Camping

**IMPORTANT - READ** Monongahela National Forest limits groups to 10 people, so that is a hard limit for this trip. If you are not 100% committed please do ***NOT RSVP*** ## **Trail Facts** * **Difficulty Level: Moderate** * **Length:** 16 Miles * **Duration:** 2 Days * **Elevation Gain:** 2,216 Feet * **Bear Canisters:** Not Required * **Permits:** Not Required * **Parking:** Red Creek Trailhead * **Coordinates:** 38.972729, -79.397824 * **AllTrails Map**: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/dolly-sods-backpack-16-mi-24357dd The Dolly Sods Wilderness is a U.S. Wilderness Area in the Allegheny Mountains of eastern West Virginia and is part of the Monongahela National Forest (MNF) and one of the most desirable trekking areas in the US. Dolly Sods is a rocky, high-altitude plateau with sweeping vistas and flora and fauna normally found much further north in Canada. A backpacking trip in this area will expose you to a very diverse and unique landscape with sphagnum bogs, grassy meadows lined by spruce trees, wind-carved boulders, and beautiful mountain vistas. Note - this area can have very unpredictable weather. I've had everything from sunshine, to heavy rain, to even snow and hail as late as May. Pack accordingly. **Trail Details:** We will meet at The Vienna Metro station on Saturday morning at 8am and drive to the Red Creek Trailhead at the southern end of the Dolly Sods wilderness. The drive is about 3 hours - I will drive and am happy to have up to 3 others carpool with me. When we arrive at the trailhead, we will hike about 6.3 miles to our campsite, stopping once to check out the the iconic Lion's Head on Breathed Mountain (pictured in the post). Should be an early day, so feel free to bring cards, adult beverages, or other items to pass the time. The second day, we will explore the rest of the park, which includes the rugged Dunkenbarger trail. The second day is about 9.4 miles back to the car. There are a ton of stream crossings on this trip - so expect to get wet and pack accordingly. **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​​ **General meetup location:** Vienna Metro Station - 8:00am Time driving: 3 hr. each way Google driving direction from Vienna metro: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KUW283UFEe5kJJnLA **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!

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. **10-mile loop with 413 feet elevation gain.** **Description:** From **Columbia Island Marina,** we will connect to the Mount Vernon trail and hike to Theodore Roosevelt Island where we will do a short loop on the island and view the TR Memorial. After that, we'll cross the Potomac River on Key Bridge and take a short detour to climb up the nearby Exorcist Stairs. We will then proceed downstream along the Georgetown Waterfront Park to the Kennedy Center to admire the view from the terrace deck. We will also take our lunch break here. After the break we will hike to the Lincoln Memorial and also check out the renovated Reflection Pond. After that, we recross the Potomac on the Arlington Memorial Bridge and reconnect to the Mt Vernon trail returning to our starting point. **Pace:** 2.5 mph **Bring:** Adequate hydration, also snack/lunch, and comfortable hiking/walking shoes. Recommend sunscreen. **Dogs:** Dogs will not be allowed on this hike. We'll meet in the parking lot of the **Columbia Island Marina,** GW Parkway, Arlington, VA. **GPS 38.87544, -77.04896** **NOTE:** The hike starts at 9:00am, please arrive a few minutes early so we can get folks signed in and ready to hike on time. Restrooms are available at the marina and several locations along the way. **Rehydration**: Yes, Island Time Bar & Grill Any questions please contact me at 202-528-0456. If you text, please include your name.

Get checked your Bucket List by joining this eastern route of USA. Start your tour in the capital Washington DC and end in New York City while exploring the upstate New York by visiting Watkins Glen, Niagara Falls and many more highlights on this 8 days sightseeing tour of the lifetime. Highlights Visited Places: * Washington, D.C. * Watkins Glen * Niagara Falls * New York City Travel Experience: * City sightseeing * Local cuisine * Parks * Waterfall Tour Start WASHINGTON, D.C. Tour End NEW YORK CITY Destination USA Itinerary Day01 ARRIVAL - RIVER CRUISE & GUIDED GEORGETOWN WALKING TOUR Day02 WASHINGTON DC WITH MOUNT VERNON & OLD ALEXANDRIA Day03 WASHINGTON, D.C. – NEW YORK Day04 NYC - NIAGARA FALLS Day05 NIAGARA FALLS - NYC Day06 NYC: HARLEM, BRONX, QUEENS, BROOKLYN & CONEY ISLAND Day07 NEW YORK CITY SIGHTSEEING Day08 DEPART NEW YORK CITY Price: $3290 (Double Occupancy) $3990 (Single Occupancy) Inclusions Price Includes * 7 nights hotel stay * Breakfasts at hotel * All transportation by road (Bus / Mini Van) * Guided day tours * Activities as per the itinerary Price Excludes * Flights * Airport transfers * Meals * Personal Expenses * Optional activities * Travel insurance / Visa * Tips \*\*\* For detailed itinerary & to reserve your seat, follow the link: [https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/usa-8-day-eastern-highlights-washington-dc-new-york-niagara-falls/](https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/usa-8-day-eastern-highlights-washington-dc-new-york-niagara-falls/) Questions? Text / Call / Whatsapp: 2023787696

The Group gathers in the parking lot between 6:00 AM and 6:30 AM to catch the sunrise over the Potomac River. Google Maps: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/hCUuoxUPKhRbLLZn9](https://maps.app.goo.gl/hCUuoxUPKhRbLLZn9) Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve is known as a top regional birding spot; over **300 species** have been recorded here, including nesting bald eagles and ospreys. Bring your longest telephoto lens and binoculars. I can help you with camera settings so you can capture sharper images of both perched birds and birds in flight. It is thrilling to capture the amazing orange and red colors that are only available at that time in the morning. Share only your very best, most interesting shots after the field trip, and keep it down to between 5 and 10 photos. Bring water, comfortable shoes, a tripod, fully charged batteries, and empty memory cards... Park Facts: Entrance Fee: Free Allow Dogs on a leash: Yes Bathroom: On the north side of the Marina is a building for restrooms National Park Service Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve: www.nps.gov/gwmp Friends of Dyke Marsh (www.fodm.org) By sending in an RSVP and joining this meetup event hosted by the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I agree to abide by the rules and regulations (where applicable) of the event location, and I am also agreeing to the terms of the following release and waiver of liability, which shall be binding on my heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns. In consideration of my (and my child’s) participation in the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I do hereby release, discharge, and hold harmless the Organizer, its members, officers, directors, employees, and the leader(s) of this event from any and all liability by reason of any damage, loss, expenses, or injury arising from my (and my child’s) participation in this event, including that caused solely or in part by the fault of any and all of the above-named parties.

We'll check out 29th Parallel Coffee in Fairfax Station. We plan to grab a coffee and head to Burke Lake Park and walk around the lake (weather permitting). There are a couple of parking areas at the park. I marked the parking we're planning to meet at the park. We hope to start the walk around 11:30AM. If you're a Fairfax County resident (with an ID), parking is free, otherwise they charge for parking. Please have a picture profile so we can recognize you in the meetup.

*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.* [Up to 6 mile fitness and nature hike.] THIS IS A TWO-FER: First we'll start at the Belle Haven picnic area along the paved Mt. Vernon Trail and do a roughly 3.5-mile, moderately paced hike to Jones Point Lighthouse on the Potomac River. After we return to our starting point, we'll head to the Dyke Marsh Preserve and hike slower through the marina and then along the 3/4-mile dirt trail to the end of the boardwalk and back We'll hike at about 2.5 - 3 mph when moving along most of the hike -- but on our return through the preserve, we'll stroll SUPER SLOWLY and stop often to enjoy the bulk of the fireflies in near darkness -- from roughly 9:30 to 10ish p.m. (NOTE: There is NO guarantee that we'll see fireflies but we likely will, according to a well-known naturalist.) **\*MUST-READ\* IMPORTANT NOTES:** PARK CLOSES AT 10 P.M. but there is no gate and the trail is still open to commuters so we don't have to rush to get back to our cars. PRACTICE SAFETY WITH YOUR FLASHLIGHT SINCE WE'LL BE WALKING IN THE DARK! Adults only. Restrooms at start and at the lighthouse. STAY RIGHT ON THE MT. VERNON TRAIL due to the bike and pedestrian traffic for everyone's safety. Adults only. No pets, not even pet fireflies. **WEATHER:** Hike likely be postponed if there is rain. Weather forecast will be posted here on Thursday by 5 p.m. https://www.weather.gov [https://www.weather.gov](https://www.weather.gov) **MEET:** 7 p.m. by the restrooms on the Mt. Vernon Trail near Dyke Marsh Preserve. (Belle Haven picnic area.) Copy these GPS coordinates into Google Maps: 38.780110, -77.052038 **BRING:** MANDATORY FLASHLIGHT (preferably with a RED LIGHT option or cellophane cover so it doesn't interfere with the fireflies) AND MANDATORY WATER, sense of awe, and sense of humor. Optional: bug spray or long pants for mosquitos, fully-charged cell phone, and/or camera. iPhones seem useless for the firefly photos but "real" cameras and some Samsung phones seem equipped to photograph them. **MT. VERNON TRAIL MAP:** [https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/upload/Mt-Vernon-Trail-map-508-2021.pdf](https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/upload/Mt-Vernon-Trail-map-508-2021.pdf) **DYKE MARSH PRESERVE**: NPS: [https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/dykemarsh.htm](https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/dykemarsh.htm) Friends group: [https://www.fodm.org](https://www.fodm.org) **DC BOUNDARY STONES:** (We’ll see the first one marking the new District of Columbia. It will disappear someday.) [https://boundarystones.org](https://boundarystones.org) **JONES POINT LIGHTHOUSE:** (One of America's last rivertine lighthouses.) [https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/learn/historyculture/jonespointlighthouse.htm](https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/learn/historyculture/jonespointlighthouse.htm) **NORTHERN VIRGINIA FIREFLIES:** [https://www.audubonva.org/news/wildlife-sanctuary-almanac-2024-june](https://www.audubonva.org/news/wildlife-sanctuary-almanac-2024-june) **FIREFLY CONSERVATION & RESEARCH:** (I posted this so you can learn more about protecting fireflies. I used this organization's firefly photo but it is not connected to our event.) [https://www.firefly.org](https://www.firefly.org)

**Happy DC Pride!!! Come meet us at the pride festival (Sunday) and see what's on our schedule for this summer. We have hikes, kayaking, and much more!** **Do you have have an outdoor activity you would like to share with us? We're always looking for new trip ideas and trip leaders We hope to see you there! Our table is located in the Red Zone - R113**

I am finally scheduling the astronomy outing! Join us in attending the June "Exploring the Sky" event, a joint program between the National Capital Astronomers and the National Park Service. We will talk, eat snacks, look at items in the sky, and maybe play simple boardgames. This month, Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, and the Moon are all aligning near each other in the sky. We will probably see at least one planet, and if we are lucky we will even see these in a row. Come on time for the best chance to see this. The event may be canceled if the weather does not look accommodating. The location is the field by Picnic Grove #13 off of Glover Road, and can be reached by either public transportation plus walking or by coming by car as there is a parking lot, there. This link is the easiest way to find it: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BPrLLp8F4u2tjiTd7

Join National Capital Astronomers Volunteers as we organize a public stargazing outreach event at Rock Creek Park! Astronomers will set up telescopes for viewing at **9:00 pm**. There will be telescopes available at **9:00pm** for stargazing, however **if it is cloudy or rainy, Exploring the Sky/Stargazing events will be canceled (we will send cancellation notifications out.)** Exploring the Sky is a joint program between the National Capital Astronomers and the National Park Service Rock Creek Park Nature Center and has been run since 1948 at this location, the field at the corner of Glover and Military Roads in the District. There is an adjacent parking lot (link shown below). It is free and all are welcome who have an interest in observing the heavens. Rock Creek Park Nature Center is two minutes walk away from the observing field, so you can either park at the Nature Center or the parking lot below. **Parking lot location:** https://maps.app.goo.gl/nFgvpFi1NHEtEFur9 **NPS Event site:** https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?id=8D39D019-DF6E-665C-40FD9737BB2AA16C **NCA site:** https://capitalastronomers.org/ Targets: Moon, Venus, Leo, Bootes, Hercules, M13, Beehive

Brisk-paced (2.5-3 mph) --approximate 6.4 mile loop starting from Pitango (1841 Columbia Rd NW) in Adams Morgan. We will walk through Mt. Pleasant to the Pinney Branch Trail, the Valley Trail and onto the Boulder Bridge in Rock Creek Park. On our return we will stop at Pierce Mill and then Rock Creek Trail on our way back to ADMO. There will be several hills on this hikel Walking surface will be dirt, asphalt trails and sidewalks. Bring plenty of water and some snacks. Wear a hat and be sure to wear sturdy, comfortable footwear. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome. Brunch in ADMO after the hike is an option. This is a joint hike between the ADMO Hiking Club and the Sierra Club. All hikers will be required to sign the Sierra Club waiver form to participate. Sierra Club Potomac Region Outings (SCPRO) appreciates a voluntary $2 per person donation to support our many volunteer-led activities. Also, you can become a Sierra Club member by clicking "join" on the Virginia Sierra Club website: [http://www.sierraclub.org/virginia](http://www.sierraclub.org/virginia) Dupont Circle is the closest Metro stop (.6 miles). Bus routes C51, C53, D70, and D74 are all within a couple blocks of Pitango. There is metered and free street parking in the surrounding neighborhood. Please arrive early so you have enough time to find parking.

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**Educational Forum Topic:** Learn about Endangered Freshwater Mussels and how to help protect the Darby Watershed. The occurrence of a wide variety of mussels is one reason the Big Darby Creek is so outstanding and why its protection is so important. The City of Columbus has been pushing a new Accord due to pressures for increased development in the watershed region. Learn more here: [https://protectthedarby.org/](https://protectthedarby.org/) **When:** Saturday, June 27, 2026, 9am-12noon **Location:** Battelle Darby Metropark, Indian Ridge picnic area parking lot. At the base of the hill, park at the second parking lot near the restrooms with a kiosk next to it. **Itinerary:** 9:00-10:00am: Endangered freshwater mussels talk. 10:00-12:00noon: 4-mile loop hike on Terrace Trail and Ancient Trail **What to Bring:** Wear cool, comfortable clothing for hiking, sturdy hiking shoes, bug spray, sunscreen and water. **Restrictions:** No pets allowed on the trails. **Event speaker:** Elaine Hall, Assistant Resource Manager & Darby Watershed Coordinator with Columbus and Franklin County Metroparks, will lead a discussion focused on endangered freshwater mussels found in Big Darby Creek. Following the forum, volunteers will lead the group on a roughly 4-mile hike beginning with Terrace Trail and continuing on the Ancient Trail, leading back to the parking lot. Register at: [https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=701Po00001qoLUFIA2](https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=701Po00001qoLUFIA2) **Contact:** Ginny Roedig, 440-497-9876 cell, 440-257-3281 landline, Roedig5@msn.com email.