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Hains Point-Tidal Basin: Cherry Blossoms Galore! (Rate: C)
You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, **[https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](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](https://www.nps.gov/places/000/east-potomac-park-hains-point.htm)** along the **[Tidal Basin](https://www.nps.gov/subjects/cherryblossom/trail-guides.htm) and over the [Memorial Bridge](https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/memorialave.htm).** There is **no elevation** to speak of. Most of the hike is on **pavement.**
**Description**
The **[2026 National Cherry Blossom Festival](https://nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/)** in Washington, D.C. runs from **March 20** to **April 12** with **peak bloom** predicted between **March 29** and **April 5, 2026.**
**[Hains Point](https://www.nps.gov/places/000/east-potomac-park-hains-point.htm)**, located at the **southern tip** of **[East Potomac Park](https://www.nps.gov/places/000/east-potomac-park-hains-point.htm)**, 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](https://boatingindc.com/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, -77.049883](https://maps.app.goo.gl/z4K5XxsS8KHsyF1A9)**
**Arrival 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/A
**Dogs** are **not** permitted on this hike in accordance with the **[NVHC Dog Policy](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cCe0_KteiZM6qiZMi1PZlgWBf_NBCFD0/view)**
**Weather:** the weather for this location can be found **[HERE](https://weather.com/weather/today/l/c4025fdf0177c872b7fc2e0d09e7c523995ef49e21145e2d2438fe08649ca9e8).**
**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.
Monday Run
Join us for a 5k run alternating between Harris Teeter/NIH loop and Chopt/Capital Crescent Trail.
Raven Rocks and Bear Chase Brewery (Rating: C)
You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, [https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](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](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](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](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](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.\*\*\**
Spanish Language Happy Hour! (Advanced speakers)
¡Buenos dias! Bienvenidos a todos!
Let’s practice our Spanish and meet new people at this Spanish-language happy hour! Geared toward those who have, at minimum, an Advanced level of Spanish and would like to keep it up, our group will speak Spanish exclusively over drinks and appetizers.
This group meets at the Arlington Board Room on the first Monday of each month. The time is 6:30p to as long as you wish to stay or the restaurant closes! No fee is required to participate.
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Capitol Hill Walk (Eastern Market to NOMA) ~5.2 mi
Let's take a walk through various parts of Capitol Hill, including the Marine Barracks and numerous public parks!
**Route:**
* Start at Eastern Market Metro Station
* Walk along South Carolina Ave. to Garfield Park
* Walk to G street till the Marine Barracks
* Walk around the barracks and head towards Potomac Ave. Station
* From Potomac Ave., walk up 15th street, towards C street
* Follow C street to Kentucky Ave., follow Kentucky to Lincoln Park
* Walk around Lincoln Park, and north on Tennessee Ave. to D street.
* From D street, follow Maryland Ave. to Stanton Park
* From Stanton Park walk up 4th and 3rd street till we get to NoMa
* Finish at NoMa Metro Station
**Millage:** 5.2 mi
**Start Location:** Eastern Market Metro (meet in Market Park) [https://maps.app.goo.gl/gcZ7tXJS2Xjhefbb7](https://maps.app.goo.gl/gcZ7tXJS2Xjhefbb7)
**End Location:** NoMa Metro Station
**Time:** 6PM-8PM
**Terrain:** This will be mostly flat, on paved or gravel ground
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We try to be punctual with our event times so please be respectful to others and show up a few minutes early, because we will leave without you. Note, we often limit the RSVPs to keep group sizes manageable. If you are on the waitlist but would really like to join, reach out to the organizer.
We're always looking for new leaders who can showcase their neighborhood or any cool places they know, so please reach out either at an event or on meetup if you are interested.
If you've enjoyed our walks please consider donating a few bucks to help us keep this group running (meetup is expensive!). [Donation Link](https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2158403661070336114) (Confirmation code- 0802)
Monday Evening Rock Climbing at Movement Crystal City
## Details
Hello everyone! We climb at Crystal City Movement every Monday. Please read rest of the description carefully.
We mostly do tope rope climbing but we can arrange bouldering sessions as well. If you prefer lead climbing please post on the comments to find your belay partner.
\#\# Requirements
* If you are not a Movement member, you'll get a daily pass. If you don't have the equipments you can rent them in the gym.
* Please sign the waiver through: [https://movementgyms.com/waiver/](https://movementgyms.com/waiver/)
* You can get a discounted day pass and free rental gear if you say you are here for my meetup
All skill levels are welcome! If you are totally new to climbing and want to do top rope, then you have to have a belay certificate. In order to do that;
* You can check Movement gym Intro to Rope Climbing class : [https://movementgyms.com/crystal-city/climbing/classes/](https://movementgyms.com/crystal-city/climbing/classes/)
* After the course, you should do the 'Belay Check' which can be done as soon as 24 hours after you take the class. The test takes around 15 mins so it can be done before the climbing session.
Before your first visit you may want to check the related webpage: [https://movementgyms.com/first-visit/](https://movementgyms.com/first-visit/)
\#\# Where to meet
To find us go down the stairs in front of the front desk. We will meet around the benches next to climbing walls.
Beginning Hikers Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Call of Cthulhu - Beginner Group
Zero session
Learning the basic rules to the game
Creating an investigator for the first scenario
No need to bring anything with you. I will have all the supplies needed.
(Trailhead) Hike: Broad Run, Bristow, VA (Bluebell Hike)
Trailhead Hike &Wildflower Hike:
Although we normally view the well-known bluebells at Bull Run Regional Park at this time of year, the bluebells of Broad Run are more abundant and the trails are much less crowded. Many other varieties of wildflowers can be seen along this surprising enclave south of Gainesville and west of Manassas, VA.
Hikers will begin at the Benedictine Monastery public parking lot, visit the gardens, labyrinth, silos of peace, sisters and children's cemetery, over the old farm rubble/culvert bridge turning right on the paved riparian wetlands trail back to the trailhead structure. Long hikers will hike the loop behind Victory Lakes neighborhood back to the trailhead structure then towards Linton Hill Rd. (moderate and easy hike) after admiring a profusion of bluebells, hiker will pass under Linton Hall Rd. to Sudley Manor Dr. where more bluebells are in bloom. Hikers will cross the busy road (Warning: Look Both Ways!!!) to the west side of Broad Run, past the gated Dumbarton community, then cross the marine-grade bridge to the loop between Broad Run and Rocky Branch returning to the bridge. Hikers will proceed north past the Dunbarton clubhouse along Broad Run to the power lines then double back to Sudley Manor Dr. and carefully cross (look both ways!!!) to continue straight along the west side to the end (long & moderate) or at any point (easy) along the way. Hike back to Sudley Manor Dr., then turn a right a short distance on the hike & bike trail turning right at the east side Broad Run trailhead tracking the river downstream and under Linton Hall Rd. to just before the riparian wetlands bridge (do not cross bridge!). Take a left along the riparian wetlands behind the monastery until the spotting the gated Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto on the left. Visit the grotto, then proceed along the the traffic circle back to the public parking area and the end of the hike,
Park map. Est.: 12.2 mi. (long), 10.5 mi (moderate), \~8.5 mi. (easy), <300 ft. elevation.
Hike fee: $5.
Trailhead meetup:
St. Benedict Monastery (38°45'14.8"N 77°33'56.3"W)
Public Parking Lot (traffic circle, 3rd rt., & follow sign toward gardens)
9535 Linton Hall Road, Bristow, VA
Start time: 9:00 AM
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 a 2-mph pace. New hikers are required to first complete a moderate hike.
**Liability Waiver:** Many of our hikes take place in remote wilderness areas where cell phone service is not available. Any person participating in any Club activity is responsible for their own safety, health and welfare, and must assume all risks and liabilities related to all Club activities. The Club, its hike leaders, hike sweeps, officers, and other representatives are not liable for any injuries, losses, or damage to persons, children, pets, and/or property, arising from any trips or activities of the Club. You are responsible for bringing enough water, food, and first aid supplies, including those for your personal medical conditions.
CANCELLATION POLICY
To cancel and receive a full bus hike refund, less a $5 processing fee, you must change your RSVP to "No" on Meetup **before NOON on the Friday** before the hike. If you change your RSVP after noon on the Friday before the hike, no refunds will be issued.
Cancellations to Metro/carpool/trailhead hikes will not issue a financial refund, but hiker must change their Meetup RSVP to NO so that leaders do not wait for them at the trailhead.
COVID PRECAUTIONS
Anyone experiencing symptoms of upper respiratory illness should not attend the event.
MORE DETAILS -- [SEE THE FAQS ON OUR WEBSITE](http://www.wanderbirds.org/faq.html)
Trailhead Hike: Hazel Mountain, SNP, VA
**PATC Map 10 / Trailhead hike- NO BUS Meet at 10 AM.**
*$5 plus SNP fee or park pass. Long hike: 10½ mi., 1500 ft. elevation gain. Moderate hike: 8½ mi., 1000 ft. elevation gain.*
This hike explores one of the few areas in Shenandoah National Park where the older trees were not displaced by farmland. From the Meadow Springs parking area, all hikers will go along the Hazel Mountain Trail and then take a loop using the White Rocks and Hazel River Trails, then return via the Hazel Mountain Trail. Long hikers will take an additional shorter loop via the Hazel River and Catlett Spur Trails.
***
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)**
Easy Hike: Capital Crescent Trail, only 3 miles
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\.
Riverbend Park, Bluebell Hike (Rating: C)
*You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, [https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](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](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy)
Riverbend Park trail map:
[https://www.hikingupward.com/OVH/RiverBend/images/Map.pdf](https://www.hikingupward.com/OVH/RiverBend/images/Map.pdf)
If 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.
First Group Hike: Billy Goat Trail A
Join us for our very first group hike! This is a relaxed, beginner-friendly outing focused on getting outside, meeting new people, and enjoying some fresh air together. I'm limiting this one to about 10 spots so it doesn't get too crowded, so RSVP soon!
Afterwards, join us across the street at the Old Angler's Inn for brunch (optional) at noon. It's located near the trail and parking areas, so there's no need to drive to get there.
**UPDATE 4/4: We are going to do Billy Goat Trail Section A instead of Section B.** Section A is the most iconic part of the the trail which includes some rock scrambling. It's a little more difficult, but also lots of fun and I'm confident that everyone will have fun with it together.
Location: Billy Goat Trail Section A - C & O Canal National Historic Park
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/maryland/billy-goat-loop-trail
Distance: 3.6 miles
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: \~2 hours
What to Bring:
* Comfortable hiking shoes
* Weather-appropriate clothing
* Water (1-2 liters)
Beginning Hikers Events Near You
Connect with your local Beginning Hikers community
American Sign Language Beginners Meetup Group
We meet to learn and practice American Sign Language and to grow our familiarity with Deaf culture. Facilitated by hearing folks (with a connection to a professional interpreter) using Deaf-created content. People of all ASL skill levels are welcome! As we learn, we hope to connect more with the Deaf community in Central Ohio. Join us as you're able!
Come regularly or just once - whatever you're looking for! Each meetup will explore different topics related to ASL/Deaf culture, and will feature time to practice conversation with one another. Just bring yourself and a willingness to learn!
Hike Bexley - UPDATED DATE
Meet at Wolfe Park parking lot by tennis courts. We willl walk along Alum Creek trail, through Jeffrey Mansion Park then along Bexley neighborhood and back.
Optional lunch at Trolley District.
Hike Blacklick Woods and The Canopy. Optional lunch after.
Over time I'm hoping to organize a hike to all the Franklin County Metro Parks. This is the first one so if you're interested jump in!
We'll start with the Canopy Walk, a cool feature of this park. Climb 100 stairs to the top - or take the elevator if stairs aren't your thing. At the top there are a bunch of things to play on - a rope bridge, a fireman pole that we can slide down - and more! About fifteen minutes there and we'll head to the natural trail, Buttonbush, Maple and Beech Trail for 2.2 miles then do a 1.7 mile loop on the paved Greenway Trail. We'll be passing our cars as we transition if you only want to do the first loop, or the second loop. Pace of around 3.5 mph but no one left behind.
If there is an interest we can grab lunch nearby afterward.
Hike Gertrude S. Lawrence Hoover Nature Preserve near Galena
This trail is a meandering path through the woods. There will be some overlooks and a couple stops at the creek as well as time along a waterway. It will not be a fast paced hike. There is some elevation change and uneven terrain. I will be using poles just to be safe! Will aim to get in about three miles.
Optional lunch after if there is an interest.



















