Climbing Trips

**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!

**PATC Map G/ VA Bus** *$36. Long hike: 12 mi., 2500 ft. elevation gain. Moderate hike: 9 mi., 2000 ft. elevation gain.* We frequently cover the Signal Knob area of Massanutten Mountain, but today’s hike will explore the other side of the historic Fort Valley. Long hikers will take the Buzzard Rock Trail to ascend to the Massanutten Trail and proceed to the junction with the Shawl Gap Trail. Moderate hikers will ascend to this junction on the Massanutten Trail from Elizabeth Furnace. All hikers will then proceed on the Massanutten Trail along the ridgeline and descend to the road via the Veach Gap Trail, descending through the lovely Mill Run gorge. 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 and where you'll be boarding the bus. We don't want to leave you behind! 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. BUS STOPS: VIRGINIA ROUTING Please arrive 10 to 15 minutes before times listed below. All our bus stops are Metro accessible. If you're driving to meet the bus, we strongly advise using the Vienna bus stop, as parking is extremely limited at the others. Bus stops and times are as follows (click links for maps): * **[DC: Near 17th and K St. NW](https://bit.ly/17thandKnu)** downtown (east side of Farragut Square). Bus leaves at 8 a.m. SHARP, so it's essential to arrive well before 8. * **[VIENNA METRO: NORTH parking lot](http://bit.ly/vienna-bus)**, last bus shelter (Nutley St. Exit off Interstate 66 on North/Vienna side of I-66) at approximately 8:25 a.m. Note: There is a "south" parking lot where there are also bus shelters. If by 8:15, you're not with a group of hikers who say they're Capital Hiking Club, you're likely at the south lot. There's a walkway over I-66 to the north lot. 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'll be offering a Free Learn to Skate Clinic 10am Saturday next to the Carter Barron Amphitheatre parking lot in Rock Creek Park. We'll cover everything you need to start skating outdoors. Inline and roller skaters welcome; protective gear required (check our meetup group description for details). We have loaner skates and protective gear available. If you need to borrow gear, please contact us at least a couple of days in advance of this session so we'll know to bring it for you. If you need skates, please specify roller skates or inlines and also men's or women's sizes. A note on our start time: * Please be there by 930am if you plan to borrow gear so you have enough time to try things on and make sure everything fits. * Please be there by 945am if you have your own gear so you have enough time to put it on. * The clinic starts promptly at 10am; if you're not geared up and ready when we start, it'll be hard to include you in the session.

A challenging series of rock scrambles along the Maryland side of the Potomac River. See photo above - this is part of the trail! For anyone with questionable balance or fear of heights, this section of the hike is NOT recommended!!. NOTE: due to its nature, the Billy Goat loop will be limited to 5 persons. Hikers who have not done the Billy Goat before (or years ago) will be given preference. We will get to the Billy Goat trailhead from the parking lot across from the Old Anglers' Inn on Macarthur Blvd using the Berma Road and Woodland trails. Those who prefer a flatter return route in lieu of the Billy Goat trail can return to the parking lot via the sunny C & O Canal tow path or by the shady Berma Road trail. **Please note the early start time to ensure a parking space and to avoid the hotest times of day.** Text me at 703 401-5399 with any questions or if you'd like to carpool from my place. I can take 3-4 passengers.

**📢 Please RSVP only if you're confident you can attend. This trip requires significant planning and coordination, and attendance numbers affect reservations and logistics. If you RSVP "Yes," please treat it as a commitment to join us. If you fail to show up you may be removed from the group based on the organizers discretion**. Join us for an unforgettable overnight summer getaway filled with beauty, sunshine and charm! This trip is a must for anyone looking to experience Longwood Gardens and Winterthur Museum in the summer month. 🗓 Dates: ●Saturday, June 20th: Longwood Gardens (**meeting at the Visitor center at 1:30pm) and entering at 2pm for our timed ticket!** ●Sunday, June 21st: Winterthur Gardens 📍Address: ●Longwood Gardens: 1001 Longwood Rd, Kennett Square, PA 19348 💰$38 tickets purchase [here](https://visit.longwoodgardens.org/webstore/shop/viewItems.aspx?cg=1&c=59) **~Choose the 2pm timeslot.** ●Winterthur Gardens: 1600 Rockland Rd, Wilmington, DE 19803 💰$27 tickets - purchase your tickets [here](https://my.winterthur.org/115979/118222) *purchase your tickets ASAP, since tickets do sell out fast* 🏨Lodging: We will be staying in a hotel overnight on Saturday Evening and Checking out of the hotel in the morning on Sunday. The Hotel we have picked for our group is: 🏨DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Wilmington Address: 4727 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE, 19803 As of today 5/30 the rate for the stay is $160, please book your room before the price increases! If this hotel does not fit your budget, you are welcome to book another hotel, just keep in mind the distance it will be from Winterthur Gardens since that is the location we will be visiting on Sunday and we will be checking out of the hotel on Sunday. **Itinerary:** 📆Saturday June 20: 1:30 PM – Arrive at Longwood Gardens 🚗 parking available in the huge parking lot. Meet inside the visitor center. 2:00 PM – Enter Longwood Gardens 🌺 Begin our visit and get checked in. 2:15 PM – 3:30 PM – Lunch at the Gardens 🥗 Enjoy lunch and relax before exploring. 3:30 PM – Explore Longwood Gardens 🌸 Stroll through the outdoor gardens 🌿 Visit the Conservatory and indoor displays 📸 Take photos and enjoy the seasonal exhibits 🚶 Explore at a comfortable pace with plenty of free time once we finish the garden we will head to our hotel and Check-In. Time TBD - Group Dinner 🍽️ Enjoy dinner together and unwind after a day in the gardens. 📅 Sunday June 21: 9:30 AM – Hotel Check-Out 10:00 AM – Breakfast ☕ Enjoy a group breakfast at a diner. 12:00 PM – Visit Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library 🏛️ Explore the museum collections 🌳 Walk through the beautiful gardens and grounds 📚 Learn about the history and culture of the estate Head back to DC after our visit. 🌟 Let’s make unforgettable memories together!

Hey Poetry Lovers! This group is on a roll. Here’s the gist: We meet at the **Capital One Café in Chinatown** from **12pm - 2pm** every other week. For enrichment, we start by reading and reflecting on a **“published poem”**, suggested by someone in the group. No advance preparation is necessary. But feel free to check out some of the poems we’ve read [here](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vSyE_wCLQCPHRrKmN5F9tOIeeRQUZESxjRXGVBoCF2uU8Gm0_d0uECiCBCQXEy6ksxfsBOhtRIOpW3T/pubhtml?gid=0&single=true&widget=true&headers=false%22%3E%3C/iframe%3E). Or submit suggestions for future meetings [here](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSexGc2Z2Kp6bZW0D3_hfJ7NUUkfNHf7TXX-43FglCeBd9EF2Q/viewform?usp=send_form). Next, we **share our work and offer feedback**. Depending on attendance, everyone gets \~10 minutes to use as they like. (No need to share, though; you’re welcome to come even if you prefer just to listen.) We maintain a **Discord server** to help share our work and communicate outside our bi-weekly meet-ups. If you haven’t used Discord before, take a moment to download it and create an account before arriving. When we meet you on Saturday, we will add you to our server, the “DC Poetry Workshop”, and can help you navigate the app if you have questions. Finally, if you plan on sharing a poem, consider how you will do so. Some options include: * Print 5-10 copies to distribute in person * Take and share screenshots in the Discord chat. * Copy the poem into a google doc, change sharing settings to “anyone with link”, and copy the google doc link into the Discord chat. Most importantly, we’re excited to meet you! Catch you on Saturday, Diego / Ian / Cayden / Nate / Otasha / Lia / An

**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**

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.

(Bus hike) The hike explores Corbin Hollow, which features several artifacts by the farmers who once lived in the area, and provides an opportunity to obtain some of the most extensive views in the park. Moderate hikers walk around Robertson Mountain, starting at Nethers and going up the Corbin Hollow Trail and down the Old Rag and Weakley Hollow fire roads. Long hikers ascend the steep Robertson Mtn. Trail to the top, from which they can view the majesty of the mountains. They then descend the Corbin Mtn. and Nicholson Hollow Trails to Nethers. Est.: 11 miles, 2700' elevation and 8.5 miles, 2300' elevation. There are options for both the long and moderate hikers to do shorter hikes. For example, the moderates can climb Robertson Mtn. from Old Rag fire road (about 8.5 miles, over 2000' elevation) or go out and back on Weakley Hollow fire road. PATC Map 10. Fare: $33 plus park fee or pass. VA Hikes * **[DC: Near 17th and K St. NW](https://bit.ly/17thandKnu)** downtown (east side of Farragut Square). Bus leaves at 8 a.m. SHARP, so it's essential to arrive well before 8 am. * **[Vienna Metro: NORTH parking lot](http://bit.ly/vienna-bus)**, last bus shelter (Nutley St. Exit off Interstate 66 on North/Vienna side of I-66) at approximately 8:25 a.m. Park at 9486 Virginia Center Blvd, Vienna, VA 22181 * * Caution: The "south" parking lot also has bus shelters. If by 8:15, you're not with a group of Wanderbirds hikers, you may be in the south lot. There's a walkway that passes the fare gates over I-66 to the north lot. **RESERVATIONS** Wanderbirds Hiking Club is a 501(c)(7) non-profit, and the public is invited on all hiking trips. Reservations are accepted as late as Saturday, but reserving as early in the week as possible 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 and where you'll be boarding the bus. **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-19, FLU, & RSV 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)

Ultimate 80's Rock band and post-event karaoke at Mark's Pub. Get dressed up in 80's attire. Here's ticket link: The Legwarmers: The Ultimate 80's Retro Dance Party Tickets - The State Theatre - Falls Church, VA - Saturday, June 20, 2026 — 9:00 pm https://share.google/HwAQpSAzJA7JcpqUG

**PLEASE BUY TICKETS THROUGH EVENTBRITE. RSVP THROUGH MEETUP IS NOT A TICKET PURCHASE CONFIRMATION.** Strive welcomes you to 'General Business Networking', Columbus' hottest networking event! We are set in the perfect central location in Downtown for all to join. Are you interested in business? Want to elevate your career? Meet Consultants, Analysts of all types, Bankers, Software Engineers, Entrepreneurs, and more who are active in the space or are eager to get started. **\*\*This will be a multi-vertical event\*\*** **There will be professionals with backgrounds in the arts, finance, tech, real estate, healthcare, and more. Come with an open mind, and leave with connections that wouldn't be possible otherwise!** Pack some business cards and come with an open mind! Meet your future business partners, employers, coworkers, investors, and friends. You don't want to miss this opportunity to expand your network and create a brighter future. We will have a space for our event to check-in. The event will go from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (feel free to come at any point in this timeframe). Name tags will be provided. Business casual dress code. Job fair attire. **Remember, it's not who you know, it's who you meet tomorrow!** We look forward to meeting you at the event! Sincerely, Strive Networking Team *Refund requests are permitted up to 24 hours after purchase, so long as we are not within 48 hours before the event start time. Refunds will be made in full and repaid to your method of payment. Note that we are unable to reimburse PayPal fees.* *Disclaimer: By attending Strive Networking events you agree to photos/videos taken during the event being used to promote future events.*

Ladies, join us for a fun Women’s Night Out at VASO Rooftop! Come enjoy rooftop views, delicious food, cocktails, live music, and great conversation in a fun and welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to meet new friends, unwind after a long week, or simply enjoy a night out, this is the perfect opportunity to relax and connect with other amazing women. Dress cute, bring your positive energy, and get ready for a fun evening of laughter, music, and rooftop vibes overlooking Dublin! Please RSVP early so we can plan seating accordingly. Looking forward to a great night out together!

**Hike the Scioto Audubon trail. All paved and flat!** **Plan on 3-4 miles. Hike at your own pace, no one left behind.** **Lunch after at Nocterra for those who wish.**