGRzaARoCpdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAwzNTA2ODU1MzE3MjgAAR5AkA09FjsHcfYN6pv3PBVzdE24Uxitla22xMzxSrV6j_0o9Was7QLoWnfI_A_aem_wqv9Ty5fjk6nSfocUIK-sw
Donate to Corey's fundraiser: https://gentlemansride.com/fundraiser/coreylandolt446693?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAb21jcARp7ThleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA81NjcwNjczNDMzNTI0MjcAAaee3KoZOSqWpI5LIvKC1LXalfi4Fmuglg7jFLHAjc3wGsiRhDWbGPOnO9ePyA_aem_v3ckF9XdrbIi9lU3hV_GDA
More information on The Distinguished Gentleman's Ride: https://gentlemansride.com/
Details:
Date: Sunday May 17th
Time: 8:30AM meet-up, 10:30 rideout
Location: Hains Point
Dress Code: Business Professional
The Great Rock Creek/Capital Crescent Loop -- with E-Bike Lovers
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54635719
20.6 miles; mostly paved trail; some designated bike lanes and relatively calm neighborhood streets. Toilet facilities at beginning and middle of the ride. Lunch at Fletcher's Cove, 13 miles into the ride.
On this ride we explore two local gems: Rock Creek Trail/Beach Drive and the Capital Crescent Trail. Rock Creek Park is a national treasure and affords magnificent nature views. We'll ride on the trail and on sections of Beach Drive that have been closed to motor vehicle traffic. Feel free to stop for photos at Peirce Mill and the adjacent waterfall. We continue south past the National Zoo on the Zoo Loop and down into Georgetown.
At the Georgetown waterfront, we'll make an optional stop at mile 0 of the C&O Canal. You may also choose to stop and explore the Georgetown Waterfront Park and its terrific views of the Potomac.
From Georgetown we go west on the Capital Crescent Trail. After our lunch stop at Fletcher's Cove, we head further north to Bethesda then east through well-sculpted Chevy Chase neighborhoods before finishing the ride.
**Please charge your battery, pump your tires, and check your brakes. Consider packing a spare tire tube. The ride is on paved trail and asphalt roads, but there are a few hilly segments. As usual, analog bike riders are most welcome.**
**We highly recommend that you download the Ride With GPS route map.**
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54635719
**About Peirce Mill**
Peirce Mill was built on Rock Creek in 1829 at the behest of Isaac Peirce. Using the moving water as a power source, the mill ground corn, wheat, and rye. Succeeding generations further developed the mill, sawmill, orchard, and tree nursery. In 1890, an act of Congress incorporated the mill and 350 acres of the property into Rock Creek Park.
**About Fletcher's Cove**
Fletcher's Cove, called by many customers "Fletcher's Boathouse," has been in this location since the 1850s and is renowned as a fishing and recreational area.
The nearby Abner Cloud House is the oldest building on the canal, dating back to 1802. After 145 years of business, the fourth generation of the Fletcher family retired in 2004, and a National Park Service concessionaire assumed responsibility for the operation of the boat rental and fishing tackle/bait operation. The area surrounding the boathouse was then officially named Fletcher's Cove, though most people still call it Fletcher's Boat House.
**About the C&O Canal**
The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal operated from 1831 until 1924 along the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., to Cumberland, Maryland. The canal's principal cargo was coal from the Allegheny Mountains.
The canal’s roots begin with George Washington’s dream of a waterway trade route. 74 locks were built. The full canal towpath is 184 miles long. See our September calendar for 4-day adventure on the towpath.
**About the Capital Crescent Trail**
The Capital Crescent Trail follows an abandoned Georgetown Branch railroad right of way and extends 11 miles from Georgetown, in the District of Columbia, to Bethesda, MD. It will eventually link to Silver Spring.
The trail, one of 500 rail-to-trail projects in the nation, traverses’ park land and neighborhoods and includes stretches along the Potomac River. We'll cross a railroad trestle at Arizona Avenue and ride through the Dalecarlia Tunnel near the DC/MD border.
**Free Ride With GPS for E-Bike Lovers**
The Ride With GPS E-bike Lovers club membership is now free as [www.ebikelovers.com](http://www.ebikelovers.com/) generates sufficient income from ads to cover the costs.
Here is the link to activate your free membership:
[https://ridewithgps.com/auto_approve/Club/6746/Zwa5jhttF5mJrFbN](https://ridewithgps.com/auto_approve/Club/6746/Zwa5jhttF5mJrFbN)
**More information about using GPS files:**
[https://ebikelovers.com/2021/03/15/download-our-trails-and-never-get-lost/](https://ebikelovers.com/2021/03/15/download-our-trails-and-never-get-lost/)
**More information about e-bike ranges:**
[https://ebikelovers.com/2020/12/31/e-bike-longer-and-happier-15-smart-strategies-to-reduce-your-e-bike-range-anxiety/](https://ebikelovers.com/2020/12/31/e-bike-longer-and-happier-15-smart-strategies-to-reduce-your-e-bike-range-anxiety/)
Did you know that E-bike Lovers is an Amazon Affiliate?
[https://ebikelovers.com/reviews](https://ebikelovers.com/reviews)
For the E-Bike Lovers group to be successful, we need to grow our membership carefully. Please feel free to invite other E-Bike lovers spread the word, and let’s have fun!
**When you register for this ride, you are agreeing to the terms of the disclaimer below.**
**DISCLAIMER**
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMISSIBLE PURSUANT TO APPLICABLE LAW, NEITHER GREGORY MAASSEN, NATHAN MERRIS, RICHARD CAMER, TRIP COORDINATORS, THEIR AFFILIATES, FAMILY AND FORMER AND CURRENT EMPLOYERS NOR ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN CREATING, PRODUCING, OR DELIVERING E-BIKE LOVERS GUIDES, OUR MEETUP EVENTS, AND THE GPS E-TRAILS IS LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF A USER’S ACCESS TO, OR USE OF THE E-BIKE LOVERS GUIDES, OUR MEETUP EVENTS, AND THE GPS E-TRAILS.
See for full disclaimer: [https://ebikelovers.com/disclaimer](https://ebikelovers.com/disclaimer)
Adventure Riders Events Near You
Connect with your local Adventure Riders community
"Under the Oak Tree" by Suji Kim
Join us for lunch/tea at Asterisk Supper Club to discuss our May book "Under the Oak Tree" by Suji Kim
Lady Maximilian is the daughter of the powerful Duke Croyso, but she is rarely allowed outside her family’s sprawling castle for fear that her stutter will tarnish their noble name. When she is forced to marry Sir Riftan, a lowborn knight caught in one of her father’s schemes, Maxi doesn’t dare hope for happiness, let alone love. Her stumbling communication and his gruff manner sour their relationship before it can begin, and Riftan leaves without a word the morning after their vows are exchanged.
Now, three years after their disastrous wedding night, Riftan has returned as a war hero. To Maxi’s surprise, despite rumors that he was offered marriage to Princess Agnes, a beautiful and renowned sorceress, Riftan still wants Maxi for his wife. And when he comes to claim her, his longing becomes a desire that bewilders Maxi, even as she is overcome by the scorching heat that Riftan’s presence ignites within her. As she learns to navigate the intricacies of her new life, Maxi will find herself and her courage, and discover that she is anything but powerless.
Trails & Ales! Blendon Woods Metro Park / Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery
**History**
The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville.
Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people.
As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support.
The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts.
In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area.
**Map of the Park**
Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png).
**Summary**
For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks.
**Where We'll Meet**
We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center.
**After the Hike**
Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks.
The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.
Women’s Night Out: Boots, Bites & Good Vibes
Who’s up for a fun night out?
Get your boots on, grab your cowboy hat, and let’s have some fun!
Thinking about checking out PBR Cowboy Bar & Smokehouse for a lively evening to unwind, connect, and enjoy the night together.
• Lively atmosphere with country vibes
• Delicious food + drinks
• Music, dancing, and lots of laughs
• Great conversation and new connections



























