Hiking

Summer is starting with a bang next week, and only 3 weeks into spring. Looks like 84° on Monday is as cool as we'll get, so let's take a jaunt around the northern end of Fairland Regional Park! We will meet by the bathrooms off of Greencastle Road. At 6:00 sharp we'll do a very brief introduction and then head off on a combination out-and-back with a loop in the middle. The terrain is gently rolling throughout most of the hike, with perhaps four short but fairly steep climbs. [Follow on Alltrails here](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/maryland/fairland-rec-holly-loop) With sunset at 7:43, I expect to be off the trail by 7:25, though probably earlier. If everyone feels they've sufficiently burned a few spare calories, we could possibly grab a pizza at Bella Indian Italian Cuisine, a short drive away.

Loop around Lake Accotink. **Meet at Lake Accotink Park carousel parking area.** Trail is fairly flat, paved and gravel, easy, brisk walking. A few steep sections Views of Lake Accotink About 4 miles. We will leave promptly at **600 pm**, please arrive early so you are ready. We walk briskly, not this is not an evening stroll. The rest rooms at the meeting spot are closed for renovation. Make sure to bring water. We will meet at the traffic circle near the carousel. Goggle maps calls it Lake Accotink Park. You can park at the Hemming Ave lot, or under the railway bridge. the lot at the carousel is small and usually full.

Meet in front of Copper Canyon by the benches.
We'll do anywhere from 3-5 laps. It's .75 miles around and we usually do 3/4 laps. For safety reasons, we’re going to keep the group to two small groups of eight members each. Sometimes it get crowded there so we don’t want to have any mishaps. 
Afterwards, if we like the group will decide where to grab a bite to eat at one of the local restaurants at the RIO. If you happen to be late, walk, counterclockwise around the lake and you should see us walking

he Virginia/Maryland/DC wildflowers are essentially at their peak NOW! We will hike the Windy Run Trail in north Arlington down to the Potomac Heritage Trail along the Potomac River. Upstream for a bit and downstream for a bit will show us many of the currently blooming wildflowers. This is timed for later in day so that you can take care of your other responsibilities and still get outside. There will be plenty of light for good pictures. Also, the birds get more active and noisier towards dusk. Bluebells, spring beauty, wild phlox, snowbells (even though it is done snowing) , May apples (even though it is April). These are a few of the flowers blooming now that you will see. The Spring ephmeral wildflowers take advantage of the light and bloom quickly before the trees leaf out and put them in shade. When the trees leaf out, the spring wildflowers begin to go to bed until the next year. Wear shoes with tread that will grip. There are a handful of stream crossings and a set of steep stairs (with a handrail part of the way down). If you have treking poles, consider bringing them. No dogs. I will also show you I-Naturalist. Load the App before you come if you wish. The Appalachian Mountain Club uses this as a citizen science project that can track blooming dates and locations. Meet at 2433 N Kenmore St, Arlington, VA

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. Hike is a total of 5.5 miles and 1600' elevation gain. We will bushwhack off of the Appalachian Trail (AT) near the Panorama lower parking lot to Marys Rock. The bushwhack portion is about .8 miles and 1000’ gain, this is very steep and we move at \~ ½ mph with frequent rest stops. After completing the bushwhack to Marys Rock we will continue south on the AT until Byrds Nest shelter for lunch then return on the AT to Panorama parking. This portion is about 4.5 miles. This is rated a B level due to mileage and elevation gain, but please read the paragraph below carefully. ***Bushwhacking involves walking off trail, rock scrambling with potential obstacles such as downed trees, brush, sticker bushes, rocks, mud, stream crossings, slippery leaves and very steep uphills. Clothes may get torn by sticker bushes. Only RSVP if you are up for this adventure.*** We will only do this hike if weather and ground conditions are ideal. \*\*Due to the off trail nature we are limiting attendance to less than or equal to 20 people.\*\* No park entry fee if you park in the trailhead lot I specified. Dogs are not permitted on this hike. Leader: Ed Brimberg 703-944-9920 (C) Carpools: Plan to arrive at the Centreville Park and Ride at by 7:15am, carpools depart at 7:30am. Suggested carpool fee is $6. The leader will be at the carpool location. GPS Coordinates: 38.836038, -77.455371, [https://goo.gl/maps/hc3LRG7Hsy2wMJs18](https://goo.gl/maps/hc3LRG7Hsy2wMJs18) Arrive at the trailhead by 8:45am, Panorama lower parking lot, do not go thru entrance station to Skyline Drive. GPS Coordinates: 38.660653, -78.321968 [https://goo.gl/maps/8nXMXZvwuqoAofXc9](https://goo.gl/maps/8nXMXZvwuqoAofXc9) 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 for hike: [https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/marys-rock-bushwhack-2016-11-16?u=i&sh=7cs7ov](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/marys-rock-bushwhack-2016-11-16?u=i&sh=7cs7ov) Photos from previous bushwhack: [https://goo.gl/photos/zNoY5aPgNAWVDGVYA](https://goo.gl/photos/zNoY5aPgNAWVDGVYA) Driving time to trailhead from carpool location: 1 hour 15 minutes. **You must be experienced in hikes of this distance and elevation gain.**

Join us for a 5k run alternating between Harris Teeter/NIH loop and Chopt/Capital Crescent Trail.

## Details Hello everyone! We climb at Crystal City Movement every Monday. Please read rest of the description carefully. We mostly do tope rope climbing but we can arrange bouldering sessions as well. If you prefer lead climbing please post on the comments to find your belay partner. \#\# Requirements * If you are not a Movement member, you'll get a daily pass. If you don't have the equipments you can rent them in the gym. * Please sign the waiver through: [https://movementgyms.com/waiver/](https://movementgyms.com/waiver/) * You can get a discounted day pass and free rental gear if you say you are here for my meetup All skill levels are welcome! If you are totally new to climbing and want to do top rope, then you have to have a belay certificate. In order to do that; * You can check Movement gym Intro to Rope Climbing class : [https://movementgyms.com/crystal-city/climbing/classes/](https://movementgyms.com/crystal-city/climbing/classes/) * After the course, you should do the 'Belay Check' which can be done as soon as 24 hours after you take the class. The test takes around 15 mins so it can be done before the climbing session. Before your first visit you may want to check the related webpage: [https://movementgyms.com/first-visit/](https://movementgyms.com/first-visit/) \#\# Where to meet To find us go down the stairs in front of the front desk. We will meet around the benches next to climbing walls.

During the month of April Juanatán will guide you on a short but beautiful hike at Riverbend Park. This journey of just under 4 miles will take you through varied habitat types with a chance of seeing bluebells in bloom. We will meet at the Vienna South Metro Station at 8:00 AM and carpool to the trailhead. Drive time is about 30 minutes. Please post a comment if you are willing to drive. Carpooling saves the environment and makes friends! ## **Trail Facts** * **Difficulty Level:** Easy * **Length:** 4 Miles * **Duration:** 3 hrs (Including plenty of time for taking pictures.) * **Elevation Gain:** 324 Feet * **Permits:** None. * **Parking:** Vienna South Metro Station (Search for ¨NOVA Trailblazers Carpooling Location¨ on Google Maps.) (Parking is free on weekends.) * **Dogs:** Allowed on a leash at the park. (But not inside the restaurant.) * **Trailhead Coordinates:** 39.01872734604616, -77.24625717031695 * **AllTrails Map**: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-91328d0?u=m&sh=kucj8c **Trail Details:** After using the restrooms we will follow the Potomac Heritage Trail along the river and enjoy the views, potentially seeing Virginia bluebells along the way. We will then pass by Carper's Pond and start following the Bootlegger Trail, which will take us through some wetlands and then a meadow. We will then start making our way back down to the river by following Madison's Escape Trail, Follow the Hollows Trail, and then the Bootlegger Trail once again. After that we will take the Potomac Heritage Trail along the river until we return to the Visitor Center. Afterwards I am planning to stop by Deli Italiano in Great Falls, VA. The address is 9911 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA 22066. **Itinerary:** 8:00 AM: Meet at the Vienna South Metro Station. 8:15 AM: Depart for the trailhead. 9:00 AM: Arrive and begin the hike. 12:00 PM: Finish the hike, drive to Deli Italiano, and eat. 1:30 PM: Depart for the carpooling location. 2:00 PM: Arrive at the Vienna South 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://www.funinfairfaxva.com/potomac-hike-bluebells-and-sycamores-at-riverbend-park/)**

**Park Map/ MD Bus** *$36. Long hike: 13 mi., 2000 ft. elevation gain. Moderate hike: 9 mi., 1000 ft. elevation gain.* The central section of the Maryland portion of AT provides one of the most popular hikes in Maryland on account of the views from Black Rock and Annapolis Rocks. Long hikers will start from Raven’s Rock Road, crossing Little Antietam Creek (a bridge is available about ¼ mile from the trail if the water runs high) and passing the Ensign Cowall shelter. Moderate hikers will begin at Wolfsville Road. All hikers will pass the Pogo campsite, and then take an optional spur trail to the Black Rock Cliffs overlook and a second optional spur trail to the view at Annapolis Rocks of the Hagerstown Valley, finishing at the parking area on Rte. 40. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- RESERVATIONS Capital Hiking Club is a non-profit group, and the public is invited on all trips. Reservations are accepted as late as Friday, but reserving before Wednesday night helps ensure your spot and prevent cancellation of the hike due to low sign-ups. RSVP through Meetup and pay through PayPal. Please be sure your RSVP gives your full name and phone number and where you'll be boarding the bus. We don't want to leave you behind! Because this is a paid event, we cannot offer a waitlist should the hike fill up. If spots subsequently open up, they will become immediately available to anyone and everyone. FIRST-TIME HIKERS If you're a first-time hiker with us, please notify the leaders in advance so they can make sure you have the info you need. Hikers must be able to keep at least a 2 mph pace. BUS STOPS: MARYLAND ROUTING Please arrive 10 to 15 minutes before times listed below. All our bus stops are Metro accessible. If you're driving to meet the bus, we strongly advise using the Grosvenor bus stop, as parking is extremely limited at the others. Bus stops and times are as follows (click links for maps): * **[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. * **[Connecticut Ave. and Porter St,, NW, northeast corner](http://bit.ly/ConnecticutPorter)**. Bus briefly stops at the curb in front of the Broadmoor Apartments to pick up hikers about 8:10 a.m. * **[Connecticut Ave. and McKinley St., NW, southeast corner](http://bit.ly/ConnecticutMcKinley)**. Bus stops at the bus shelter in front of the Safeway to pick up hikers about 8:20 a.m. * **[Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro Station, North Bethesda](http://bit.ly/Grosv_Metro)**. Bus stops at the bus shelter nearest to Metro Station walkway entrance between the station and the parking garage about 8:30 a.m. LIABILITY By RSVP'ing for a CHC hike, you acknowledge and accept that hikers are responsible for their own safety and must assume risks and liability for all outings. CHC leaders, officers, and representatives shall not be liable for any injuries, loss or damage to persons or property, direct or consequential, arising out of any trips or club activities. Participants will be asked to sign a waiver the day of the hike. CANCELLATION POLICY To cancel and receive a full refund less a $5 processing fee, you must change your RSVP to "No" on Meetup **before 12PM the Thursday** before the hike. If you change your RSVP after 12PM the Thursday before the hike, no refunds will be issued. MORE DETAILS -- **[SEE THE FAQS ON OUR WEBSITE](https://www.capitalhikingclub.org/hikes-faqs)** for answers to questions such as these and many more: * What should I bring on a hike? * Can things be left on the bus during the hike? * When will the bus return to the metro Washington DC area? * Can I drive my car and meet the bus at the hike destination? * Are dogs allowed on hikes?

Visit the U.S. National Arboretum consisting of a 4 - 5 miles. Botanically diverse scenery with a wide variety of different trees, bushes, etc. The terrain is mostly flat with paved trails and easy to hike. This hike is very scenic and is located only 40 minutes from Rt 295 and Baltimore's Beltway (I695). There is also a bonsai and rock garden near the parking lot that you can tour after the hike. Optional Lunch: Ivy City Smokehouse, 1356 Okie St, NE Washingtion. About 1 mile from the Arboretum. We'll meet at the large parking lot just off Rt-50/New York Ave. It can only be accessed from the outbound lane, so if you're coming into the city, stay in the left lane and make a hard u-turn just before Bladensburg Rd. Then stay in the far right lane, exit onto the frontage road, and the parking lot is through the gates on the right. We'll meet near the handicap parking spaces. Please give yourself some extra time to get there in case you miss the turn or your GPS leads you astray. \*\*\* IMPORTANT \*\*\* BY ATTENDING THIS EVENT, YOU AGREE TO THE LIABILITY WAIVER, INDEMNIFICATION, ASSUMPTION OF RISK, AND OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS ([https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z39AGebAVz9c-3S4zf3tj4Eb7V9k3PrH/view](http://clicks.meetup.com/ls/click?upn=XbaZ37larFA-2FuV5MohrYpeeFH8SaLELkoIStEoknzd-2F8ocdenjTgD5soQhFNgggmWva8A0tCKWxpUrYSXDJc0HNd3pwGBIu3iGY9781cqXs-3DZUsn_5HU9VSXfINaig1mgAliT7bZcdaYCO12jq19ifkqRO4A7DIJJeSb9-2FKLm8lq-2FRjh939SQJ6NlTY2LgvZXRtfRmp3bfjWqhqu0wT-2FWGIkWy5kyowTf3bpWRj-2F5RRt9qsSXC30BH72Vr1y7fRmJ246DD2MbtGj5eycR7k9msYih5bIP9tvP4wVPX-2FKqsgDtCSZQw2o3F3EpF-2BrYKH-2B3dvAhB-2FmIjsdgs-2BCznNJU7Xyd-2FKafw2ja-2BmCN189XAKtKWF04SY5jet-2BNMUn96TFLFt05k9QPugr7ytnehT-2FnD8KmYEnXoSBhyENsOEUes8cfIokgK0FHF0xlvA6b5FTSDkHljzLUgsr-2BwupNXl7Pz7fanHe-2FuECvRRrbzeUBPZNRfe2oH344ki9cKKyiKtnu2sRpiLPxgT4wRwy20mb3dGNP98GzdzVvHealc7rOF0W6j0waj7kZ1XUsdwP3ekwktMwSg-2BHZiyYG3nMeWBNppzAdNC4-2FNvMrgX7EgCUDGndOLJuzhmT8zriWoSvOMIi2VzgqtpiFEFmTBmjhNpH8Y22bNbrrFw7nfqQR3Do-2Butg5pE7SbLdH-2F5OJqIAtZvZD7IeOCeO7ZE7f-2B3-2FhFVvjXswZUl4zCVZ0PVtxCAUkYaVlttq32hw7DQL3vHyxOOntsQYsxQ-3D-3D)) (revision 12/1/22). PLEASE READ THIS AGREEMENT CAREFULLY BEFORE RSVP'ING.

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

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

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

We'll hike 3.4 miles on the Killdeer and Yellowlegs Trails - both out and back gravel trails. If we want more mileage we can repeat an out and back. Pace of around 3.5 mph, no one left behind and those who want to go faster sure can! As always optional lunch after. This is the second Metro Park in the lineup for me - with 21 to go (plus more are being added).

This trail is a meandering path through the woods. There will be some overlooks and a couple stops at the creek as well as time along a waterway. It will not be a fast paced hike. There is some elevation change and uneven terrain. I will be using poles just to be safe! Will aim to get in about three miles. Optional lunch after if there is an interest.