Hiking

Adventurers! Get ready for a waterfall filled hike in the Big Meadows section of Shenandoah National Park. We will visit Dark Hollow Falls, Rose River Falls and Lewis Falls, giving us a total of 218 ft (!!) of waterfalls, and a great excuse to Dynamically Lollygag™. As usual, expect rocky and possibly muddy trails as we traverse 8 miles and gain 2100 ft total elevation. This easy side of strenuous hike is the fourth in a series to visit all the named waterfalls in Shenandoah NP. You will need to bring at least 3 liters of your favorite hydration beverage, plus sturdy boots and bug spray. Also bring a bag lunch and enough for snacking during the day. (You will have an opportunity to buy these at our usual Sheetz stop on the way to the trailhead.) Plan for a meal stop on the drive back. (I will poll the attendees after the hike to see if we also crave the Blackberry Ice Cream at Big Meadows Lodge, or even its famous Mile-High Blackberry Ice Cream Pie.) We may return as late as 9 p.m. Costs of this outing include your $5 Adventuring fee, plus $20 for your driver and your cost for a light dinner. Meet by 8:30 a.m. to form carpools in the East Falls Church Metro Kiss & Ride lot; please answer the RSVP questions, so the trip leader can organize the carpool. Failure to answer may result in your reservation being removed. We will depart promptly. Also, contact the trip leader if you prefer to meet at the trailhead. This is a challenging hike, so please be aerobically fit. Also, if your plans change, make sure to reverse your RSVP status ASAP. Otherwise, you may be marked as a no-show. IMPORTANT NOTE: When you RSVP to an event, you affirm that you have read and agree to the terms of the release. Please [click here ](https://adventuringlgbtq.com/Adventuring_Release_Form.pdf) to review our release form.

**REQUIRED**: Y*ou must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet* 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. The hike is about 11 miles with 2400 feet elevation gain in SNP. Pace will be about 2.5MPH while moving. We will begin at the 4H Center near Front Royal (park at the top lot after the 4H gate), pick up the Appalachian Trail, go over to Compton Peak, back over to Dickey Ridge Trail and return via Hickerson Hollow Trail. Bring an apple or some carrots in case the horse at the Promised Land comes out to greet us. \*\*You must be experienced in hikes of this distance, elevation gain and speed. \*\*\* Leader: David K 571-488-4449 **The hike leader will meet at the trailhead at 8AM.** For those wishing to carpool, the suggested carpool location is at the Centerville P&R. The driving time from there to the trailhead is about 1 hour. Please arrive at the Park and Ride a few minutes before 7AM to form carpool so all cars can leave at 7AM. Suggested carpool fee is $7. PLEASE NOTE: Neither the Club nor the hike leaders are responsible for coordinating transportation to/from the trailhead. Hikers are not guaranteed to get a ride to the trailhead from the carpool location. Carpooling is organized by the participants and they participate at their own risk. **I plan to meet everyone at the trailhead.** Suggested carpool fee is $7. PLEASE NOTE: Neither the Club nor the hike leaders are responsible for coordinating transportation to/from the trailhead. Hikers are not guaranteed to get a ride to the trailhead from the carpool location. Carpooling is organized by the participants and they participate at their own risk. IMPORTANT! **You must be experienced in hikes of this distance and elevation gain. If I do not already know you, please contact me directly (571-488-4449). I reserve the right to drop anyone I feel may not have the necessary skills!** **If I see that you are "double-booked" on another hike on the same day as this hike, I WILL DROP YOU FROM THIS HIKE. This is a courtesy to those waiting patiently on the waitlist.** Trailhead: **4-H Center Parking Lot at 8AM** GPS Coordinates: 38.86418073943538, -78.16974356847578 [https://goo.gl/maps/oTdG2BfeYMTP1cu16](https://goo.gl/maps/oTdG2BfeYMTP1cu16) Park Entry Fee: $0 Rating: B Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) Hiking Map: [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1H_3z72qDAuyoD05_lzrXPnc3v4RNQmO7/view?usp=share_link](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1H_3z72qDAuyoD05_lzrXPnc3v4RNQmO7/view?usp=share_link)

**Billy Goat Sections A weather permitting. This will be limited to ~10 people to ensure we can move through the hike together and don’t hold others up.** **Length is 4.7 miles. About 2 miles true hiking and 3 miles walking on a flat path.** **We will schedule this again in the future so more people can attend.** **This is not a trail that we can have 30-80 people on so unfortunately if you aren’t part of the confirmed and you are on waiting list you will have to come another time.** **If you want to carpool or need a ride please post in the chat. Parking is 20 or 30 dollars. If you have an America the Beautiful parking pass it is free.** **We will leave at 935 so please don’t be late.**

Veronica's Spruce Knob trip later in June reminded me that I really want to hike this area, but I'm busy that weekend. Come do a relaxed exploration of Spruce Knob/Seneca Creek with me earlier in June! On Saturday and Sunday, we will cover \~11 miles and \~8 miles respectively, depending on which campsites are available near the falls. Here is our planned route on Caltopo ([https://caltopo.com/m/N970BF1](https://caltopo.com/m/N970BF1)). This is a great trip for "applicants" (meaning that this is your first DCUL trip), so I'll reserve 5 applicant spots out of 10 total spots. Because I'm setting those spots aside, it may look like the trip is already full, but if you're an applicant, join the waitlist and I'll add you from there. If this is your first DCUL trip, please send me a list of your gear. You can learn about membership ranks [here](https://dculbackpacking.com/about/membership/). And no worries if your gear isn't ultralight. This is a low mileage (LM) trip. Read about DCUL's trip ranks [here](https://dculbackpacking.com/about/tripranks/). We'll meet at the Vienna metro (north side parking lot) at 8 am on Saturday and drive to the Spruce Knob Parking Lot ([Directions](https://maps.app.goo.gl/hEs3TR7Ggpvi2Pce9)), arriving around 11:30 or noon and start hiking from there. There are a lot of water features and at least one water crossing that may be deep, so you might want to bring sandals and other things that can get wet. If it's warm, some might go swimming! Saturday evening we'll camp nearish to Seneca Falls, depending on which campsites are available. Sunday we'll pass by the site of a plane crash from the 80s. We'll stop for lunch on the drive home. DCULers have maps! Some options: * Purple Lizard Dolly Sods-Seneca Rocks ([https://www.purplelizard.com/products/dolly-sods-seneca-rocks-map](https://www.purplelizard.com/products/dolly-sods-seneca-rocks-map)) * [https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5433335.pdf](https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5433335.pdf) * Caltopo [https://caltopo.com/m/N970BF1](https://caltopo.com/m/N970BF1) **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 334 miles, so all non-drivers should expect to pay $35 or so to their driver.

This hike will be in a new location, Sweet Run is about 30 minutes west of Leesburg off Harpers Ferry road apporximately 4 miles west of Hillsboro. There is a $10 entrance fee if you do not have a STATE parks pass. The Park itself is only 2 years old with numerous trails and two small ponds. None of the trails are particularly steep or rocky. I anticipate a 5-7 mile hike. Some stream crossing have bridges and some require wading in water less than 8 inches deep. I recommend wearing shoes that you don't mind getting wet! I can take 3-4 passengers from my house in Herndon if anyone wishes to save the drive. Text any questions to 703 401-5399.

Join our weekly walking meetup to have fun, maintain a healthy lifestyle, meet new people, and enjoy nature! We meet Saturdays at 10am, by the bike racks and benches 150 feet in front of BUBBLES Hair Salon in Reston, leaving no later than 10:05. Every week we'll walk the Green Trail to Lake Anne Plaza (\~1 mile), pause there for 5-10 minutes (water, bio, and from April-Nov a Farmer's Market), then circle the lake (2 miles) before returning to our starting point. It's roughly 3.5 miles and takes about an hour and a half. Afterwards, some members will often head to a local restaurant to refuel and relax before tackling the rest of the day. This event is open to all ages and fitness levels, and both friends and dogs are always welcome! We recommend dressing for the weather (umbrella, water bottle, snow shoes, hat, etc.) since we'll always walk, rain or shine. By signing up, you accept and assume all risks and responsibilities with this activity, and nobody will be held liable.

**Make new friends and enjoy the great outdoors** on a 4.2-mile loop hike from Riverbend Park to Great Falls Overlook and back, with an optional **lunch at Mookie’s BBQ afterward**. This hike offers a great mix of outdoor adventure and social connection, giving you a chance to enjoy nature while meeting others who share your love for the outdoors. We’ll start at the Riverbend Park parking lot and follow a scenic trail through the woods with a few small inclines, then on the return from the Overlook we'll follow the trail along the Potomac River. The route winds through peaceful woodlands and scenic riverside paths, leading to the stunning Great Falls Overlook 2. This is an **easy-to-moderate hike**, with mostly flat terrain and a few gentle inclines, making it accessible to a wide range of fitness levels. The hike will take about **2.5 to 3 hours**, offering plenty of time to enjoy the views and good company. Afterward, join us for lunch at **Mookie's BBQ** located at 1141 Walker Rd, Great Falls, VA 22066. It’s the perfect way to relax, socialize, and share stories with fellow hikers. Whether you’re here for the scenery, the exercise, or to connect with like-minded people, this outing promises to be a memorable experience. Spots fill quickly, so don’t wait to sign up! **Meeting Time & Location:** We’ll meet at **9:30 AM** in the Riverbend Park parking lot. Please refer to the map pin for the exact location. **Distance:** 4.2 miles **Elevation Gain:** 302 feet **Difficulty:** Easy (a few gentle inclines) This hike features natural, well-maintained trails that are mostly flat, with a few easy-to-walk uphill sections near the beginning. The wide and smooth paths make it easy to walk and chat with others along the way. With minimal obstacles and straightforward navigation, this hike is an excellent choice for anyone seeking an enjoyable and manageable outdoor adventure. **Estimated Duration** This hike is expected to take approximately 2.5 to 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 **Riverbend Park parking lot**, which has ample spaces and serves as the starting point for our hike. Please check the event map for the exact location to ensure you arrive at the correct lot. **Trail Map (AllTrails)** [Take a Hike! (DMV) - Riverbend Park (Great Falls Overlook 2)](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/take-a-hike-dmv-riverbend-park-26dd0db?u=i&sh=ylk43q) 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** For everyone’s comfort and enjoyment, we kindly ask that you leave your dogs at home for this hike. Thank you for understanding! **Restrooms** Restrooms are available at the Riverbend Park Visitor Center and at the Great Falls Visitor Center. **Lunch After the Hike** Join us after the hike for a casual lunch at **Mookie's BBQ**, 1141 Walker Rd, Great Falls, VA 22066 - (703) 759-2386. It’s a great chance to relax, enjoy a meal, and connect with fellow hikers. **Waitlist Policy** To keep things fair, hikers will be moved off the waitlist in this order: **1\. Regular Hikers:** Those who join hikes often get first priority. **2\. Past Hikers:** Next are returning hikers, based on attendance and cancellation history. Frequent cancellations may lower priority. **3\. New Hikers:** New members will be added as space allows.

We'll do three miles or so out and back, going south. total of about 6 miles, total ascending elevation will be about 1750 feet. we'll stop on a peak, so we'll get a break at the halfway point to catch our breaths. By attending, you are attesting that you are fit enough to complete this hike and keep a pace of 2.5 mph on this terrain when moving. Any mishaps are at the fault of the hiker, and not the group leader. Dress for the weather that day, pack water and snacks. we'll have fun!

(Bus hike) This section of the AT accesses some of the most striking features of the Maryland section of the trail, including the \*other\* Washington Monument. Long hikers start at Wolfsville Rd. and end at the parking area for the monument, with options to go on spur trails for Black Rock Cliffs and Annapolis Rocks. Moderate hikers start at the I-70 parking area close to the bridge, first doing a there-and-back to Annapolis Rocks and then going south to the monument parking area. Easy option available. Est.: 12 miles, 1800' elevation and 8 miles, 1300' elevation. PATC Map 5. Fare: $33. MD Hikes * [DC: Near 17th and K St. NW](https://bit.ly/17thandKnu) downtown (east side of Farragut Square). Bus leaves at 8 a.m. SHARP, so it's essential to arrive well before 8 am. * [Grosvenor-Strathmore - Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Grosvenor-Strathmore/@39.0290866,-77.1038062,16z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x89b7cc1d7517e10d:0x4dd38c36fee3d96d!8m2!3d39.0290866!4d-77.1038062!16s%2Fg%2F1hjh2tbt1?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDgwNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) Metro station at Tuckerman Lane off Rockville Pike in Bethesda (just north of the Beltway) Meet there by 8:15 a.m. Plenty of parking is available. **RESERVATIONS** Wanderbirds Hiking Club is a 501(c)(7) non-profit, and the public is invited on all hiking trips. Reservations are accepted as late as Saturday, but reserving as early in the week as possible helps ensure your spot and prevent cancellation of the hike due to low sign-ups. RSVP through Meetup and pay through PayPal. Please be sure your RSVP gives your full name and phone number and where you'll be boarding the bus. **FIRST-TIME HIKERS** If you're a first-time hiker with us, please notify the leaders in advance so they can make sure you have the info you need. Hikers must be able to keep a 2-mph (30 min/mile) pace. New hikers are required to first complete a moderate hike with us. 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 Frida**y before the hike**. If you change your RSVP after twelve noon on the Friday before the hike, a refund will not be issued (but a 'rain-check' may be possible). Cancellations to Metro/carpool/trailhead hikes will not issue a financial refund, but hikers are implored to change their MeetUp RSVP to NO so that leaders do not wait for them at the trailhead. **FLU, COVID-19, and RSV PRECAUTIONS** Anyone experiencing symptoms of upper respiratory illness should not attend the event. MORE DETAILS -- [SEE THE FAQS ON OUR WEBSITE](http://www.wanderbirds.org/faq.html)

It's time to Observe The Wildlife (Cloudy day probably edition). This is honestly a bit less of a hike and more of a walk, but I desire to Observe the Wetland. What to bring: * Hiking friendly shoes or sneakers * Water bottle (Please don't make me sad @ your dehydration) * Snacks if you need it! Parking is free, carpooling is recommended as I cannot remember the size of the lot (Whoops)

Lets enjoy some beautiful spring weather alongside some lovely views of Great Falls followed by lunch. We will spend about 1.5-2.0 hours in the park then go to lunch. The walk does have some hills and it can be a bit rocky so having good shoes is important. Cell phone service is limited or nonexistent in the park. But call or text Ross if you can’t find us at 301 467-3310. Feel free to walk at your own pace and take lots of pics. The walk is mostly under the cover of trees. Great Falls Park (VA) cost $20 per vehicle, $15 per motorcycle, and $10 per person on foot, bicycle, or horseback. All passes are valid for seven consecutive days. **The parks are cashless and require electronic payment or digital passes** Physical parking passes are available for purchase on site. Or you can purchase a digital pass. **After purchasing your online pass at recreation.gov, please download your pass (QR code) BEFORE arriving at the park! There is limited cell service on site and you may have difficulty downloading once at the park.** You can purchase your digital pass here. https://www.nps.gov/grfa/planyourvisit/fees.htm There are 3 different lots to park in with roughly equal distance of walking to meet at the visitor's center. North River Parking Lot Great Falls Park 9200 Old Dominion Drive McLean, VA 22102 Other Parking Lot 9194 Old Dominion Dr. McLean, VA 22102 We will meet outside the Great Falls Visitor Center. Please let others know if you are open to carpooling! If anyone wants to gather further for lunch after the meetup we plan to meet at The Old Brogue around 12:00-12;30. If you cant make the walk, then you can just meet us for lunch. https://oldbrogue.com/ 760 Walker Rd. Great Falls, VA 22066

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 6-mile out & back hike with approx 630 ft elevation gain that starts at the regional park in Clifton VA. The route has a few steep hills and rocky sections but no stream crossings. The pace will be 2.5 mph. We will stop at the turnaround point along the water for a snack. There are NO bathrooms at the trailhead or along the route. Please arrive at the parking lot by 9:15 AM to sign in so we can begin hiking at 9:30 AM. Well behaved dogs on a short leash are welcome. **Bring**: water, a snack, good hiking boots or shoes & poles, bug spray, sunblock, apppropriate clothing /layers / rain gear for the weather. **SCPRO appreciates a $2 cash donation to help with Club costs.** Join us after the hike at the nearby Paradise Winery, which has snacks and a food truck on the weekends, and allows your own food and water.

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 is a 7 mile hike with 900’ elevation gain in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. This is not your usual Harpers Ferry hike, for a some of the hike we will be on paved roads and streets. We will cover the historic Amory and trail, battlefields and surrounding streets stopping for lunch at a beautiful overlook. We hike at a pace of 2.5-3.0 mph when moving. Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) Leader: Ed Brimberg 703-944-9920 (C) [Rating: C](https://nvhc.com/hikeinfo/ratings/) Carpools: Meet at the Dulles Transit Park and Ride at 7:45am, GPS Coordinates: 38.976317, -77.433659, [https://maps.app.goo.gl/5VB71QdWsy9KjGZi8](https://maps.app.goo.gl/5VB71QdWsy9KjGZi8). Go to the end of Pacific Blvd and turn left into the Park and Ride lot. Suggested carpool fee is $7. The leader will be at the carpool location. Driving time to the trailhead from the carpool location \~1 hour. If you are going to the trailhead, meet at the Harpers Ferry Train Station at 9:00am hike starts at 9:15am, GPS coordinates: 39.324540, -77.731047 [https://goo.gl/maps/yLmDLB9cx44Bkr4z7](https://goo.gl/maps/yLmDLB9cx44Bkr4z7) Parking Fee at Train Station: $20 (The only way to pay is scan the QR code on your phone) or free with National Park pass. If you have a pass please display it with signature side up on your vehicle's dashboard, where it can clearly be seen through the windshield. Neither the Club nor the hike leaders are responsible for coordinating transportation to/from the trailhead. Hikers are not guaranteed to get a ride to the trailhead from the carpool location. Carpooling is organized by the participants and they participate at their own risk. AllTrails Map: [https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/harpers-ferry-armory-canal-75a05b5?u=i&sh=7cs7ov](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/harpers-ferry-armory-canal-75a05b5?u=i&sh=7cs7ov) **You must be experienced in hikes of this distance and elevation gain.**

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 is a \~6 mile hike with 450' elevation gain along the Potomac Heritage Trail and various other trails in Riverbend Park which is just north (up river) from Great Falls Park. We hike at a pace of 2.5-3.0 mph when moving. [Rating: D](https://nvhc.com/hikeinfo/ratings/) Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) AllTrails Map for hike: [https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/riverbend-park--10?u=i&sh=7cs7ov](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/riverbend-park--10?u=i&sh=7cs7ov) This hike has a permit fee. I will need to collect $2.00 from everyone at the beginning of the hike. Small bills only please. Leader: Ed Brimberg 703-944-9920 (C) Meet at the parking lot behind the Visitor Center GPS Coordinates: 39.018709, -77.246025 [https://maps.app.goo.gl/8UJ2ttsiKfQ27EXw5](https://maps.app.goo.gl/8UJ2ttsiKfQ27EXw5)

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 is a 9 mile hike with 1900’ of elevation gain In the [Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area](https://wvdnr.gov/sleepy-creek-wma-provides-hunting-fishing-and-outdoor-adventures-in-wvs-eastern-panhandle/) in West Virginia. The hike will begin at [Spruce Pine Hollow Park](https://washingtonheritagetrail.com/mc_33.html) in West Virginia. We will take portions of the Tuscarora and Maverick Trails to the Devils Nose. From there we will make our way to a beautiful creek side lunch spot and then return. Several miles of the hike will be on dirt roads. We hope to catch the rhododendrons in full bloom. We hike at a pace of 2.5-3.0 mph while moving. Leader: Ed Brimberg 703-944-9920 Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy). [Rating: A](https://nvhc.com/hikeinfo/ratings/) Carpools: Meet at the Dulles Transit Park and Ride at 7:15am, carpools leave at 7:30am. GPS Coordinates: 38.976317, -77.433659, [https://maps.app.goo.gl/5VB71QdWsy9KjGZi8](https://maps.app.goo.gl/5VB71QdWsy9KjGZi8). Go to the end of Pacific Blvd and turn left into the Park and Ride lot. Suggested carpool fee is $13. \*\*The leader will be at the carpool location.\*\* Driving time to the trailhead from the carpool location \~1 hour 40 minutes. If you are meeting at the Spruce Pine Hollow Park be there at 9:00am, hike starts at 9:15am GPS coordinates: 39.63281, -78.10743 [https://maps.app.goo.gl/Rssm2uLkEagjfRfu9](https://maps.app.goo.gl/Rssm2uLkEagjfRfu9) There is no real parking lot, just park in some dirt area. Neither the Club nor the hike leaders are responsible for coordinating transportation to/from the trailhead. Hikers are not guaranteed to get a ride to the trailhead from the carpool location. Carpooling is organized by the participants and they participate at their own risk. Driving time to trail head from the carpool location: 1 hour 30 minutes. AllTrails Map: [https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/afternoon-hike-at-devils-nose-2016-06-22-feab05a?u=i&sh=7cs7ov](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/afternoon-hike-at-devils-nose-2016-06-22-feab05a?u=i&sh=7cs7ov) **\*\*You must be experienced in hikes of this distance, pace and elevation gain.\*\***

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.