Hiking

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. **9 mile loop with 1100ft. of elevation; Each 400ft. elevation = 1 mile, so hike is approx. 11.5 miles.** **Please Note: this hike involves a lot of maneuvering over tree trunks, around rock and stream crossings.** You must be **capable** of hiking this **distance** and **elevation.** Join us as we hike along the **[Potomac Heritage Trail](https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/upload/POHEMap-508-2021.pdf)** from **[Turkey Run](https://gohikevirginia.com/turkey-run-park/)** to **[Chain Bridge](https://arlingtonhistorical.com/items/show/127)** through **[Fort Marcy](https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/fortmarcy.htm)** and **back**. It is a scenic and very enjoyable hike! **DESCRIPTION:** We will descend from **[Turkey Run Park](https://gohikevirginia.com/turkey-run-park/)** to the **[Potomac River](https://www.americanrivers.org/river/potomac-river/)**[ ](https://www.americanrivers.org/river/potomac-river/)to hike along the **[Potomac Heritage Trail](https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/upload/POHEMap-508-2021.pdf)**[.](https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/upload/POHEMap-508-2021.pdf) We will follow the trail through **varied landscapes** such as neighborhoods, highways, and along streams. We will stop and have lunch/snack near **[Fort Marcy](https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/fortmarcy.htm)** and then continue along a lovely stream towards \*\*[Chain Bridge ](https://arlingtonhistorical.com/items/show/127)\*\*trailhead where we turn around and head back to **Turkey Run**. **Facilities: None** **Bring:** adequate hydration, sturdy shoes, poles, snack/lunch, insect repellant **Pace:** We hike at a pace of 2.0 to 2.5 mph while moving. **Dogs**: No dogs on this hike per **[[NVHC Dog Policy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicyhttps:/tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolic)]** **Park Entry Fee**: $0.00 **Where to Meet**: We will begin at **Turkey Run Park Lot C1** off of the **George Washington Memorial Parkway**. There is plenty of parking. I have a Honda Fit, the hatchback will be up. Please **arrive by 9:15** am to allow time for signing in. We'll start hiking at **9:30am.** **GPS Coord: 38.964339, -77.153148** **LINK: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/KDBQ5BdcVQRGHCnP7](https://maps.app.goo.gl/KDBQ5BdcVQRGHCnP7)** **Post-Hike Fellowship: TBD** **Leader:** Dawn please message me here or text to 703 533 9231

I've decided last minute to do the STS loop in 3 days. I've made this VMO/IO because of the challenging nature of this hike. Splits are roughly 31/29/24. The plan is to start early on Friday morning camping at the Spook Hollow Shelter, then stopping at Debs Cross Fork Inn for lunch, go to the Gravel Lick Shelter. The final day is back to the car and head home. Here is a trip report from another DCUL trip to this trail: https://dculbackpacking.com/2022/06/02/trip-report-spooky-hollow-danger-bigfoot-warnings-and-a-spider-man-sighting-susquehannock-trail-system-thru-hike-85-miles-may-26-30-2022/ The weather report for the weekend is mostly hot with temps in the mid-high 80s, lows of 60 overnight. I would expect some sections of the trail to be hiking through long grass, nettles and there are the ever present ticks. Water should be not a problem at this time of the year. Caltopo for this trip: https://caltopo.com/m/4R5VMG5 DCULers always bring maps. Below are a few resources: Susquehannock Trail System Guidebook & Map Set (fifth edition) by Chuck Dillon: [http://www.pinecrk.com/items/items.html](http://www.pinecrk.com/items/items.html) Michael's (U-turn): [https://www.amazon.com/AMCs-Best-Backpacking-Mid-Atlantic-Multiday/dp/193402886X](https://www.amazon.com/AMCs-Best-Backpacking-Mid-Atlantic-Multiday/dp/193402886X) Purple Lizard (only covers STS partially): [https://www.purplelizard.com/products/pine-creek-pennsylvania-grand-canyon-map?_pos=1&_sid=d58845716&_ss=r](https://www.purplelizard.com/products/pine-creek-pennsylvania-grand-canyon-map?_pos=1&_sid=d58845716&_ss=r) PA DCNR: [https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateForests/FindAForest/Susquehannock/Pages/Maps.aspx](https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateForests/FindAForest/Susquehannock/Pages/Maps.aspx) The Fine Print I’m just a co-participant on this trip, not a guide or an expert. I have no special training, such as organizational, medical, or navigational. You are officially on the trip if you both RSVP on Meetup, we engage by email, text, or the app, and you meet me at the trailhead. Otherwise, you are doing your own trip until you make physical contact with me and I recognize you as a co-participant. By RSVPing to this trip or any other DC UL trip, you agree to DC UL's liability waiver terms. ([https://dculbackpacking.com/about/liability-waiver](https://dculbackpacking.com/about/liability-waiver)) If you are a member, don't forget to pay your annual $10 dues. You can check to see 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 with the group. To pay your dues via PayPal, use this link: [https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/JenniferAdach/15](https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/JenniferAdach/15)

Meet in the parking lot of the Handy Bikes Service Center. At the start of each ride, we'll go over introductions to have a sense of participants' cycling experience. Over the course of our rides, we'll address the following: group riding dynamics; safety (ABC check & trail hazards); gear shifting; hill climbing; audible and hand communication within the group, with other trail users, and automobile drivers; what to bring on each ride; etc... Bring your questions, water & a snack. When it starts getting dark earlier, we'll need lights as well. Helmets a MUST. If you can, and especially if you've had issues with your bike, come a bit early to have it looked at ahead of the ride. PS - all levels are welcome to join, however, be mindful that if you are an experienced rider, please be prepared to ride at the pace of the newest rider in the group. Each week, depending on who's in attendance, and participants' riding ability/comfort level, we may do skills practice as a group in the parking lot or at the west end of Wheeler Ave. Once everyone is comfortable, we'll go for a ride on local trails and neighborhood streets and finish back at the shop. Happy Pedaling !! \~Maya

Bring your lights for the “Friday Night” Skate! **Join us for the Friday Night Skate!** See the monuments of DC all lit up at night! We will meet at the National World War I Memorial “Pershing Park” at 7pm. We’ll warm up with a nice easy skate to the Capital and skate along the mall and museums to the National Monument. We will then head to the Lincoln Memorial through the World War II Memorial. Those interested in just a 5.5 mile skate can backtrack to Pershing Park. The group will then proceed from the Lincoln to Haynes Point via Ohio Drive with the option to take the 3 mile loop (12 mile total skate) or sit by the water and enjoy the crisp air (8.5 mile total skate.) There are three options to loop back to the Pershing Park WWI Memorial and our path back will depend on the preferences / skill of the group. The skate is mostly flat on good pavement with a small slope coming down from the Washington Monument and a 40 yard small slop from the Lincoln to Ohio Drive. If skaters are more advanced we will cross the 14th St bridge, enjoy a few up and down hills and finish with a downhill through the 12th St. tunnel. Please feel free to jazz it up with lights, I wear a helmet bike light, a fun set of lights and lighted wheels! Wear your lights so you have fun, can see and be seen! In case of bad weather, I will cancel the skate by 6pm on this post. **Of course, all skating is at your own risk.**

😀♠️❤️ A Spades Special - Cards in Downtown Silver Spring 😀♠️❤️ We are hosting another event in Downtown Silver Spring - at Comma's Food Hall inside City Place Mall. 😀 Enjoy a friendly night of Spades play, lots of laughs, and Friday fun. ♠️ Spades games will be the main event, from 6pm to 10pm! 🌯 Play cards, eat, drink, & socialize! Enjoy drink specials and variety of reasonably-priced restaurant options. 🌟 Get matched with a partner onsite. All skill levels are welcome. The fun starts at 6pm! 🍷 Happy Hour Specials all night! 🎶 A Live DJ will be playing music all evening 🚗 Parking available in Ellsworth Garage (connected to the venue through the Skywalk) 📷 See the photo section for details 🌜Join us for a night of card play and fun times! 🌛 🙏🏿 We will also be honoring our friend, Tony, we recently lost in the Spades community. 🙏🏿 <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><

**Ready to experience something unique?** *Join us for a scenic hike around Burke Lake.* *Safe, fun, facilitated space to not only enjoy nature together, move but also have deeper real conversations based on ice-breakers provided to go beyond small talk and allow a chance for a real connection❤️* **❗[RSVP for the hike HERE](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1990143226965?aff=oddtdtcreator)** **READ ALL DETAILS BELOW ⬇️⬇️⬇️ SEE PHOTO INSTRUCTIONS** Meet & Greet (social warmup) at 11:00 am Hike starts at 11:20 am sharp. Don't be late, plan accordingly! Especially, if you are unfamiliar with the area. **Put into GPS:** *Burke Lake Park Ice Cream Parlor* (don't use Meetup app GPS, it may take you to wrong location). **Parking**: Large parking lot in front of Ice Cream Parlor. **❗Donation to cover the cost of permits**: Please bring $5-$10 cash or Venmo @Irena-Polyakova (1469) or Zelle (571-315-1469). **❗Park Entry Fee $12 Cash for Non-residents of Fairfax County.** It is Free for Fairfax Country residents, have your license out ready to show proof at the checkpoint. There may not be anyone at the checkpoint to collect, just drive through. **❗MEETING POINT (SEE EVENT PHOTOS):** In front of Ice-cream Parlor. We wait till 11:20 am and then we start walking. **Trail entrance- SEE EVENT PHOTOS- (if you are late and need to catch up):** Enter the trail about 100 meters to the left if you are facing the Ice Cream parlor. Once on the trail, turn left, lake should be on your right. * All age groups * Hike is hosted by a [life & relationship coach](https://lovedandfulfilled.com/) and structured to encourage maximum of connections made. * Conversation icebreakers are provided to everyone to make starting a conversation easier & get out of the small talk. * This is a hike for singles. **Time:** 11:00 AM (Be on time) **Distance**: 4.7-mile loop, it will take about 1.45-2 hours, we will make a few stops. **Level**: Easy/relaxed pace. Shaded path under the trees. **What to bring**: Water. **Dogs are welcome! 🐶** [RSVP for hike HERE](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1990143226965?aff=oddtdtcreator) \*Event is weather dependent and could be rescheduled/cancelled\* **When you sign up to this event you are agreeing to**: *I release, indemnify, and hold harmless, Irena Polyakova, and all participants of the event, from any and all claims, demands, losses, and liability arising out of or related to any loss, injury, disability, I may suffer, to person or property, to the fullest extent permitted by law.* *Photos will be taken through out the event, if you don't want to be in them, notify the host ahead of time.*

Caledon State Park is a 2,500-acre property in King George County that has been designated as a National Natural Landmark. The park includes 16 miles of hiking trails and is home to old growth forests and American bald eagles. Given the low mileage and modest elevation gain, this backpacking trip is a great choice for those who are new to the sport or who are trying to get back into it. We will meet on the sidewalk between the parking garage and the bus lane at the Franconia-Springfield Metro Station at 9:00 AM and carpool to the trailhead. Drive time is about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Please post a comment below if you are willing to drive. Carpooling saves the environment and makes friends. ## Trail Facts * **Difficulty Level:** Easy * **Length:** 13.5 Miles * **Duration:** 2 Days * **Elevation Gain:** 702 Feet * **Bear Canisters:** Not Required * **Permits:** Not required, although I ask that each person chips in $10 to help cover the cost of the camping reservation. You can give me cash or send me money via PayPal or Venmo. * **Dogs:** Allowed on leash at the park, but not at the post-trip meal location. * **Parking:** Franconia-Springfield Metro Station (Free garage parking is available if you aren't driving to the trailhead.) * **Trailhead Coordinates:** 38.33376579936516, -77.14297900500688 * **AllTrails Maps:** [Day 1, Part 1](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/caledon-state-park-nova-tb-sat-1-f2fb9d7?u=i&sh=kucj8c) / [Day 1, Part 2](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/caledon-state-park-nova-tb-sat-2-8f2f470?u=i&sh=kucj8c) / [Day 2](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/caledon-state-park-nova-tb-sun-b016935?u=i&sh=kucj8c) **Trail Details:** **Day 1, Part 1:** After arriving at the park we will put on our packs and hike about 7 miles with 456 feet of elevation gain. During this leg of our journey we will stop by a few overlooks of the Potomac River and, if we're lucky, we may see some bald eagles. This loop will take us back to the Visitor Center, where you'll have the opportunity to top off your water supplies and check out the exhibits while Juanatán checks in on behalf of the group. You should be prepared to carry enough water to last you until we get back to our cars on Sunday, as there is no potable water near our campsite. **Day 1, Part 2:** Once the group is ready we'll hike another 3.5 miles with 75 feet of elevation gain to our camping location near the Potomac River and Jones Pond. I have reserved six camping sites, with two tents allowed per site. We will set up camp, eat dinner, and relax around the fire as we wind down for the day. There will likely be a lot of free time, so consider bringing games or some other form of entertainment. **Day 2**: While during many backpacking trips it is helpful to start early the second day, on this trip we can take our time in the morning as we wake up, eat breakfast, and pack. I still anticipate that we'll be able to depart our camping spot by 10:00 a.m. and hike a slightly different route of 3 miles with 171 feet of elevation gain back to our cars. I plan to stop at Pancho Villa in Stafford on the way home -- the address is 155 Garrisonville Rd, Stafford, VA 22554. **Gear List** *Note: Be prepared for varying temperatures; layering is key.* **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 (for lunch and dinner on Saturday and for breakfast on Sunday) * Water bottles or hydration system (3-liter capacity)​ * Bag or canister for securely storing food and other scented items * Water filter or purification tablets​ * Headlamp with extra batteries​ * Rain gear * Dry bags or pack cover​ * Warm clothing layers (non-cotton) * Trowel 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 entertainment * Gaiters​ * Sunscreen, lip balm, insect repellent​​ **Saturday Itinerary:** 9:00 AM: Meet at the Franconia-Springfield Metro Station. 9:15 AM: Depart for the trailhead. 11:00 AM: Arrive and begin the hike. 3:00 PM: Come back to the Visitor Center, top off water supplies. 4:30 PM: Arrive at the campsite. *(Set up camp, explore the beach, eat dinner, etc. for the rest of the evening.)* **Sunday Itinerary:** 8:00 AM: Break camp, eat breakfast. 10:00 AM: Depart for the trailhead. 11:30 AM: Arrive at our cars, drive to the restaurant. 2:00 PM: Depart for the carpooling location. 2:30 PM: Arrive at the Franconia-Springfield Metro Station. *(Setting the end time to 3:00 PM to allow time for the unexpected.)* **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! **[Featured Image Source](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caledon_State_Park#/media/File:CaledonStatePark.png)**

Let's enjoy a hike on this next-to-last Sunday of spring in DC's Rock Creek Park! This one’s for car-free DC folks, those who want a short morning drive with easy parking, and anyone who wants to explore one of the region's great urban parks. This is a moderately challenging hike due to its length, though there is not much elevation gain. We’ll move at a steady 2–3 mph pace, with breaks as needed. Water and bathrooms are available at the start. Please bring 2 liters of water with you. **Start location and time:** We’ll meet at 9 am at Picnic Grove 24 across from Rock Creek Tennis Center [https://maps.app.goo.gl/wUMV6UqH7GKsDBbA8?g_st=ic](https://maps.app.goo.gl/wUMV6UqH7GKsDBbA8?g_st=ic) We'll gather at covered picnic table shown in the image below. I'll have a large blue hiking backpack. Note: We plan to start hiking promptly after our meeting time, but I'll allow a grace period of up to 10 minutes for late arrivals. Route: [https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-ba011fd](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-ba011fd) **Transportation Options:** Driving or rideshare (Lyft/Uber): Yes! the meeting point is easy to get to and parking is free and plentiful. Buses: Indeed! Several buses go past this location on 16th Street. You can pick them up from Silver Spring metro (red line) or various metro stations in downtown DC. Please allow a little extra time if taking the bus, given variability in arrival times. Bikeshares - Of course! There are stations close by. CARPOOLING: Although this is one of our rare public transportation-accessible hikes, we encourage those with cars driving in from outside DC to be willing to carpool - you're the ones who make LMH great! If you're a driver that is willing to drive, please post a comment on the event page with the following information: (1) Number of seats (2) Meeting location (3) Meeting time As a rider, please comment on the driver's post to take a seat or post in the comments that you need a ride so a driver can find you. Riders are encouraged to help their driver out with the cost of gas. We look forward to hiking with you! **Background Info About LMH:** Please remember that this group is an informal group of friends and volunteers initiating trips under the common adventurer model (https://www.ronwatters.com/CADefine.htm). We do expect our members to be familiar with the best practices of hiking. This is not a group for first time hikers and is NOT a group for those seeking hiking instruction. We are also not professionals, nor are we trained hike leaders, nor do we scout out hikes. We plan hikes for fun. You are responsible for your own welfare and safety at all LMH events. Be sure to choose to attend hikes only within your own physical abilities and and hiking knowledge; take maps, suitable clothing, provisions (at least two liters of water plus any food or medical supplies you might require) and equipment, and act responsibly and safely at all times. Act responsibly and safely: if you ever believe you may be lost, follow the advice of the US Forest Service (https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/if-you-get-lost) LMH organizers and members shall not be liable for any injuries, loss or damage to persons or property, direct or consequential, arising out of any aspect of LMH activities. By attending this event, you represent that you have read, understand, and agree to the contents of our waiver of liability in the following link ([https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pQ0dedcqlyjc_Aib3TEbTX4gQRQt4C7FeCmsAPyTxd4/edit?tab=t.0](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pQ0dedcqlyjc_Aib3TEbTX4gQRQt4C7FeCmsAPyTxd4/edit?tab=t.0))

(Trailhead hike) Brookside Gardens is one of the hidden gems of the DC metro area. It is perhaps at its most colorful during the spring. Both hikes start at the Brookside Gardens Visitor Center and proceed through the Gardens to the Wheaton Park Nature Center. From there the moderate hikers take the Equestrian Loop Trail to the intersection of the Northwest Branch Trail. They will follow the west side of the Branch downstream to Route 29 (Colesville Rd.), turn left on the Road and then left onto the Rachel Carson Trail following the east bank of Northwest Branch upstream, joining the Wheaton Park Equestrian Trail and route back to the Brookside Nature Center. Long hikers follow the moderate route except at the Nature Center they take 3.5 miles of assorted wooded trails through Wheaton Park before joining the Northwest Branch Trail. Est.: 11 miles, <300' elevation and 8 miles, <300' elevation. Park map. Start Time: 9 AM Fare: $5 Note: Resulting in strictly enforced park 'no alcohol' rules, this year there will be an after hike picnic/pool party at co-leader Lars Larson's Silver Spring MD home 10 minutes drive from the Park. Complimentary hamburgers, veggie burgers, appropriate toppings, usual munchies, cola, and beer will be provided. What to bring? A bathing suit is recommended for a cool after hike dip. Also, there is plenty of room to park on nearby neighborhood streets. **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)

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. **9 miles with 600 feet elevation gain.** **Fee Free Day!** ***Join us in celebrating Flag Day*** ***for a nice hike along the scenic Potomac River and adjoining forests of C&O Canal National Historical Park, Great Falls, Maryland.*** **Description:** We'll start our hike traveling to the Ford Mine Trail. Once completing that trail, we will then reconnect to the towpath and head to the Potomac Overlook on Olmsted Island for some great views of the falls and cascading water. After reconnecting on the towpath for a short distance, we will connect to the Gold Mine loop trail in the forest and Gold Mine Overlook and return to our cars. There are a couple of short hills while in the forest but they are small, otherwise the route is mostly level. There are a few small stream crossings on Ford Mine trail that are easily crossed. We may include the River Trail which runs along the shore of the Potomac, depending on the water level conditions. **Participants will have the option to do as much of the hike as they desire.** 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 in the forest. Restrooms are open near the Tavern visitor center. May want to also bring some insect repellent and sunscreen. **Meet:** We will meet on the sidewalk in front of the old refreshment snack bar on the right side of the parking lot before you get to the restrooms and Tavern visitor center. The snack bar is currently closed but it is under the tree canopy. Look for me by the fence anxiously awaiting your arrival. 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) ***Please note that dogs are not allowed on the Olmsted Island boardwalk, so if you bring your dog, you will have to wait for us at the entrance to Olmsted Island*** **Park Fee**: ***Park Fees waived on Flag Day.*** If you haven't hiked with me before, please provide your name, contact number and emergency contact number. You can text me the info of direct message me on Meetup. Do not pose in comments. 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 Park:** [https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/greatfallstavernvisitorcenter.htm](https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/greatfallstavernvisitorcenter.htm) **GPS: 39.00223, -77.24697** Any questions, please message me on Meetup or text/call @202-528-0456. If you text me, please include your name.

Hello Hikers!! Welcome to our Saturday morning hike at 8:30 AM! Many - but not all - of our hikes originate at Great Falls Park, off Georgetown Pike. Unless you already have an appropriate pass, the park entrance fee is $20/car for a single visit or $35/car for a 12-month pass that is good for the Maryland side of the river too. Come twice and you'll save 5 bucks! For the record, all scheduled hikes will be held even when it rains, snows or is super hot or cold unless the weather is too extreme to be safe. Our standard hike is a relatively easy 1 hour plus loop hike at a moderate pace. Usually a hike-extension is offered for those wishing to add a few miles more, up to 7 miles or so total. In spite of our Meetup name, we also hike in nearby parks such as Riverbend, Scott's Run, Turkey Run, Seneca, and Billy Goat A or C on theMaryland side of the Potomac. We have also scheduled hikes in Shenandoah NP and at Sugarloaf in Maryland. Please note that phone connections can be iffy in the park so don't call you are running late, but texting may work. It's best for you to be on time as we set out pretty much on time. This 1+ hour of hiking (or more) is a great way to relax, turn off your cell phones, make new friends, and get some exercise. I hope to see you on the next hike!! Thanks Dick, Julie, and Katie P.S. We will meet at the lower parking lot. Once you pass the ranger's booth, make an immediate U-turn to the right and follow the road downhill to the parking lot. We meet by the big rock at the far end of the lot.

**History** [Chestnut Ridge Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/chestnut-ridge/) is historically significant because it sits on a 300-million-year-old outcropping of Blackhand sandstone. Geographically recognized as the very first foothill of the Appalachian Mountains, the ridge rises 1,116 feet above sea level. Long before European settlement, the land served as a sacred site for ancient civilizations. The park contains the Old Maid's Orchard Mound, an eight-foot-tall burial mound constructed by the Adena culture between 1000 B.C. and 100 B.C. This ancient landmark has remained largely intact and is now protected on the National Register of Historic Places. The documented modern history of the land began with an official survey conducted by Ebenezer Buckingham in 1801. Original land deeds of sale from this period notably bear the signatures of United States Presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. In the 1830s, Irish laborers arrived at the ridge to quarry its rich Blackhand sandstone. The blocks they hewed were used to build the crucial locks for the nearby Ohio and Erie Canal. Remnants of this early sandstone quarrying operation can still be spotted by sharp-eyed hikers along the modern trails. Agricultural transformation defined the ridge throughout the mid-to-late 19th century. Settlers discovered that the high elevation created a natural air flow that prevented late-season frost damage to crops. Extensive fruit orchards were planted across the slopes between 1860 and 1880. One notable orchard was established by John Wagner, a Spanish-American War veteran who chose the ridge specifically for its proximity to the bustling Columbus market. The park's current name pays homage to the massive American chestnut trees that once dominated the ridgeline before a devastating ecological blight wiped them out in the early 20th century. The conservation story of the modern 486-acre park began in March 1962. The Metro Parks board announced land acquisition plans to block developers from building a residential housing development called Chestnut Heights. Director-Secretary Walter A. Tucker advocated heavily for the purchase, citing the ridge's immense value as a scenic overlook for central Ohio. The district systematically purchased multiple agricultural parcels over the next two decades. After operating strictly as undeveloped farmland through the 1970s, Chestnut Ridge Metro Park officially opened to the public on December 18, 1988. In recent decades, the park has evolved from a quiet hiking spot into a premier regional destination for outdoor sports. A major turning point occurred in 2010 when the Central Ohio Mountain Biking Organization (COMBO) partnered with the park district to develop new infrastructure. Volunteers worked extensively to construct a single-track mountain bike trail, which officially opened in October 2011. An expert gravity and flow trail featuring advanced jumps was later integrated into the loop in 2016. Today, the park successfully balances its deep ancient, industrial, and agricultural history with active recreation. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Chestnut Ridge](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/CHR_map_1980px_2026.jpg). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Ridge, Meadows, and Homesite Trails, and Law's Lane, which is unmarked on some maps. None of these trails is individually very long, so we will hike a few permutations and loops until we get in 4-5 miles. The hike will be moderately strenuous. **Where We'll Meet** Drive to the rearmost picnic area at the back of the park. There's a latrine here, but there's no water fountain here or anywhere else at Chestnut Ridge. I strongly recommend you bring some water of your own, at least for after the hike. Cell service at the park is spotty, although your GPS will get you there just fine. The map pin I've provided here is exactly where we'll be meeting and should be able to be used directly in Google Maps, although Chestnut Ridge isn't big and you're unlikely to get lost here. **After the Hike** Afterward, we'll head over to [BrewDog DogTap](https://drink.brewdog.com/usa/brewdog-dogtap-columbus) for [drinks](https://usa.brewdog.com/pages/brewdog-lineup) and [food](https://usa.brewdog.com/cdn/shop/files/DogTap_Menu_2025_65e1ff8b-97d4-4f26-80f1-68321d482025.pdf?v=17356939232910340498). They also have an outdoor area that's extremely popular. I've had their burgers and their pizza, and I think they're both very good. I also really like their [Cold Beer](https://usa.brewdog.com/products/cold-beer-2024) (that's its actual name), which is their American light lager. BrewDog's actual address is [96 Gender Rd, Canal Winchester, OH 43110](https://www.google.com/maps/place/96+Gender+Rd,+Canal+Winchester,+OH+43110/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88387c06afa21a85:0x804c611d373d8c54?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111), and they have a large, free parking lot. We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks.

This is a small but pretty park with a 1.7-mile loop. We will walk it 2 times. It goes along a ridge and has moderate elevation changes.

**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.**