Backpacking

**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 will be an "out and back" hike covering 9.2 miles with 469 feet of elevation gain. We'll start at the Bike Lane Bike Shop and Brewery and hike on the W&OD , the Twin Branch Trail and the Meadowlark Connector Trail. At the end of the hike we can gather for a beer or other cold beverage at the brewery.** **Meadowlark Botanical Garden is one of the true gems of Northern Virginia and features a Korean Bell Garden.** **To quote from the** ***Washington Post***\*\*:\*\* **"The only Korean Bell Garden in the Western Hemisphere is the place to start: The centerpiece is a natural wooden pavilion — built entirely without nails — holding a three-ton bell, handmade in South Korea and decorated with flora and fauna. The garden also contains a mix of plants native to Korea and Virginia, protective figures carved from volcanic rock called dol hareubangs, walls decorated with images of flowers and symbols of longevity, and a koi pond with a fountain. "** **To quote from the Meadowlark Garden website:** **" Koi swim in Lake Caroline as if parading their gem-like scales among the snapping turtles with decades of filamentous algae streaming from arching shells. October highlights are: False aster (Boltonia asteroides), azure monkshood (Acontium carmichaelii), Canadian burnet (Sanguisorba minor)."** **We'll stop at the Meadowlark Visitor Center where you can relax, browse the exhibits or take a stroll in the Gardens (General Admission $9 with $5 for those over 60).** **We hike at a pace of approximately 2.5 mph while moving.** **You must be experienced with hikes of this length and elevation gain.** **Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy.** **https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy** **Please note only service animals are allowed in the Garden and Visitor Center so canine hikers will have to wait outside during our stop.** **Leader: Steve Frith cell 703-629-0174** **Park Entry Fee: see above description for optional stroll through the Garden** **Map for hike:** **https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-1b24bc3?u=i&sh=iypgzx**

Come join us at Nova Labs for our monthly lockpicking meeting! We meet every third Wednesday at the Nova Labs Fairfax location at 3850 Jermantown Road. Learn about locks, lockpicking, lock modifications, and even lock smithing in our classroom environment. No tools, skills, or knowledge required, but feel free to bring any of those things with you! Our meetings are overseen by one or more locksmiths.

Great falls trail - This is a strenuous hike. Make sure you get some water. Here is the alltrails link, click on directions to get to the parking lot. [https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/maryland/billy-goat-loop-and-great-falls-overlook](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/maryland/billy-goat-loop-and-great-falls-overlook)

Start at the old train depot. After the run, we'll meet at Mile 20 for a drink! Run starts at 6:45 pm we will head toward Sterling tonight. Run at your own pace out and back. 2 mile runners turn around at Crestview Drive. 3 mile runners turn around at Tamarack Court. 3.5 & 4 - No cross streets in this stretch. You're on your own. :-) 5 mile runners - turn around at Sterling Blvd.

Bonsoir à tous! Venez nombreux pour causer autour d'un repas ou d'un verre chez La Madeleine. On n'a que deux règles: (1) qu'on y parle exclusivement le français et (2) qu'on achète quelque chose à boire ou à manger (c'est La Madeleine qui le demande). Merci et à bientôt!

**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!

Excited to head to Dolly Sods Wilderness in June. As Juneteenth falls on a Friday this year, it's a three-day weekend for some. Planned split is 1/14(+optional 5)/8. Here is the planned route: https://caltopo.com/m/E6C3C1L **NOTE**: I'm doing trail work in Dolly Sods Wilderness (my first [AHS Volunteer Vacation](https://americanhiking.org/volunteer-vacation-trip/american-hiking-legacy-project-dolly-sods-vistas-famous-blackwater-falls-wv/)) Sunday June 14 through Thursday June 18. As I'm going to be off-grid leading up to the trip, co-organizer Aileen will be the point person for carpools, questions, etc. the week before the trip. **Waiver**: By RSVPing to this trip or any other DC UL trip, you agree to these guidelines and to DC UL's waiver liability terms ([https://dculbackpacking.com/about/liability-waiver/](https://dculbackpacking.com/about/liability-waiver/)) COVID-19 policy: [https://dculbackpacking.com/about/covid-19-guidelines/](https://dculbackpacking.com/about/covid-19-guidelines/) **Dues**: Members and above, don't forget to pay your annual dues. You can check if you need to pay dues by seeing if the current year is listed next to your name in your DC UL profile. Applicants do not need to pay dues for their first trip. To pay your dues via PayPal, use this link: **[https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/JenniferAdach/15](https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/JenniferAdach/15)** ($10 annual dues plus a $5 suggested donation to City Kids Wilderness Project.) **Carpool**: As per our carpool policy, riders should pay drivers $0.10/mile. Expect around $29. \- James \(Biodome\)

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 miles with 450 feet elevation gain.** ***Let's hike Billy Goat C and the recently reopened Billy Goat B trail which has been closed for several years. One of my favorite sections, I'm glad it's back!*** Let's recognize the Juneteenth holiday with beautiful hike along the scenic C&O Canal National Historical Park towpath. This trek will include a hike on Billy Goat B & C trails with great views of the Potomac River, as well as a bit of the Gold Mine trail and Burma Road. This route includes a very scenic section of the towpath. **Description:** We'll start our hike on Billy Goat C trail and hike until we connect with the C&O Canal towpath. We'll hike to Anglers Inn area for a break before we connect with Burma Road and a portion of the Gold Mine trail. After that, we're back on the towpath where we will connect to the Billy Goat B trail. After completing Billy Goat B, we'll then connect back to the towpath and return to the trailhead parking. ***Note:*** Billy Goat B and C each have a stream crossing which are fairly easily crossed by stone stepping. The pace will be about 2.5 mph. **Bring:** Adequate water/hydration, snacks/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes since there are some rocky areas and tree roots on both Billy Goat B & C. Restrooms are available at the Carderock Picnic Area parking lot where we start as well as at Anglers Inn parking. Hiking poles may be useful if you normally use them. Recommend sunscreen and insect repellent. **Trailhead:** We will meet in the Carderock Picnic Grounds parking lot in Carderock Recreation Area. Please plan on being there at 8:45am so we can get everyone signed in and start the hike on time. **Dogs are welcome.** Dog Policy [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) **There are no fees.** Map of Hiking Trails at Great Falls, Maryland: [https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/upload/Great-Falls-Hiking-Map.pdf](https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/upload/Great-Falls-Hiking-Map.pdf) **Directions to Carderock Picnic Grounds Parking at Carderock Recreation Area:** From I-495, take the exit for Clara Barton Pkwy, continue on the Pkwy until you see the exit for Carderock near the Naval Surface Warfare Center. After exiting at Carderock, you will pass under the towpath tunnel. Turn left after going under the towpath tunnel and continue into the picnic grounds parking lot. ***The parking lot is also labeled with signage as Parking Lot 1.*** **GPS 38.97122, -77.19874** Any questions, please message me here or text/call @202-528-0456. If you text me, please include your name.

I've got a three-day weekend for Juneteenth and I really want to hike the Loyalsock trail. Never been and I love PA in June. Please join me!! **Plan** This is a long drive with a shuttle at the end, so I'd like to meet at Grosvenor around 3pm. We'll drive up to Williamsport and leave a car at the western terminus, then drive another 45 minutes or so to the other end and hike westward, finishing Sunday morning. The splits will be 6/24/21/6 (with lots of elevation change!) and we'll need at least 3 vehicles. **Resources** Loyalsock SF Map: https://bit.ly/3DUvtgo CalTopo: https://caltopo.com/m/N3MMD Weather: https://bit.ly/45rpY4I Driving Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/NiZzvC2DEkbJ8Q4T6 **Disclaimers** * Liability Waiver: *By RSVPing to this trip or any other DC UL trip, you agree to these guidelines and to DC UL's waiver liability terms: https://dculbackpacking.com/about/liability-waiver/* * COVID-19 Policy: *https://dculbackpacking.com/about/covid-19-guidelines/* * Dues: *Members and above, don't forget to pay your annual dues. You can check if you need to pay dues by seeing if the current year is listed next to your name in your DC UL profile. Applicants do not need to pay dues for their first trip. To pay your dues via PayPal, use this link: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/JenniferAdach/15 ($10 annual dues plus a $5 suggested donation to City Kids Wilderness Project.)* * Carpool: *As per our carpool policy, riders should pay drivers $0.10/mile.*

The whole trip will be about 32 miles (10/16/6) but if we all vote to hike farther, we can do 40 mile version instead (10/16/14). Here is the itinerary: We will meet at 3 pm on Thursday at Grosvenor-Strathmore metro parking area (https://maps.app.goo.gl/RfWpd3f8LSg1dM9w7). Then we will drive to Whisky Spring Parking area (32 mile-version) or York Rd (PA Rte 74)(40 miles version) depending on how far we want to hike the last day. Then we will shuttle back to our starting point at Caledonia State park (https://maps.app.goo.gl/wkq6VTMwKHsDgS1s5). Then we will hike 10 miles to Birch Run Shelter. Friday : We will hike to James Fry at Tagg Run Shelter 16 miles Saturday: Hike out to either Whisky Spring Parking area - 6 miles or York Rd (PA Rte 74) 1127- 14 miles I need to be back by 2 pm on Saturday so if we vote to do 14 miles, we will have to start hiking out early (\~6 am). This trip is for member only since I am still learning how to organize a trip. You can learn about membership ranks [here](https://dculbackpacking.com/about/membership/). Read about DCUL's trip ranks [here](https://dculbackpacking.com/about/tripranks/). **Waiver**: By RSVPing to this trip or any other DC UL trip, you agree to these guidelines and to DC UL's waiver liability terms ([https://dculbackpacking.com/about/liability-waiver/](https://dculbackpacking.com/about/liability-waiver/)) **Carpool**: As per our carpool policy, riders should pay drivers $0.10/mile. Total driving distance is around 220 miles, so all non-drivers should expect to pay $22 or so to their driver.

***Due to change in plans, this trip is CANCELLED*** I've never done the North Fork Mountain Trail and wanted to do it, but it's a long drive for a 24-mile hike. So, I am combining it with one of my favorite WV hikes: Spruce Knob/Seneca Creek. We will need a car shuttle for the North Fork Mtn Trail, so depending on the number of participants, we will need 2-4 drivers. The plan is to leave Vienna Friday morning at 7:30 am, drive to the northern trailhead (38.98168, -79.23100), leave 1-2 cars there, drive to the southern trailhead (38.71083, -79.40214), start North Fork Mountain Trail hike. We will do about 12.4 miles to the campsite and possible spring (if it's really dry, we can set up a water cache or carry enough for the whole hike). Saturday morning, we will get up early and hike the remainder of North Fork Mtn Trail, drive to southern trailhead and from there to Spruce Knob Parking. Saturday afternoon we will hike down from Spruce Knob to Seneca Creek and camp anywhere along the creek, ideally by the Seneca Falls. Sunday morning, we'll hike up to see the plane crash site from the 70s and then hike back up to Spruce Knob and drive home. Caltopo: [North Fork Mountain - CalTopo](https://caltopo.com/m/QH724F1#) North Fork Mtn Trail: https://myhikes.org/trails/north-fork-mountain-hike Spruce Knob/Seneca Creek: [Backpacking the Spruce Knob/Seneca Creek Loop](https://www.greatamericanhikes.com/post/backpacking-the-spruce-knob-seneca-creek-loop) **Waiver**: By RSVPing to this trip or any other DC UL trip, you agree to these guidelines and to DC UL's waiver liability terms ([https://dculbackpacking.com/about/liability-waiver/](https://dculbackpacking.com/about/liability-waiver/)) COVID-19 policy: [https://dculbackpacking.com/about/covid-19-guidelines/](https://dculbackpacking.com/about/covid-19-guidelines/) **Dues**: Members and above, don't forget to pay your annual dues. You can check if you need to pay dues by seeing if the current year is listed next to your name in your DC UL profile. Applicants do not need to pay dues for their first trip. To pay your dues via PayPal, use this link: **[https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/JenniferAdach/15](https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/JenniferAdach/15)** ($10 annual dues plus a $5 suggested donation to City Kids Wilderness Project.) **Carpool**: As per our carpool policy, riders should pay drivers $0.10/mile.

**IMPORTANT -** If you are not 100% committed please do ***not RSVP.*** No shows will be de-propritized for future events. We got rained out on Memorial day - so let's try this again on July 4th weekend! The Mount Rogers/Grayson Highlands loop hike is an iconic section of the Appalachian Trail, located in the southwestern hills of Virginia within the Jefferson National Forest. This region is best known for its vast mountain views and alpine peaks with **wild ponies** roaming about. This area is also home to Virginia's highest point, Mount Rogers, sitting at 5,729'. This is a premier east-coast backpacking destination, so don't miss this one. ## **Trail Facts** * **Difficulty Level:** Moderate * **Length:** 21.4 Miles * **Duration:** 3 Days * **Elevation Gain:** 3,898 Feet * **Bear Canisters:** Not Required * **Permits:** None * **Dogs**: Allowed * **Meetup/Carpool:** Vienna Metro South * **Trailhead Parking:** 36.6893579, -81.5320954 * **AllTrails Map**: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/mount-rogers-and-appalachian-trail-loop-958adb5?u=i&sh=rak641 **Trail Details:** We will meet at The Vienna Metro station on Friday morning at 8am and drive to the Mt Rogers Trailhead (off Rt 603). This parking lot is **NOT** the paid lot near Masie Gap, and so can fill up. I'd like to try to get there as early as possible. The drive is about 5 hours. I will drive and am happy to have others carpool with me - but please note, I will have my small black labrador in the back seat. **Day 1** After we park, we will hike about 7 miles to our campsite, diverting once to summit Mt Rogers. There arent any views here, but it's worth the .3 miles to say you've been to the highest point in VA! We will camp on the first night at the scenic tent sites near the Thomas Knob Shelter on the AT. There is water at this site and we may see wild ponies if we're lucky. **Day 2** The second day is about 10.7 miles, which includes spectacular views, unique rock formations and wide open grassy meadows. We will camp near the Old Orchard Shelter. There is a spring with water at this site as well. **Day 3** The third day will be a short 3.5 mile hike from camp back to the cars. Getting to the cars early will mean that we should get back to DC around 4-5pm. On the drive home, I plan to stop at Martin's in downtown Roanoke (413 1st St SW, Roanoke, VA 24011). **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​​ **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!

Time to go eat blueberries and such in Dolly Sods. I got Brightside's permission to plagiarize this entire trip, so we're going to run it the same as in recent years. The nature conservancy recently acquired the parcel of land just north of Dolly Sods as well which we can check out on Saturday if anyone is inclined to do some extra miles. This loop features some bushwhacking and lots of mud and rocks, and depending on recent rains the crossing of Red Creek can be very wet – make sure you're up for a tough hike! We'll meet up at Vienna Metro North Kiss & Ride and drive to the Flatrock Run trailhead ([https://bit.ly/3D5Rvwj](https://bit.ly/3D5Rvwj)). We can run a quick shuttle to drop one car at Red Creek trailhead and avoid a 2 mile roadwalk. From the road we'll climb over 2000 vertical feet in 5 miles up Mt Porte Crayon, the fourth highest peak in the state. Be prepared to hike through stinging nettles, and make sure to fill your bottles at the last stream on the way up. Our campsite up on the plateau will be dry. On Saturday morning we'll hike the entirety of the Canyon Rim Trail, which starts right at our campsite. This trail involves a bit of bushwhacking and talus scrambling, and it probably won't be on your map – occasional stone cairns mark the way. We'll walk along the Allegheny Front, taking in superb views of the valley below, and eventually come to the Dolly Sods Wilderness boundary. A brief gravel roadwalk along FR 19 will lead us to the Rohrbaugh Plains trail. From here we'll make our way north, past Rohrbaugh Cliffs and the confluence of Red Creek and then into the northern meadows of the Sods. At the northwest corner of the wilderness we'll turn south along the Rocky Ridge trail and look for a suitable campsite for the night. On Sunday we'll hike down Big Stonecoal, take Dunkenbarger to Little Stonecoal, and walk along Red Creek back to the cars. We'll try our best to get to Davis in time for breakfast at Milo's; but if that doesn't happen we'll grab lunch at Hellbender (which reopened yay!). **Splits:** 6/22/8 with little elevation change other than the first big climb **CalTopo:** [https://caltopo.com/m/QFKMB](https://caltopo.com/m/QFKMB) **Weather:** [https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.045402328831074&lon=-79.35729671864084&site=all&smap=1](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.045402328831074&lon=-79.35729671864084&site=all&smap=1) **Map:** [https://www.purplelizard.com/products/dolly-sods-seneca-rocks-map](https://www.purplelizard.com/products/dolly-sods-seneca-rocks-map) ‎ ‏‏‎ ‎ *By RSVPing to this trip or any other DC UL trip, you agree to these guidelines and to DC UL's waiver liability terms ([http://www.meetup.com/DC-UL-Backpacking/pages/Liability_Waiver/](http://www.meetup.com/DC-UL-Backpacking/pages/Liability_Waiver/))* *Dues: Members and above, don't forget to pay your annual dues. You can check if you need to pay dues by seeing if the current year is listed next to your name in your DC UL profile. Applicants do not need to pay dues for their first trip. To pay your dues via PayPal, use this link: [https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/JenniferAdach/15](https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/JenniferAdach/15) (10 annual dues plus a 5 suggested donation to City Kids Wilderness Project.)* *Carpool: As per our carpool policy, riders should pay drivers $0.10/mile.*

I was not meaning to steal Austin's thunder on this trip (he's heading to Otter Creek in August), but I've also been wanting to check out this area and had been pondering a trip there for the last weekend in June. Come join me! (And full disclosure I haven't been here before so we can explore it together!) Also, just a note that since there's a 21-mile day, you should have already attended at least one DCUL trip before. We will meet at the Vienna metro at 5 pm Friday to carpool, then head for the [Lower Glady Dispersed Campground ](https://elkinsrandolphwv.com/place/lower-glady-dispersed-camping-area/)to spend Friday night and meet up with anyone driving separately. Saturday morning, we'll get an early start to beat the heat and head up the Mylius trail from the campground, gain the ridge and head clockwise around the Otter Creek wilderness area boundary. After reaching Otter Creek, we'll head south following the creek and camp along it. Sunday we'll get back up on the plateau and follow the boundary south back to the cars. Finally, we'll grab some food in Davis on the way home. I hear there are bogs, marshes and creek crossings, so prepare to get wet. Splits are 0/21/10. **Resources\*** * Monongahela NF Map: https://bit.ly/3FOs7wF * Purple Lizard Map: https://bit.ly/46EUwRB * CalTopo: https://caltopo.com/m/5BF0P * Weather: https://bit.ly/490kwbH * Driving Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/QAdy2nh8TYt5TB3M9 \*Credit for these goes to Mark/Brightside **Disclaimers** * Liability Waiver: *By RSVPing for this trip, you agree to these guidelines and to DCUL's waiver liability terms: https://dculbackpacking.com/about/liability-waiver/* * Dues: *Members and above, don't forget to pay your annual dues. You can check if you need to pay dues by seeing if the current year is listed next to your name in your DC UL profile. Applicants do not need to pay dues for their first trip. To pay your dues via PayPal, use this link: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/Jennifer Adach15 ($10 annual dues plus a $5 suggested donation to City Kids Wilderness Project.)* * Carpool: *As per our carpool policy, riders should pay drivers $0.10/mile.*

**Our Meetup is off to another hiking adventure! Mt Kilimanjaro, as the tallest mountain in Africa, is included in the 7 Summits of the world.** **It is a bucket-list item for all hard-core hikers and mountain lovers.** We did this trek with Meetup in the summer of 2024 and it was a true experience of a lifetime (see photos below) Let's get to some numbers. It is 5,895m/19,340ft BUT . . . our starting elevation for the trek is 3795m/12541ft As such elevation gain is 2100m/6799ft To compare Everest Base Camp trek, is about 2754m/9035ft elevation change. And Mt Whitney is about 1828m/6000ft elevation change. The key to being able to succeed in this endeavor lays in the route and the support system. We are taking the Lemosho Route via the Northern Circuit. The Northern Circuit route is the longest and newest of the seven established Kilimanjaro routes. It's one of the best routes because it has the best acclimatization profile. This results in one of the highest summit success rates. Add to that stunning views, and comparatively relaxed pace. It is also much less crowded than the other Kilimanjaro routes. As far as our support system: We will be accompanied by experienced guides, porters and cooks. They are certified, ensuring our safety and comfort. Porters will carry our gear. We will have a high ratio of guides to hikers. Our guides will go our pace and support each and everyone of us, regardless of fitness level and pace. In other words...you go your own speed and we all get there safe. More about our trek/trip. As with all our international trips, we picked the best season/time of year to go for weather and wildlife. Lemosho and Northern Circuit is a scenically spectacular and varied route. At the lower elevations it has an abundance of wildlife such as elephant, buffalo, eland and lion which come over to forage during dry season. **Each of our trips is personally crafted to offer the best places and best use of time.** *But I don't have the needed gear?!* You don't need much more than the standard trekker's equipment. We will provide you with a list of what is already included and what can be rented there. *Does this include food?* All meals on the trek potion are included and a cook travels with us! *What is lodging like?* We are sleeping in new and comfortable tents (carried during the day by porters) *I am new at this.* That's OK. We do plenty of prep Zooms before we depart. And in California we have a number of local outdoor day or weekend outings you can test out with us. *How dangerous is this? What if I get sick or hurt?* We will be walking on an established, well used trail the entire time. **Our trip INCLUDES emergency insurance.** We are also Certified Wilderness First Responders and our guides are members of (AMREF) Flying Doctor. **Plain and simple, safety is our primary goal.** *How much does this cost?* **Kilimanjaro Mountain Trek $3950 per person, double occupancy. Land only (airfare not included). Solo supplement $600** Trip Cost includes: \- 9 nights accommodation \- 3 meals everyday on the trek \- All Fees & Entrances and Taxes \- Camping equipment such as tents\, tables\, chairs\. \- Lead Guide\, Assistant Guides\, Porters and Cook *RSVP to this event shows your interest, but does not hold your space.* ***The only way to secure your spot for this trip is a $300 deposit:*** ***[CLICK HERE FOR SECURE DEPOSIT LINK](https://www.paypal.com/instantcommerce/checkout/8P9NUAVQM8UEN)*** *Deposit is refundable up to 90 days before the departure (less PayPal fees).* *IF you need an airfare quote,* [Click here to message Anna](https://secure.meetup.com/messages/?new_convo=true&member_id=131297062) For more information about this or any of our other international events, fill out this form: **[INTERNATIONAL MEETUPS INFO REQUEST](https://forms.gle/cQdqYw74gAYqphXX8)** To see pictures from our Kilimanjaro adventure in 2024 [CLICK HERE](https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPkfkUp6sEZVQ-xse1di_K19d1QVmSb5KOLeIjynRoWGv_XFLXI8wBfT61XxAHavg?key=U2tKajBuOGRiZkxBOUtTUG1GbUVRVmlDaERCeG5n) We do a monthly Q & A Zoom: Meet others attending, be social, or come and get any questions answered. [Click Here to RSVP to our Zoom](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/296044209/) The MAIN location where this event is posted: [https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/302872805/](https://www.meetup.com/moretoexplore/events/302872805/) (RSVP there for any conversation and comments) This events is cross posted to several other groups and the number of RSVPs on each is not reflective. We have a set of sister groups where we post our local free, local/regional camping, and our overseas events too. [Click Here ](https://www.meetup.com/CulturalArts/Events)for our other events: Live the adventure instead of only dreaming it! SOT 200318-10

We will be hiking the loop trail, (counter clockwise) around the BeaverDam Reservoir starting at the brand new Reservoir Park VisitorsCenter. Beautiful views of the water and varied woodland areas. This is an 7.5 MILE loop hike around one of Northern Virginia's largest bodies of water. The loop is mainly flat with a tiny hill or two. I've rated the loop moderate because the distance is 7.5 miles and we will be hiking about 22 minutes per mile - just under 3 miles per hour. After the hike we'll head over to Lark Brewing. 24205 James Monroe Hwy, Aldie, VA 20105 for food and beverages. I will make every effort for your safety. You are hiking at your own risk. Dogs are welcome on the hike as long as they are good with groups, friendly and you follow all leash laws. I like kids but this is an adult event so please no kids or any one under 21. We do start on time so please plan accordingly. Meet in front of the bathrooms by the parking lot. Reservoir Park Trail on AllTrails https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/reservoir-park-trail?sh=lkkoxr&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality