Hiking

Come enjoy a day filled with fresh air, great views, and friendly company as we hike **Sugarloaf Mountain!** This hike is all about enjoying the outdoors, getting some exercise, making new friends, and sharing a memorable experience with a great group of people. We’ll meet at the **West View Parking Lot** (check the map pin for the exact location) and head out on a **4.6-mile loop** that will take about **3 hours**. The hike kicks off with a good workout as we climb the steps to the mountain’s peak, where we’ll pause to take in the stunning views, snap some photos, and catch our breath. From there, the trail becomes easier, leading us on a short hike to another scenic overlook before wrapping up. After the hike, join us for a casual meetup at **Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard**. Feel free to bring your own food, as it looks like there's no food truck scheduled. Please remember that outside alcohol is not allowed, but the vineyard offers wine by the glass for purchase. It’s the perfect way to relax, enjoy good conversation, and toast to a fantastic day spent outdoors. We’re excited to have you join us! Be sure to wear your hiking shoes, bring water, and pack your positive energy. Let’s make this a fun and refreshing fall day together! **Meeting Time & Location:** We’ll meet at **9:30 AM** at the Sugarloaf Mountain West View Parking Lot. Look for us by the picnic tables near the trailhead. **Distance:** 4.7 miles **Elevation Gain:** 965 feet **Difficulty:** Intermediate Hike This hike is rated Intermediate for its moderate inclines, including a challenging staircase to the summit at the start. The trail then descends for about 3 miles, with a few final inclines returning to the parking lot. There are no stream crossings or rock scrambles. **Estimated Duration** This hike is expected to take approximately 3 hours. **Pace:** Moderate Pace We'll walk a steady, comfortable pace that’s manageable for most hikers with a reasonable fitness level. Breaks are regular but not overly frequent, allowing for a balanced experience of exercise and enjoyment. **Parking** We’ll park at the **West View Parking Lot**, which has plenty of spaces available and is a convenient starting point for our hike. Please refer to the event map to locate the correct parking area. Do not park at the East View Parking Area, which is the first parking area you’ll pass. **Trail Map (AllTrails)** [Take a Hike! (DMV) - Sugarloaf Mountain](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/sugarloaf-mountain-3e10f9c-2) Preview the hiking route on AllTrails to get familiar with the terrain. Download the map in advance to follow along and stay on track during the hike. **Dogs on the Trail** Unfortunately, this hike isn’t ideal for dogs due to the steep steps and narrow pathways. For everyone’s safety and comfort, we kindly ask that you leave your pets at home. Thank you for understanding! **Restrooms** There are a couple of porta-potties located at the trailhead for your convenience. Be sure to plan accordingly, as these are the only restroom facilities available on this hike. **Lunch After the Hike** Join us for a relaxed lunch at **[Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard](https://www.smvwinery.com)** after the hike. Feel free to bring your own food or simply enjoy a glass of wine with the group. Please note that outside alcohol is not permitted, but the vineyard offers a wonderful selection of wines available for purchase. This is a wonderful chance to relax, take in the scenic views, and connect with the group. **Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard** **18125 Comus Rd, Dickerson, MD 20842**

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

**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!

Join us for a hike at Sugarloaf Mountain on Sunday, June 21st Address 7901 Comus Road Dickerson, MD 20842 Information about rules and trails may be found here: https://sugarloafmd.com/ Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on a leash at all times. Parking info TBA. There isn't much parking at the base of the mountain, but there are three parking lots up on the mountain road. Please show up on time as once we start hiking it may be difficult to find us.

**We’re hitting the beautiful Scout Trail for a relaxed morning hike. No major hills, no rush—just a great way to get outside, move, and connect with awesome people!** **Meeting Spot: Claude Moore Park Visitor Center** **(21544 Old Vestals Gap Rd, Sterling, VA 20164)** **Trail: The Scout Trail (~3.3-mile loop)** **Difficulty: Easy & flat** **After the hike we will go to Crooked Run at 22455 Davis Dr #120, Sterling** **Key features:** **Beverages: Offers a diverse range of contemporary and traditional beers, plus natural wines, ciders, and seltzers.** **Food: Multiple food options are available on-site, including pizza, tacos, and biscuits.** **Atmosphere: A spacious, fun environment with a taproom, outdoor and indoor seating.** **We will try to get seats outside under the tent.**

**We’re hitting the beautiful Scout Trail for a relaxed morning hike. No major hills, no rush—just a great way to get outside, move, and connect with awesome people!** **Meeting Spot: Claude Moore Park Visitor Center** **(21544 Old Vestals Gap Rd, Sterling, VA 20164)** **Trail: The Scout Trail (~3.3-mile loop)** **Difficulty: Easy & flat** **After the hike we will go to Crooked Run at 22455 Davis Dr #120, Sterling** **Key features:** **Beverages: Offers a diverse range of contemporary and traditional beers, plus natural wines, ciders, and seltzers.** **Food: Multiple food options are available on-site, including pizza, tacos, and biscuits.** **Atmosphere: A spacious, fun environment with a taproom, outdoor and indoor seating.** **We will try to get seats outside under the tent.**

Please join us for this four mile easy to moderate loop hike through the Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve. We will follow the Fern Hollow Loop including the Dawson's and Beech Ridge trail connectors. [Bull Run Mountains Green Loop](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/bull-run-mountain-loop) More information about the area and trails can be found here: [Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve](https://www.vof.org/protect/reserves/bull-run-mountains/) **Hiking Pace**: We typically hike about 2 mph (faster on flat sections, slower on hilly / rocky sections); however, we leave no one behind and will move at a pace that is comfortable for all. **What to Bring**: At least two liters of water, emergency contact information, personal first aid kit and medications, snacks/meal, sunscreen, insect repellant, trekking poles if you use them, sturdy hiking footwear. Please leave pets at home. **Time to Meet**: Please meet by 8:45 for introductions and sign in by the trailhead kiost. We will start hiking promptly at 9:00 am. If you can't make the hike, please cancel your RSVP by 6 pm the night before to allow others on the waiting list to join. There is may be limited/no cell service in the area, so hike leaders may not receive messages the day of the hike. **Facilities:** Porta John at parking lot **Contact Information**: Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike leaders are Jeff Long and Doug Jessup. **Cancellation**: In the unlikely event that the hike needs to be cancelled, it may be cancelled up to the evening before the hike. Hikers will be notified through comments on this posting. **Weather**: The weather for this location can be found [here](https://weather.com/weather/today/l/350bc692865ad7280028d6fc8a9fbbf3d255f706944428dde9f04f3a82551afb) **Notes**: -You must sign up by 9:00 PM the day before the hike. -Please do not show up unregistered. -Please keep this a fragrance-free event. -Please leave pets at home. -To find out more about PATC, click [here](https://www.patc.net/). -Consider becoming a member of PATC. To join, click [here](https://www.patc.net/membership). -Attendance is limited at the discretion of our hike leaders. PATC rules do not permit children under 18 years to participate in a hike without a parent or guardian present.