Hiking

We will be hiking along the historic Alexandria waterfront down and through scenic Old Town to the Wilson bridge and back. Lovely views of the river, as well as of Old Town. Part of the walk is on the Mount Vernon Trail bike path. Hike is mostly flat, and on paved surfaces or board walk. Please note the hike leaves at 600PM sharp. There are bathrooms at the halfway point. **Meet at the small parking area closest to the bike path. First left on Marina Drive. Not the large marina parking area that is further along.** We walk pretty briskly around 3.-3.5 miles an hour. I assume if you can’t keep up, you can always find your way back to the starting point. Hope you can join our group of stalwart regulars and cheery newcomers. Happy hiking. Most of the walk has street lights, but not all so, but bring a light.

The Baconator is thru hiking the AT this year, so I figured I would join him for a segment of trail that I haven't section hiked yet. Due to various car break-ins on US-211, I think it makes sense to repeat the highlights of the triple crown and go all of the way to Daleville instead of trying my luck on US-211. The logistics are to drive down near Daleville on Wednesday night and catch a shuttle to Pearisburg. Steve is currently passing through Damascus, so we have reasonable confidence in the start date. Tentative splits: 4/9 Dry tentsite at mile 651.5, 14 miles 4/10 Another dry tentsite at mile 666, 14.5 mi 4/11 Sarver Hollow Shelter (might be dry), 16.6 mi 4/12 Pickle Branch Shelter, 16.1 4/13 Pig Farm Campsite, 16.9 4/14 15mi back to the car at Daleville. **Driving:** I'm planning on using a commercial shuttle if I can get one. I have a car that I can drive to Daleville. Due to the length of the trip, we can't leave cars at a metro station. **Links:** Trailhead: TBD Pearisburg, VA Map: [Appalachian Trail Map (arcgis.com)](https://nps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=6298c848ba2a490588b7f6d25453e4e0) **\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-THE IMPORTANT WARNINGS\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-** 1. As per our carpool policy, riders should plan to pay drivers $0.10/mile along with their share of the shuttle cost. **Dues** \-\- Members and above\, don't forget to pay your annual dues if you haven't yet\. If you don't see the current year listed next to your name in your DC UL profile\, please pay via PayPal: https://www\.paypal\.com/paypalme/JenniferAdach/15 \($10 annual dues plus a $5 suggested donation to City Kids Wilderness Project\.\) Applicants do not need to pay dues\. By participating in this or any DCUL activity, you agree and abide by our Liability Waiver ([https://dculbackpacking.wordpress.com/about/liability-waiver/](https://dculbackpacking.wordpress.com/about/liability-waiver/)) and Terms of Use ([https://dculbackpacking.wordpress.com/about/terms-of-use/](https://dculbackpacking.wordpress.com/about/terms-of-use/)).

Join us for MORE Women's MTB Ride at the Cabin John Trails in Potomac, MD. Beginner-level riders are welcome and encouraged to join in the fun! A mountain bike in good condition and helmet are required. **Sign up at Golden Volunteer here:** [https://x.gldn.io/e/jgkrtQUn21b](https://x.gldn.io/e/jgkrtQUn21b) ***Please do not sign up on Meetup! If you do, you won't be alerted if the ride is cancelled!*** **Meet** at 6:00 PM with wheels down at 6:10 PM. We will not ride if the trails are wet or muddy. Check your email from Golden Volunteer in case the ride is cancelled due to weather/trail conditions. **Description** \- The event is open for women age 18\+\. You must sign a waiver on the Golden Volunteer link\, wear a helmet\, and be able to comfortably ride your mountain bike\. We expect to ride about 4\-5 miles on single track natural surface trails\. Bring your mountain bike\, helmet\, and drinking water\. This ride is **not suitable for hybrid bikes**! As space is limited, please update your RSVP if you cannot attend. **And support your trails and join MORE! www.more-mtb.org** **Where** – Meet at the parking lot for the Cabin John Group Picnic Area at 7701 Tuckerman Lane, Potomac, MD. Follow Google Maps at: https://goo.gl/maps/aumXoQnD2qAp3iNp9

Humpback Rocks is one of the most scenic views on the AT in Virginia. Let's combine it with a hike up Dobie Mountain for a moderate loop. ## **Trail Facts** * **Difficulty Level: Moderate** * **Length:** 7.7 Miles * **Duration:** 4-5 hrs * **Elevation Gain:** 1,745 Feet * **Permits:** None * **Meeting Location**: Vienna Metro Station​ South * **Parking Location:** Humpbacks Rocks Visitor Center * **Meeting Time**: 8:00 AM​ * **Driving Time**: Approximately 2.5 hr * **Dogs:** Allowed (with caution - small scrambles) * **Trailhead Coordinates:** 37.968461, -78.896603 * **AllTrails Map**: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/humpback-rocks-and-dobbie-mountain **CARPOOL:** If you need a ride or can offer one, please coordinate in the event comments. Be a friend to the environment, save money, and make friends. **Trail Details:** Humpback Rocks is an extremely popular section of the AT for good reason - the 360-degree summit views of the George Washington National Forest are stunning. Glass Hollow Overlook views are also impressive, and may still have the remnants of a plane crash from years ago. We will meet at Vienna Metro at 8AM and carpool to the trailhead. Drive time is about 2 hour and 30 mins. For drivers - Note that trailhead parking is limited, so we may need to park at the Humpback Rocks Visitor Center that is about 0.2 miles from the trailhead. Once at the trailhead, we will follow the trail counter-clockwise, first making a steep climb up to Humpback Rocks. After enjoying the view, we will follow the AT to the Glass Hollow Overlook to enjoy another view and look for plane crash remnants. Finally, we will turn off of the AT on the the Jack Albright Loop trail and finish the hike with a modest climb up Dobie Mountain. Make sure to bring water and snacks. Dogs are allowed on this trail. **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!

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)

This is a perfect venue to mingle. http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/f/4/600_308043572.jpeg

In Spring 1755, British Major General Edward Braddock, Commander-in-Chief of His Majesty's Forces in North America, convened a meeting of five colonial governors at the Carlyle House to secure funding for his upcoming campaign against the French. Alexandria co-founder John Carlyle, his host, called this gathering "the Grandest Congress … ever known on the Continent." NOVA Parks will be hosting a recreation of this event at the Carlyle House, featuring costumed interpreters and hands on activities. Let's go check it out, and retrace the route Braddock's Army took when they departed Alexandria at the campaign's start! ❶ **What we'll do:** * From the [Capital Bikeshare on Diagonal Road](https://maps.app.goo.gl/FimrXcE77TRGLtuy7) we'll walk north, following Hooff's Run and Russell Road to the Braddock Cannon at the intersection of Braddock and Russell roads. From there we will walk southeast along Braddock Road, roughly backtracking the route Braddock's army took in 1755 departing Alexandria en route to Fort Cumberland, Maryland. After crossing under the railroad tracks, we will proceed east along Oronoco Street to the Potomac, where we will walk south along the Potomac through Founder's Park for a break at the Torpedo Factory. After the break we will walk west a couple of blocks along Cameron Street to the Carlyle House, arriving at about noon. This ends the guided portion of the walk. * Visitors to the Carlyle House from 12:00 to 4:00 pm will experience Braddock's visit and the French and Indian War firsthand through costumed interpreters. Admission is free, but a $5 donation is suggested. See [https://tinyurl.com/mr3eczb9](https://tinyurl.com/mr3eczb9) for more details. * After checking out the Carlyle event for as long as desired, attendees can individually return to the meetup point by walking south to King Street, and then west along King and Diagonal Streets; a total of 1.1 miles. See [https://maps.app.goo.gl/bCjSKHvMUeXFu2sSA](https://maps.app.goo.gl/bCjSKHvMUeXFu2sSA) * The total walk, including the guided and individual portions, is about 4.5 miles and should take around 2 hours, plus however long attendees wish to spend at the Carlyle House. The surface is mostly paved throughout and fairly level. The is an easy hike. * Google map: [https://tinyurl.com/bdzxb5ec](https://tinyurl.com/bdzxb5ec) ❷ **How to get there:** * Metro: King Street Station is on the Blue and Yellow Lines. Current Metro status and alerts: [https://tinyurl.com/y7lklnl7](https://tinyurl.com/y7lklnl7) * Driving: From I-395, take VA-7 / King Street east about 2.8 miles. Take the first right after passing under the railroad (Daingerfield Street), and an immediate right onto Diagonal Road. From US-1 / Richmond Highway, follow King Street west 0.5 miles, take a sharp left onto Daingerfield, and the first right onto Diagonal Road. There is free and metered parallel parking in the area. ❸ **Weather:** The forecast is partly cloudy and a high of 81F, with 7-9 mph S winds and a 4-6% chance of showers. Updates: [https://tinyurl.com/yck2442z](https://tinyurl.com/yck2442z) ❹ **What to bring:** Water, comfy shoes, and your furry friend if desired (leashes, please). Sunscreen, cool shades, and the layered look are recommended. ❺ **Advisory:** As a reminder, this is an adult group, and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety and well-being during events. No one under 18 years of age is allowed at this event, either as members or as guests, to include babies in carriers and/or strollers. ❻ **Administrative stuff:** There are restrooms at the Ramsay House, the Torpedo Factory, and at several commercial establishments along our route. We will make a dedicated pit stop at the Torpedo Factory just before arriving at the Carlyle House. ❼ **Notes:** * The "Grandest Congress": The French and Indian War in Alexandria, [https://www.va250.org/event-detail/?id=24416](https://www.va250.org/event-detail/?id=24416) * "The Grandest Congress": Gen. Braddock Meets the Governors, [https://tinyurl.com/3mst3vzp](https://tinyurl.com/3mst3vzp) * Eugene Scheel: "General Braddock's March Through Loudoun in 1755," [https://tinyurl.com/32j7put5](https://tinyurl.com/32j7put5) *Illustration: "The Wounding of General Braddock: Battle of the Monongahela 9 July 1755" [cropped], by Robert Griffing, The Westmoreland Museum, [https://tinyurl.com/yvrkrx8e](https://tinyurl.com/yvrkrx8e)*

**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)** The parking area at Meadow Springs is limited -- it holds only about 15 cars comfortably. If necessary, we will set up a shuttle from Hazel Mountain Overlook, which is about 1/2 mile away. Carpooling is encouraged to minimize the number of cars to account for. Also, be prepared for a challenging stream crossing through the Hazel River about 4 miles into the hike. Hiking poles are recommended. Water shoes are not necessary, but they would be decidedly useful.

(This sturdy perennial on the Adventuring calendar is one major part of the legacy left us by Damon Miller, who passed away in 2018 after decades of active participation and leadership. Accordingly, this trip is officially known as the Damon Miller Memorial Hike. Here is the trip description, based on Damon's own words.) Cherry blossoms? Schmerry blossoms! The cherry trees get all the hype (and the crowds), but the azaleas at the National Arboretum provide the best underrated springtime display in D.C. as they blanket the hillside of Mount Hamilton at the National Arboretum. Threatened with destruction a few years ago by alleged budget constraints, public outrage and private philanthropy saved the azaleas, and they continue their springtime display. We will take an easy hike around the hilly terrain of the Arboretum, a 446-acre hidden gem in the middle of Northeast D.C. We will visit not only the azaleas but also other seasonal displays (including dogwood, daffodils, magnolias, forsythias, Japanese quince and andromeda, early crabapples, flowering cherries, camellias, redbuds, and arisaemas). For good measure we'll also take in the Asian Gardens, meadows, forested areas, and the famous original National Capitol Columns. We'll lunch on the banks of the Anacostia River. After we officially wind up in the early afternoon, you'll have the opportunity to visit the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum near the Visitor Center. Total length of this easy stroll is about 5 miles, most of it on paved roads and pathways. Bring beverages, lunch, bug spray, comfortable walking shoes, and the $5 Adventuring trip fee (cash or Venmo). Restrooms are available along the way. Since the Arboretum is not Metro-accessible, we'll carpool at 9 a.m. next Saturday morning from the Rhode Island Avenue/Brentwood Metro Station. Unlike earlier years, both the R Street Gate and the New York Avenue Gate are open this spring. If you come in by the NY Avenue entrance, follow signs to the R Street parking lot. We will all rendezvous at 9:30 a.m. in front of the Visitor Center near the R Street gate. PLEASE ANSWER THE QUESTIONS MEETUP WILL ASK YOU WHEN YOU SIGN UP SO WE CAN ORGANIZE CARPOOLS FROM THE RHODE ISLAND METRO. NEW! Please [click here](https://adventuringlgbtq.com/Adventuring_Release_Form.pdf) to review our release form. When you RSVP to an event, you affirm that you have read and agree to the terms of the release. Everyone must RSVP on their own behalf.

Join us for a two mile trail hike alongside the Brookside Trail at Blendon Woods Metro Park. This trail is largely gravel and does include some hills and stairs. Hopefully we will see some wildlife while hike this scenic trail! Join us!

We will meet next to the restrooms at the [Big Meadows Picnic Area](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/HBK_Web_1980.png). They're all the way at the back of the park, and they can be found at coordinates [40°09'06.6"N 83°02'30.2"W](https://www.google.com/maps/place/40%C2%B009'06.6%22N+83%C2%B002'30.2%22W/@40.151828,-83.0423587,214m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m10!1m5!3m4!2zNDDCsDA5JzA4LjAiTiA4M8KwMDEnNDUuMSJX!8m2!3d40.1522222!4d-83.0291944!3m3!8m2!3d40.151827!4d-83.041715?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTIwNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) (near the playground and the zip line). We'll hike about 5 miles at [Highbanks Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/highbanks/) on the Dripping Rock and Overlook Trails. Afterward, we'll head over to [Olentangy River Brewing](https://www.olentangybrew.com/) for drinks, coffee, or food (their Sunday [food truck](https://www.olentangybrew.com/eventsandfood) is Venezuelan and always gets good reviews). The actual address of the brewery is [303 Green Meadows Dr S, 43035](https://www.google.com/maps/place/303+Green+Meadows+Dr+S,+Lewis+Center,+OH+43035/@40.1551938,-83.0144045,17.25z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x8838f395cef06c97:0xe407de61b3e30069!8m2!3d40.1551765!4d-83.0124352!16s%2Fg%2F11c26jc7j9?entry=ttu). If you can't make the hike, we should be there by noon. **How to find our starting point in Big Meadows:** If you are new to Highbanks, the Big Meadows picnic area is 1.5 miles into the park just after you turn into the park off of U.S. Route 23. That is, after you enter the park, drive a mile and a half into the park. You will come to a crosswalk with a yield sign in the middle of it (this is not to be confused with the first such crosswalk you come to just in front of the Nature Center, which you arrive at maybe a quarter of a mile into the park). Just after this second crosswalk, make a left. Then make another almost immediate left into the parking lot on your left. There you will see the jungle gym and the kiddie zip line to your left. I will be just in front of the restrooms just a bit further down from the jungle gym and picnic shelter; the restroom building will also be on your left.

**We will hike about 1.5 miles on a loop then reverse to get about 3 miles. The trail is flat but there are some roots etc. protruding so I’ll be using poles. There is an old homestead there that is interesting. I always feel as though this preserve reeks of peace and tranquility. We will hike at a pace of 3 to 3.5 mph (but you’re free to go faster if you’d like!)** **Optional lunch after if there is an interest.** **There is limited parking at the site so we will meet at Sam’s Bar (one mile south of Seymour) and carpool from there. Plan on departing from Sam’s at 10 am.**

Hi ladies. Let's hike the Edward Thomas, Spring Creek, and a little multi-purpose trail - approximately 4 miles. Please bring a water bottle as needed and appropriate shoes. Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area.

Hi ladies. We will meet in front of the Nature Center and head to the two Observation decks. We will then hike Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook and Sugarbush trails to get approximately four miles total distance. We will walk approximately a 18 minute mile pace. Please wear appropriate hiking shoes.