Camping

Brisk 3- to 4-mile urban hike starting and ending at Dache Beer Garden in Shaw in Northwest DC. We will walk to the U.S. Capitol Building, across the plaza, before returning to Dache for drinks and food. Closest metro stations Shaw Howard and Mt. Vernon Square.

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. **8.5 mile out and back lariat hike with 984 feet of elevation gain.** **Description:** Join us for a scenic hike in the forest of Fountainhead and along Occoquan Reservoir. We will hike on the Bull Run Occoquan Trail from Fountainhead Regional Park heading west to the Wolf Run, Coe Creek areas and back. There are rolling hills, but they are short and spread out. We'll get an enjoyable workout! **Hiking Pace:** The pace will be about 2.5 mph. **Bring:** At *least 2 liters of water/hydration, snacks/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes since there are some rocky areas with tree roots and leaves. For the hills, hiking poles if you normally use them.* **WHERE TO MEET**: After pulling into Fountainhead Park (10875 Hampton Road, Fairfax, VA), continue driving in on Fountainhead Access Rd, past the maintenance building on the right. The **large** parking lot is the next turn; it's on the right. Meet at the trailhead parking lot 15 minutes early to allow everyone to sign in and get ready to hike at 9:30am. **GPS 38.72483, -77.33010** **Fee:** There is no parking fee. **Dogs are welcome.** NVHC Dog policy: [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) There are porta-johns at the trailhead at Fountainhead Park parking lot. **Trail Map:** [https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/afternoon-hike-8223de3?u=i&sh=oxfau4](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/afternoon-hike-8223de3?u=i&sh=oxfau4) Optional post-hike rehydration at Bunnyman Brewing Cafe at Lorton Workhouse. Any questions, please message me here or text/call @202-528-0456. If you text me, please include your name.

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 is an A+ hike (strenuous) due to distance and elevation. **PLEASE NOTE**: This hike is only suitable for those who have recent experience hiking this distance and elevation gain. There is a potentially tricky water crossing depending on the water level. Shoe covers are advised. This hike is 12.8ish miles and about 3,100 feet of elevation gain. We will start the hike on the Graves Mill Trail then take the Staunton River Trail to the Fork Mountain Fire Road to the Jones Mountain Trail, where we’ll eventually hit Bear Church Rock, then back to the Staunton River Trail and Graves Mill Trail to the cars. **For those wishing to CARPOOL**, the suggested carpool location is at the Centreville Park and Ride, 14700 Lee Highway, Centreville, VA. The driving time from there to the trailhead is approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes (with no stop). Please arrive at the Park and Ride before 7:00 AM to form carpools **so all cars can leave at 7:00 AM sharp**. **I WILL BE AT THE CARPOOL LOCATION.** PLEASE NOTE: 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 participation is at your own risk. Suggested carpool fee: $9.00 per rider. **Need-to-know info:** * CARPOOLING: See above. Parking is limited so carpooling is advised. * Distance: 12.8ish miles * Elevation gain: 3,100ish ft. * Pace: 2.5 - 2.7 mph overall * Trailhead meetup time: 8:45 A.M. Hike starts at 9:00 A.M. **SHARP**. * **Parking Coordinates: 38.43714,-78.36709** * Park Entry fee: $0 * Carpool Fee: $9 * Pace: 2.5-2.7 mph when moving. * Terrain: Somewhat rocky, steep and gentle grades, three stream crossings * Bring: Adequate water, lunch/snacks, hat, tick/bug spray, basic first aid kit, map, rain gear (depending), hiking poles, hiking shoes, boot covers for the stream crossing (just to be prepared) and a good attitude. * Pets: Allowed per NVHC guidelines. Must be leashed PLEASE PRINT OUT ANY MAPS THAT YOU MAY NEED. ALL THE LINKS AND COORDINATES YOU WILL NEED HAVE BEEN PROVIDED. AllTrails Map: [https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/reverse-bear-church-rock-de03bef](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/reverse-bear-church-rock-de03bef) Any questions? Message or call the Hike Leader: Caroline S (703)489-1315

Keep an eye on those clouds! As I write this, it looks like we have an opening of delightful weather on Sunday morning with upper 70's before the rain moves in later in the day. I will update the event if the forecast makes a turn for the worse. The reservoir is low, so unless we get a solid inch of rain this week, we will head downstream towards the rocky ravine that gives the reservoir its name. If we do get some rain, then we should be able to push upstream into the Patuxent River. There will be a few new recruits at this event, so it is a good outing for beginners. The water temperature is still in the brutally cold mid 50's and is still quite dangerous if you fall in. But that's why you always paddle with friends who can lend a rescue assist. Still, you ABSOLUTELY need to be wearing 100% synthetic-fiber clothing and I STRONGLY recommend packing a spare set of clothes in your dry bag. This is event is suitable for kayaks and canoes (but not inflatables). WSSC does not allow paddle boards on their reservoirs and has been getting more serious about enforcement. If you've got a seat attachment for your SUP and can paddle it sitting down, I *think* you're in the clear. As always, you must WEAR, not just carry your life jacket/PFD. **WSSC requires a watershed use permit.** Permits are $6.25 per day or $72 for the year. I heard that they increased the fine for not having one to $100. You can purchase them online at: [https://my.wsscwater.com/selfcare/views/public/login/login.faces](https://my.wsscwater.com/selfcare/views/public/login/login.faces)

Hiking by the lake is so peaceful! Join us for a fun Spring hiking trail tucked away between deep woodland canopies featuring quiet ponds and lakeside views. \*\* You must Register here: https://www.destinationhike.com/events/woodland-lake-hike \*\* Spring is here! What a wonderful time to get out and hike beautiful trails across the DMV! **Once you register, please look for a detailed email from info@destinationhike.com.** \* Excerpt from Destination Hike Waiver\* *Hiking is a recreational activity that has an inherent risk of danger. While hiking I may be exposed to dangers and hazards, not limited to: heat, stroke, dehydration, bee stings, tick bites, snake bites, loss of balance, inclement weather, falling rocks, fatigue, wildlife, negligence of others, drowning, and/or death. Please review full waiver prior to registering for any Destination Hike event.* How to prepare? 1\. Wear comfortable shoes\. If you have hiking boots that would be preferred\. However\, if you have not committed to buying hiking shoes\, wear comfortable tennis shoes\. 2\. Check the weather for the day and dress appropriately\. When you are hiking in the Spring\, you need to pay attention to what the weather may be for that day\. There is always a possibility for rainy weather\. Allergens may be higher\, and there may be more bugs out\. You will want to dress in layers\, so you can take off and put on layers as necessary\. Also\, make sure you wear solid footwear with grips on the bottom\. Hiking boots are strongly encouraged\. Spring can bring wet trails that can be slick if you are not wearing appropriate footwear\. 3\. Bring a small to medium size back pack\. This is to carry any personal items; cell phone\, water\, personal medication\, and any other items you may need\. 4\. Always bring a at ***least*** 1L of water. Make sure you have hydrated the day before, and the day of the hike. 5\. Remember\, there are no bathrooms in nature\, so stay hydrated but make sure you are good to hike without needing a bathroom\. If you do need to use the bathroom\, nature will be your stall\. 6\. Suggested: Download the AllTrails app\. Trail app will be provided in confirmation email\. Any additional questions, comments, or concerns, email info@destinationhike.com

HHH Spring Edition. Does disappearing into the wilderness with a group of strangers put you on edge? Then come to a casual happy hour and get to know us first. This is a great time to meet your fellow outdoor enthusiasts and get connected - without needing to gear up. This time, let's go to DC and check out The Crown & Crow (Logan Circle). 7pm. The Crown & Crow is a massive underground bar with a speakeasy feel. The only signage outside is a gold emblem of a crow with a crown on it's head. Once you see this, follow the stairs down to the bar. Please update your RSVP if your plans change so that we have an accurate headcount. Thanks!

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**TBA**