Alpine Climbing

**Billy Goat A, B and C, a Challenging 10.5 Mile Hike** SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON REGISTRATION UNDER "NOTES." Located within the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal National Historical Park, the Billy Goat Trail is one of the most famous hiking circuits in the Washington, D.C. metro area. Split into three distinct sections—A, B, and C—it offers a variety of terrain ranging from technical rock scrambling to peaceful woodland paths. We will hike all three sections. Section A is the most famous and difficult portion of the trail. It is renowned for its rugged terrain along the edge of the Mather Gorge and spectacular views. Expect heavy rock scrambling that requires the use of both hands and feet. The highlight is the "Traverse," a 40-foot climb up a near-vertical rock face at a 45-degree angle. Section B offers a transition between the intensity of Section A and the ease of Section C. It is currently a favorite for those who want a river experience without the vertical intensity of the northern section. The trail winds through silver maple forests and across small rocky beaches. It feels more secluded and offers several spots to sit by the water's edge. Section C is ideal for birdwatchers and hikers looking for a scenic but low-impact outing. This section is heavily forested and features several vernal pools (seasonal ponds) that are home to rare plants and amphibians. It is the least technical of the three sections. It offers excellent views of the Potomac River through the trees and access to several sandy floodplains. This is a challenging hike due primarily to the A section. Sturdy hiking boots with non-slip treads are a must. And be prepared to put your rock scrambling skills to a test. Please do not attend this hike unless you are skilled at rock scrambling. Dogs are not permitted on this hike due to the restrictions of Billy Goat A. **Time to Meet**: Please meet at 8:45 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 9:00 **Contact Information**: Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leaders is Christa (410-610-6254) and Tim (202-744-0289). Call or text as needed. **Directions to Trailhead:** The GPS Coordinates are [39.001617, -77.247334](https://www.google.com/maps/place/39%C2%B000'05.8%22N+77%C2%B014'50.4%22W/@39.001617,-77.247334,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m4!3m3!8m2!3d39.001617!4d-77.247334?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) The Street address is [11710 MacArthur Blvd, Potomac, MD 20854](https://www.google.com/maps/place/39%C2%B000'05.8%22N+77%C2%B014'50.4%22W/@39.001617,-77.247334,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m4!3m3!8m2!3d39.001617!4d-77.247334?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D). NOTE: From this address, follow signs down to the visitor center parking lot. NOTE: There is a $20 entrance fee per car unless you have a National Parks Pass. **Details:** Rating: Moderate Distance: 10.5 miles Elevation Gain: Approximately 400 feet Pace: 2.0 to 2.25 miles per hour; slower on Billy Goat A Facilities: There is a toilet near the trailhead Fees: $20 parking fee or Pass for National Parks **Cancellation:** In the unlikely event that the hike needs to be cancelled, it may be cancelled up to the evening before the hike. Hikers will be notified through comments on this posting. **Weather:** The weather for this location can be found [here](https://weather.com/weather/today/l/11b14a8b4739108b3cc0c240111f9e44bf73c9d24f533f2a71def50e63f1ae3a). **Notes:** \- RSVP TO ATTEND THIS HIKE\. IF YOUR PLANS CHANGE\, UPDATE YOUR RSVP BY 6:00 PM THE DAY BEFORE SO THERE IS TIME TO BACKFILL YOUR SPOT\. SIGNING OUT AFTER 6:00 PM WILL RESULT IN A "NO SHOW\." REPEATED NO SHOWS WILL RESULT IN BARRING YOU FROM FUTURE HIKES WITH THIS LEADER\. IF YOU ARE ON THE WAITLIST\, CHECK YOUR STATUS SOON AFTER 6:00 PM THE DAY BEFORE TO SEE IF YOU ARE ON THE "GOING" LIST\. -Please do not show up unregistered. -Please keep this a fragrance free event. -To find out more about PATC, [click here](https://www.patc.net/). -Consider becoming a member of PATC. To join, [click here.](https://www.patc.net/membership)

This event is NOT for beginners please. If you can't make it, please try to sign out at least 5 hours before the event starts. Thank you!

Please sign up via Golden volunteer and agree to the waiver: https://x.gldn.io/e/OVC5PEwDk2b Help Montgomery Parks make improvements to the bike park, add new features, and maintain existing ones.

This is one of my fav hikes that combines very scenic valley and river views. We'll start with the Gold Mine trail which runs along the bluff above Great Falls. We'll then hike the Billy Goat A trail, which is one of the most scenic hikes in Maryland. A large part of this hike is scrambling over boulders and rock faces. It is a challenging hike that has very scenic views of the river. The total distance will be 6 miles with about 500 feet of elevation gain. We'll hike at a slightly faster pace, and it should take about 3.5 hours. This hike is not for beginners. Please only RSVP if you hike or walk at least 6 miles per week at a faster pace. If you can't keep up, we will leave you behind, so it's your responsibility to know the route and how to get home on your own if you have to. After the hike, we might go grab a bite at Fish Taco, 7945 Macarthur Blvd, Cabin John, MD 20818 Parking: \-\- The closest place to park is in one of the small lots on the left side of MacArthur Blvd directly across the street from Old Anglers Inn\. But these lots are often full\. \-\- The best place to park is on the street on Stable Lane\. Stable Lane is just past Old Anglers Inn on the right\. \-\- You will also see a lot of cars parked on MacArthur Blvd even though there are "No Parking" signs\. I've never seen anyone towed or ticketed for parking on MacArthur Blvd\, but you're on your own there\. Note that this event is cross posted with the Hiking Around Baltimore meetup group. Hope you can join us! \*\*\* IMPORTANT \*\*\* BY ATTENDING THIS EVENT, YOU AGREE TO THE LIABILITY WAIVER, INDEMNIFICATION, ASSUMPTION OF RISK, AND OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS ([https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z39AGebAVz9c-3S4zf3tj4Eb7V9k3PrH/view](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z39AGebAVz9c-3S4zf3tj4Eb7V9k3PrH/view)) (revision 12/1/22). PLEASE READ THIS AGREEMENT CAREFULLY BEFORE RSVP'ING.

Covid Alert: We will start having classes again at Canal Park on Wednesdays and the dojo on Saturdays. Please bring your own hand sanitizer, and a mask are a must! We'll practice from a safe distance from each other; and progress from there. On Saturdays, class is limited to the first 5 persons to rsvp (until further notice) "DC Kali" is an official training group for FCS Kali. Our curriculum includes knifes, swords, stick-fighting, striking, and grappling; but we place a special emphasis on edged weapons. Please come out and learn some Kali. Our aim is to train hard, learn some sound defense strategies, and make friends along the way. Although FCS Kali is a combat-oriented systems that involves edged weapons, we provide a safe environment for learning w/o sacrificing realism in our training. We teach in small semi-private groups, allowing each individual student to progress as quickly as he or she can absorb the info being taught. Hope to see you all there. Mosi K. Jack, Esq. Training Group Instructor · FCS Manong (under Tuhon Ray Dionaldo) http://www.fcskali.com/ ) Filipino Combat Systems is an organization dedicated the preservation and promotion of all Filipino Martial Arts. Filipino Combat Systems(FCS) is an organization/system with members from around the world. FCS is based on Tuhon Ray Dionaldo's over 35 years of practicing various FMA (Filipino Martial Arts) styles. He's combine elements of each, into one system that's efficient, fast, concise, and logical. FCS members have extremely diverse backgrounds, and Martial Arts systems. We’ve all come together because of our love of the Filipino Martial Arts, and our unwillingness to become involved in the politics that has so often stifled our growth. Please pick one of the following class and fee combos: Drop-In Fee: $25/per class (after 1st free Saturday class) Monthly fees: $80/month (Wednesday park classes included for free), or Quarterly fees: $210/every 3 months (which comes to $70/month; includes the Wednesday park classes), or Wednesday Park only: $50/month • Cash and Paypal are preferred method of payment (online payments via Square are available at: https://squareup.com/market/dc-kali ) • One free trial class is permitted (but must rsvp ahead of class) • Equipment: if you have training knives, rattan sticks, training swords, and/or mma gloves bring them. If not, we may have a few extra. Training Videos http://www.fcskaliphilippines.com/fcs-curriculum-videos.html http://www.bloodnbonesgear.com/id5.html

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Facing Fascism,”** on the history, hallmarks, and lingering power of a deadly ideology, with Kevin Matthews, professor of history at George Mason University and teacher of courses on early 20th century European history. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-facing-fascism](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-facing-fascism) .] Few political movements have aroused as much anger and fear as fascism. But despite its legacy of violence, persecution, and genocide, fascism continues to hold a strange attraction to many. Join historian Kevin Matthews for an in-depth look at an ideology that brought death to millions in Europe and yet continues to deeply influence our politics and culture. Dr. Matthews will start by discussing how the ideology of fascism arose in the aftermath of the First World War and took hold in Europe in the 1920s and 1930s. To give you a better grasp of what exactly fascism is, he’ll discuss its central themes: Anti-democracy. Extreme nationalism and anti-communism. The use, or threat, of violence in politics. Rejection of established values such as scientific objectivity. Denial of equal rights, especially for women. The assertion of power where a power vacuum exists. We’ll examine the rise and fall of two notorious fascist dictators, Adolf Hitler of Germany and Benito Mussolini of Italy. For a time it was believed that fascism died in the ashes of the Second World War, but it clearly didn’t, and we’ll look at where it remains a political force today. Finally, we’ll examine how fascism continues to permeate popular culture in ways that trivialize it, popping up in music from punk to Madonna, with its latent eroticism making it the subject of films such as *The Night Porter.* Having been called “the most self-consciously visual of all political forms,” it enlisted fashion leaders to produce uniforms and continues today to inspire a look known as “Nazi chic.” Dr. Matthews previously has given fantastic Profs and Pints talks on Ireland’s fight for independence and on World War II German submarine attacks off our coasts. He’s sure to leave you with a much better understanding of fascism and a recognition that is has hardly gone away. (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: Benito Mussolini and Adolf Hitler during Mussolini's 1940 visit in Munich (photographer unknown / public domain).

**Discover a hidden gem at the heart of DC!** Glover Archbold Park runs parallel to the better-known Rock Creek Park, stretching from Tenleytown to the C&O Canal in Georgetown. As you scramble over rocks and navigate rushing streams, you’ll forget that you’re right in the middle of the city. We’ll be hiking around 5 miles out and back, with a stop midway at the C&O Canal for a bite to eat. This hike is part of a series focused on exploring transit-accessible green spaces in the DMV. Date: Sunday, April 26 Time: 10:30am - 1:30pm Meeting Point: Tenleytown-AU Metro, south entrance What to Bring: Hiking boots or sneakers with good grip, water, snacks and/or lunch This trip is led by Rosie Berman under the supervision of Potomac Chapter hiking leader Peg Barratt Please register for the activity in advance, using the AMC outdoors connector website, https://activities.outdoors.org/s/oc-activity/a5UVX00000168Gr2AI/act00020396

**Backpacking 101** is the perfect introduction for beginners and a great refresher for those looking to brush up on their skills after time away from the trail. This hands-on course covers essential topics like selecting and using gear, improving safety and comfort on the trail, and practicing Leave No Trace principles to help protect our beautiful backcountry. Get ready to hit the trail with confidence—let’s make adventure happen! **Requirements** · Participants must 18 or older & a PATC Member · **Fee:** $100 · **Class Size:** Limited to 8 students. · **Waiver:** A signed waiver is required by PATC. **Topics Covered** * Dressing for Success – Clothing, layering, and footwear essentials * Gear Up! – Choosing the right pack, shelter, and sleep system * Backcountry Basics – Water purification & cooking on the trail * Home Sweet Campsite – Selecting and setting up your ideal spot * Leave No Trace – How to protect nature while enjoying it * Trail Hygiene – Sanitation and staying fresh in the wild * Plan & Navigate – Trip planning, maps, and finding your way **Class Structure** * Pre-Class Prep – Watch assigned YouTube videos for a head start * 2 Gear Demos & Discussions – Hands-on learning and Q&A sessions * Overnight Adventure – Put your skills to the test on a backpacking trip! **Classroom Sessions** Location: PATC Headquarters, Vienna, VA Online: There will not be an online option as this has not worked well previously. Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm * Tuesday, April 7 * Tuesday, April 14 **Weekend Option #2:** This trip will be in GWNF and includes a **3.2 miles hike (each way)** with 1,200 foot elevation. I’d rate this as “easy" * Weekend Option #2: April 25-26 * Rain Date for Option #2: May 2-3

**Park Map / Trailhead hike – NO BUS** *$5. Long hike: 13 mi., 2000 ft. elevation gain. Moderate hike: 9 mi., 1500 ft. elevation gain.* From the Visitor Center, all hikers will take a loop that provides vistas at Chimney Rock, Wolf Rock, Thurmont Visit, and the Blue Ridge Summit. Moderate hikers will complete the loop by descending towards Rte. 77, taking in the brief detour to Cunningham Falls, and returning to the Visitor Center. Long hikers will continue along Park Central Road and the Catoctin Trail (with an option of a detour to view Cunningham Falls), eventually descending to Rte. 77 and, after crossing the road, taking the Falls Nature Trail to return to the Visitor Center. *** RESERVATIONS Capital Hiking Club is a non-profit group, and the public is invited on all trips. Reservations are accepted as late as Friday, but reserving before Wednesday night helps ensure your spot and prevent cancellation of the hike due to low sign-ups. RSVP through Meetup and pay through PayPal. Please be sure your RSVP gives your full name and phone number. FIRST-TIME HIKERS If you're a first-time hiker with us, please notify the leaders in advance so they can make sure you have the info you need. Hikers must be able to keep at least a 2 mph pace. LIABILITY By RSVP'ing for a CHC hike, you acknowledge and accept that hikers are responsible for their own safety and must assume risks and liability for all outings. CHC leaders, officers, and representatives shall not be liable for any injuries, loss or damage to persons or property, direct or consequential, arising out of any trips or club activities. Participants will be asked to sign a waiver the day of the hike. CANCELLATION POLICY To cancel and receive a full refund less a $5 processing fee, you must change your RSVP to "No" on Meetup **before 12PM the Thursday** before the hike. If you change your RSVP after 12PM the Thursday before the hike, no refunds will be issued. MORE DETAILS -- **[SEE THE FAQS ON OUR WEBSITE](https://www.capitalhikingclub.org/hikes-faqs)**

We will hike at Sky Meadows State Park, 5.2 miles with an elevation gain of 1000’. The pace for this hike is suitable for beginners and families, at 1.4-1.9 mph, with slower options available as needed. Parts of the trail are rocky and uphill; we will stop often. The hike is referred to as a lollipop. We will meet at the Visitor Center parking lot and hike to the Boston Mill Road Trail. We will take the North Ridge Trail to the Appalachian Trail and then the Ambassador White House Trail. We will return on the North Ridge Trail and Boston Mill Road Trail. **DIRECTIONS AND PARKING:** Physical Address: 11012 Edmonds Ln., Delaplane, VA 20144 The park is less than two miles south of Paris, VA via U.S. Route 50 to Route 17 South, or seven miles north of I-66, Exit 23 on Route 17 North. The park’s main entrance is on Rt. 710/Edmonds Lane. Park in the lot at the visitor center. Sue's vehicle is a white Toyota Corolla. **RESTROOM**: Onsite at the visitor center. **THINGS TO BRING:** You will need a Virginia State Park Pass or pay a $10 fee to access the park. Dress in layers, bring water, snacks, a first aid kit, hiking poles, and pack extra socks. Hiking Guides: [https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/patc-mentoring-hike-sky-meadows-d06f64a](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/patc-mentoring-hike-sky-meadows-d06f64a) [https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/document/data/trail-guide-skymeadows.pdf](https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/document/data/trail-guide-skymeadows.pdf) **Notes:** * Participants are required to sign a PATC HIKE SIGNUP SHEET AND LIABILITY form. * RSVP to register for this hike. If your plans change, update your RSVP. * To find out more about PATC, [click here](https://www.patc.net/). * Consider becoming a member of PATC. To join, [click here](https://www.patc.net/membership). Please check the night before for any updates. A hike will be cancelled due to weather conditions and Virginia Department of Transportation travel alerts. Attendance will be limited at the discretion of our hike leaders. Preference will be given to PATC members. PATC rules do not permit children under the age of 18 to participate in a hike without a parent or guardian present. Please leave your canine companions at home. Thanks!

Below is the alltrails link to the hike: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/maryland/capital-crescent-trail We will only be doing 3 miles overall in this hike, out and back. Parking and Metro Access: Park in the garage near 7150 Woodmont Ave, Bethesda, MD 20815. Or park on the streets----- street-parking is free on Sundays. For metro: just get down at Bethesda metro station. We will meet at the trailhead next to the Ourisman Honda, check out the photo section of this event for a visual of the location. Bring plenty of water, whatever you need for your hike, and your awesome authentic self. Keep it easygoing. RELEASE OF LIABILITY & ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT: By being a member of this Group, RSVPing to any Activity, or participating in any Activity, You accept and agree to the terms and conditions described below: 1. You acknowledge that hiking in nature carries the risk of potential harm to yourself, including the risk of injuries such as broken bones or muscle/tendon injuries, illness, disability, or death. 2. You agree that You will at all times be responsible for Yourself and Your own safety. 3. You release and hold harmless with respect to all injury, disability, death, or loss of property, whether caused by negligence or otherwise, this group's leadership and members for the hikes that you participate in. 4. You acknowledge and agree that this Group is merely a collection of friends or potential friends who enjoy doing activities, and that in no event does any Organizer or Other Member assume any responsibility or liability for You. 5\. You agree not to sue and to release\, discharge\, waive and hold harmless all organizers and other members from and against all liabilities\, claims\, demands\, losses\, damages\, suits and proceedings\, for negligence\, carelessness or any other cause which you may have or that hereafter may accrue arising\, resulting from or related to your membership in this group or participation in any activity\.

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**We'll hike 3.4 miles on the Killdeer and Yellowlegs Trails - both out and back gravel trails. If we want more mileage we can repeat an out and back. Pace of around 3.5 mph, no one left behind and those who want to go faster sure can!** **As always optional lunch after.** **This is the second Metro Park in the lineup - with 21 to go (plus more are being added).** **Also I have a conflict and am not available so have asked Karin to lead!**