Lead Climbing

**PATC Map G/ VA Bus** *$36. Long hike: 12 mi., 2500 ft. elevation gain. Moderate hike: 9 mi., 2000 ft. elevation gain.* We frequently cover the Signal Knob area of Massanutten Mountain, but today’s hike will explore the other side of the historic Fort Valley. Long hikers will take the Buzzard Rock Trail to ascend to the Massanutten Trail and proceed to the junction with the Shawl Gap Trail. Moderate hikers will ascend to this junction on the Massanutten Trail from Elizabeth Furnace. All hikers will then proceed on the Massanutten Trail along the ridgeline and descend to the road via the Veach Gap Trail, descending through the lovely Mill Run gorge. 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! 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: VIRGINIA 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 Vienna 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. * **[VIENNA METRO: NORTH parking lot](http://bit.ly/vienna-bus)**, last bus shelter (Nutley St. Exit off Interstate 66 on North/Vienna side of I-66) at approximately 8:25 a.m. Note: There is a "south" parking lot where there are also bus shelters. If by 8:15, you're not with a group of hikers who say they're Capital Hiking Club, you're likely at the south lot. There's a walkway over I-66 to the north lot. 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)**

We'll be offering a Free Learn to Skate Clinic 10am Saturday next to the Carter Barron Amphitheatre parking lot in Rock Creek Park. We'll cover everything you need to start skating outdoors. Inline and roller skaters welcome; protective gear required (check our meetup group description for details). We have loaner skates and protective gear available. If you need to borrow gear, please contact us at least a couple of days in advance of this session so we'll know to bring it for you. If you need skates, please specify roller skates or inlines and also men's or women's sizes. A note on our start time: * Please be there by 930am if you plan to borrow gear so you have enough time to try things on and make sure everything fits. * Please be there by 945am if you have your own gear so you have enough time to put it on. * The clinic starts promptly at 10am; if you're not geared up and ready when we start, it'll be hard to include you in the session.

A challenging series of rock scrambles along the Maryland side of the Potomac River. See photo above - this is part of the trail! For anyone with questionable balance or fear of heights, this section of the hike is NOT recommended!!. NOTE: due to its nature, the Billy Goat loop will be limited to 5 persons. Hikers who have not done the Billy Goat before (or years ago) will be given preference. We will get to the Billy Goat trailhead from the parking lot across from the Old Anglers' Inn on Macarthur Blvd using the Berma Road and Woodland trails. Those who prefer a flatter return route in lieu of the Billy Goat trail can return to the parking lot via the sunny C & O Canal tow path or by the shady Berma Road trail. **Please note the early start time to ensure a parking space and to avoid the hotest times of day.** Text me at 703 401-5399 with any questions or if you'd like to carpool from my place. I can take 3-4 passengers.

📚 Do you love reading, but wish you had a structure and a community to share your insights with? Join our small circle of curious minds (just 4 members per gathering) as we come together for an hour of focused reading—in the calm setting of a library or the cozy atmosphere of a café. Here’s how it works: First part: Quiet reading on your own—bring a book you’re exploring, whether it’s philosophy, history, psychology, literature, or anything meaningful to you. Second part: We regroup and each person shares key takeaways, insights, or questions sparked by their reading. This sparks a structured yet free-flowing conversation around ideas, perspectives, and personal reflections. Why join? Add structure to your reading habit. Discover new books, authors, and ideas through others’ choices. Build real connections by sharing and listening deeply. Socialize around something meaningful instead of small talk.

⸻ Important Info 🎯 Please bring your own archery equipment if you have it. I do have a limited amount of beginner-friendly equipment available (enough for about 3 people), but it is first come, first serve. Feel free to bring snacks, drinks, and good vibes—we’re here to have fun, be social, and enjoy the experience together ✨

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. **10-mile loop with 413 feet elevation gain.** **Description:** From **Columbia Island Marina,** we will connect to the Mount Vernon trail and hike to Theodore Roosevelt Island where we will do a short loop on the island and view the TR Memorial. After that, we'll cross the Potomac River on Key Bridge and take a short detour to climb up the nearby Exorcist Stairs. We will then proceed downstream along the Georgetown Waterfront Park to the Kennedy Center to admire the view from the terrace deck. We will also take our lunch break here. After the break we will hike to the Lincoln Memorial and also check out the renovated Reflection Pond. After that, we recross the Potomac on the Arlington Memorial Bridge and reconnect to the Mt Vernon trail returning to our starting point. **Pace:** 2.5 mph **Bring:** Adequate hydration, also snack/lunch, and comfortable hiking/walking shoes. Recommend sunscreen. **Dogs:** Dogs will not be allowed on this hike. We'll meet in the parking lot of the **Columbia Island Marina,** GW Parkway, Arlington, VA. **GPS 38.87544, -77.04896** **NOTE:** The hike starts at 9:00am, please arrive a few minutes early so we can get folks signed in and ready to hike on time. Restrooms are available at the marina and several locations along the way. **Rehydration**: Yes, Island Time Bar & Grill Any questions please contact me at 202-528-0456. If you text, please include your name.

Brisk-paced (2.5-3 mph) --approximate 6.4 mile loop starting from Pitango (1841 Columbia Rd NW) in Adams Morgan. We will walk through Mt. Pleasant to the Pinney Branch Trail, the Valley Trail and onto the Boulder Bridge in Rock Creek Park. On our return we will stop at Pierce Mill and then Rock Creek Trail on our way back to ADMO. There will be several hills on this hikel Walking surface will be dirt, asphalt trails and sidewalks. Bring plenty of water and some snacks. Wear a hat and be sure to wear sturdy, comfortable footwear. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome. Brunch in ADMO after the hike is an option. This is a joint hike between the ADMO Hiking Club and the Sierra Club. All hikers will be required to sign the Sierra Club waiver form to participate. Sierra Club Potomac Region Outings (SCPRO) appreciates a voluntary $2 per person donation to support our many volunteer-led activities. Also, you can become a Sierra Club member by clicking "join" on the Virginia Sierra Club website: [http://www.sierraclub.org/virginia](http://www.sierraclub.org/virginia) Dupont Circle is the closest Metro stop (.6 miles). Bus routes C51, C53, D70, and D74 are all within a couple blocks of Pitango. There is metered and free street parking in the surrounding neighborhood. Please arrive early so you have enough time to find parking.

**Happy DC Pride!!! Come meet us at the pride festival (Sunday) and see what's on our schedule for this summer. We have hikes, kayaking, and much more!** **Do you have have an outdoor activity you would like to share with us? We're always looking for new trip ideas and trip leaders We hope to see you there! Our table is located in the Red Zone - R113**

Let's get together to play some fun BB level Double games at Bluemont. **Format**: Doubles **COST**: FREE **Court Type**: Outdoor grass **Minimum Skill Requirements**: Intermediate-BB (click [here](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/mobilebasic) for details) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Smiley Social documents:** 1. [Group Rules ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HrG35p_0M08leRvCp8XWG3CMkr_GL928XFabl5T6Dvg) 1. [Liability Waiver ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W2mq-7m99lmvd7gdWYaSUFtvVg4UGnzV6koafAbHmco) 1. [Volleyball Levels](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/)

NW Branch Trail & Hike Adventure **\*\*Check back to see if the date or start time has changed. This ride will be postponed (possibly replaced with another ride) if the chance of rain is above 49%, or wind speed or wind gusts are above 15 mph (per Accuweather) \*\*** **TRAIN OR BUS STOPS** Silver Spring Metro Station **PARKING ADDRESS** Roscoe Nix Elementary School 1100 Corliss St Silver Spring, MD **PARKING AND MEETUP SPOT** As you enter the school entry road, make a left into the first parking lot (dilapidated swimming pool area). Meet us in the parking lot. After check-in, we’ll do an icebreaker question. **BIKE ROUTE SUMMARY** The NW Branch trail runs between the Layhill neighborhood of Silver Spring and runs south following the NW Branch of the Anacostia River, ending in Bladensburg, where it connects with several other paved trails that we have biked. This route will give us a bit more incline on the return trip. **Unique things about this bike trail:** 1. Since we're starting at the north end, we decided to make a little "duathlon" adventure by including the .25-mile river rock trail segment. This is a sloped and curved trail. Be prepared to walk your bike down (you may be hesitant to bike down it) and then walk your bike up it when we return (you probably don't have the muscle power to bike up it!). 2. The water crossings: Be prepared to bike through about five water “streams.” If it rained the day before, there could be 2-4” water, causing splashes. 3. The bridges: Be prepared to slow down as you approach bridges and pass under via narrow riverside paths. 4. The trail offers river views and a shady tree canopy. We’ll bike .25 miles on a neighborhood street to the NW Branch trail head, which starts in a lush forest. Then we either walk or bike down a .25-mile river-rock trail to the Anacostia River level. Once there, we'll bike a paved trail along the river southbound towards Bladensburg. We'll stop to regroup a couple of times and to enjoy the river views. The trail pavement is smooth except for some tree root bumps. We'll stop at mile 7 to see if anyone wants to keep going down to Bladensburg Waterfront Park where we'll stop for another break before returning the same way. **TYPE OF BIKE:** Any bike will do. We rode it on our road bikes but we wished we had thicker tires for biking down the gravel trail segment. Ensure it is the correct frame size for your height so you can get maximum output. Participants are responsible for ensuring their bike tires, brakes, and chain are in good condition and they have a spare inner tube on hand. Organizers can try to help but aren't responsible for everyone's bike conditions. **SKILL LEVEL:** Beginner riders can enjoy this mostly flat and straight trail but there are few caveats; you need to be able to bike or walk your bike down the gravel segment described above. And then you need to be able to walk your bike up that gravel segment to the street level once you return. (It took us 10 minutes last time). Also, you need to feel comfortable with biking through small water runoff streams and getting splashed and/or wet shoes. **PACE:** It’s up to you. HOWEVER: The event organizers have fit legs (avg. 10-16 mph). We make stops at tricky points on the trail and /or to regroup every 2-4 miles. Since paved trails can sometimes be crowded, we don’t have expectations of being able to go very fast. Plus, they usually have a speed limit of 15mph. · If you prefer a **faster pace** than the lead riders, you can make stops to wait for them to catch up. · If you’re **not sure what your avg. speed** is, be prepared to use a nav app to ride solo in case you don’t catch up to us at our stops. **DISTANCE OPTIONS** Participants can choose to return at any point. These are just suggestions. Option A: From the parking lot to East West Hwy traffic light is 4.5 miles one way. Option B: From the parking lot to mile 0 is \~7.25 miles one way. Option C: From the parking lot to Bladensburg Waterfront Park is about 8.7 miles. (The organizers will probably be biking this option). Total 17.6 miles, +/- 373 ft. Option D: Continue on one of the adjoining trails to add more miles. **BATHROOMS (in order of appearance)** There is a Throne bathroom at Hyattsville local park, which we bike through. Bathrooms up Rhode Island Ave at Vigilante Coffee and other retail establishments. (Take a detour). Bathrooms at Bladensburg Waterfront Park **BIKE RENTALS** Unknown **BIKE REPAIR** Hyattsville Arrow Bicycle on Rhode Island Ave (not far from mile 7 exit) **FOOD & DRINK INFO** Franklin’s and Vigilante Coffee (not far from mile 7 exit) **OPTION TO SOCIALIZE AFTERWARDS** Participants are welcome to make suggestions **RECOMMENDATIONS** **Bring:** Water bottles, snacks, biking gloves, bike bell, bike lock, helmet visor, sunglasses, bike tube, pump, patch, first aid kit, mobile phone with nav app installed (e.g. Google maps, we use RidewithGPS). If you get leg cramps during or after a ride, take electrolytes before and during your ride (or add salt and magnesium to your water). A change of clothes for your ride home or a car seat cover to absorb sweat. Clothing: Wear biking gloves and durable clothing so that if you do fall, your skin is protected. Avoid wearing all black, all grey, all dark brown, or all dark blue, which blends in with pavement, especially while riding through a shady segment. Consider wearing something lighter to help others notice you. **REQUIREMENTS** **Participants must wear tightly secured helmets when on their bike.** **Be proactive to avoid a fall/crash and minimize injury:** · Keep a distance between yourself and other bikers. If the biker ahead of you suddenly stops, you should be able to avoid hitting them. · Don’t make stops on the trail. Pull over to the side and use hand gestures to let people know you’re slowing down to make a stop. · Yelling out “Passing on your left” and/or ringing a bike bell as you approach people ahead of you, so they don’t inadvertently move in your line of travel. · Slowing down to wait, rather than speeding up when trying to pass people at the same time walkers/bikers are approaching you from the opposite direction. · Avoid potholes and debris and slow down when approaching bumps · When approaching road crossings and iffy situations, triple-check before crossing and don’t let yourself be distracted by talking, etc. · Ensure your helmet is tightly secured so that it won’t move if you hit the ground. **MEETUP POLICIES** Participants should understand that biking is an inherently dangerous activity, and an accident could happen at any time. **Participation is at your own risk**. An RSVP of “Yes” to an event is your digital signature acknowledging that you have read, understood, and agree with Meetup’s and MD Rail Trail Biking’s policies, esp. section 6 “Release” and section 8.2 ” Limitation of Liability,” found at [https://www.meetup.com/terms/](https://www.meetup.com/terms/)

Theme: Gentle Flow Yoga & Meditation Level: Beginner to Intermediate Time: Sunday 9:00 – 10:00 AM Location: Bluemont park Cost: Free What to bring: Yoga mat, water, comfortable clothing Location: Basketball court of Bluemont park, google map 38°52'06.2"N 77°07'52.0"W Parking: South Bluemont Parking Area About the session *A gentle flow-based yoga session to move, stretch, and reconnect with your body. We may include simple breathing techniques and a short meditation session. - This is not a high-intensity class. You are welcome to go at your own pace and take breaks anytime. *Suitable for beginners and regular practitioners. Notes - Light food is recommended before practice *Outdoor session: feel free to bring sunscreen, towel, or anything you need - Please be mindful of your own body and practice within your limits By joining, you acknowledge that you are responsible for your own health and well-being during the session. About the host 200h Yoga Teacher Training (2019) Long-term yoga practitioner and part-time teacher 🌿 May you find a moment of ease and connection in your practice. **Smiley Social documents:** 1. [Group Rules](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HrG35p_0M08leRvCp8XWG3CMkr_GL928XFabl5T6Dvg) 2. [Liability Waiver](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W2mq-7m99lmvd7gdWYaSUFtvVg4UGnzV6koafAbHmco)

We are recruiting new group leaders for virtual men's groups! Our primary groups are outdoor movement groups, but we are launching virtual groups for the state of Ohio and beyond and the groups will move outside in the spring, creating room for men's groups, women's groups and coed groups all over the country. Read below to learn about our groups and click the links at the bottom to apply. ### **What is an Outdoor Empowerment Group?** Our Outdoor Movement & Community Empowerment Groups are simple, guided experiences designed to help people reconnect with nature, themselves, and others. We combine some form of movement (hike, walk, run, bike, yoga, workout) and meaningful conversation within a simple community circle to create a space where individuals can support each other while prioritizing mental and physical well-being. Whether you’re seeking stress relief, personal growth, or community, our groups offer everyone a unique and welcoming environment. ## **Why Join?** * **Improve Mental & Physical Well-Being** – Movement, nature, and supportive conversations reduce stress and promote balance. * **Feel Less Alone** – Build genuine connections with like-minded people in a safe, welcoming space. * **Gain Clarity & Perspective** – Step outside daily routines and into a space designed for personal growth and reflection. ## **The Ideal Group Leader** The ideal group leader * Has a born-in passion for mental health, movement, connecting with nature and building community. * Has 5 extra hours per week to dedicate to a meaningful cause for at least one year. Yes, you can leave any organization at any time and we can also ask you to leave, but we are building with legacy in mind and we need people who can commit and be ALL IN on this mission to build with us. * Is independently financially stable with the ability to volunteer with no expectation of pay. This is a deeply beautiful journey of service that all participants commit to at Speak Your Mind. * An ability to manage groups with high emotional intelligence and desire for human connection. * An ability to self-motivate and market/promote their group on Facebook and other social platforms. * Nature informed therapy or clinical therapists/psychologists a plus. ## **Our Impact**  Since launching, we have helped thousands find support, connection, and healing through our Outdoor Movement Groups. 100% of participants surveyed have reported: * A noticeable improvement in mental clarity and emotional well-being. * An increase in social connection and a sense of belonging. * Said they would return again. We believe mental health should be accessible, community-driven, and rooted in nature. Join us and take the first step toward a more connected, grounded, and supported version of yourself. ### **Why Our Groups are Donation-Based** Our Outdoor Movement Groups are made possible through a donation-based model. This approach allows us to keep our events accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances, while also ensuring that we can continue expanding our reach. It’s a great way to pay it forward and support the growth of this beautiful mission! Every contribution helps us: * **Cover Essential Costs** – Donations allow us to pay essential legal, marketing, insurance, and admin costs as well as nourish the important people who run the organization. * **Grow Our Mission** – With your support, we can bring these healing experiences to thousands more people in the future and execute our long term plan to expand across the USA, affecting up to 500,000 people per year. By choosing to contribute, you’re not just leading an event—you’re helping build a mental health movement that supports long-term well-being and connection for all during a severe mental health epidemic. ## **Come Join Us!** We’d love to have you be part of this growing community of people prioritizing their mental health, movement, and connection. 🔹 **Visit Our Website to Learn More:** https://speakyourmind.men/joinusoutside 🔹 **Apply Here to Lead Your Own Group!** – https://form.jotform.com/taketimespeakyourmind/sym-group-leader-application 🔹 **Support the mission**: If you resonate with the mission and want to support, feel free to join a group before applying or donate to help us reach our goals to help more people! You can donate here: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/angels-for-angels/speak-your-mind Please text Mario with any questions: (808) 855-8831

**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.**

Granville Land Lab 2025 Burg Street | Granville MEADOWS FOR MONARCHS PROJECT Learning Landscapes Tour + Community Science at the Land Lab Wednesday, July 1, 2026 9 a.m. - 12 noon: Program 12- 12:30: picnic lunch *meet at shelter house near Granville Intermediate School playground* Free. Registration Required so we know to expect you,[ click here https://www.lickingpollinatorpathway.org/land-lab-tour](https://www.lickingpollinatorpathway.org/land-lab-tour) Want to make your own wildflower meadow? Residents of licking county can sign up for this free program to receive free seed and training https://www.lickingpollinatorpathway.org/meadows **ABOUT THE EVENT** Join Pollinator Pathway for a morning at the Land Lab, a ~100-acre prairie and outdoor learning space just steps from Granville Intermediate School. This event explores how schools and other campuses can create living classrooms and contribute to community science. * **Tour the Land Lab:** Award-winning environmental science educator Jim Reding will lead guided tours through prairie, wetlands and other restored habitat, sharing the story behind this nationally-recognized space and the students and partnerships who helped make it happen. * **Contribute to Community Science with iNaturalist App:** Learn to identify and document plants, pollinators and other wildlife using iNaturalist. Dr. Karen Goodell, professor of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology at The Ohio State University at Newark and one of Ohio's foremost experts on native bees will share how to use this powerful tool to learn about the natural world while contributing to scientific research. * **Connect & Collaborate:** The morning program concludes with an optional BYO picnic lunch and networking at the Land Lab shelter house, overlooking the prairie. **🌸Anyone passionate about conservation and outdoor learning is welcome🌸** **WHAT TO BRING, WEAR & PREPARE** * **Download the iNaturalist app (the new one vs. the "classic" one) & create an account prior to the event if you don't have one already.** * **Sunscreen** * **Water bottle** * **Insect repellent** * **Hat** * **Comfortable closed-toe shoes suitable for uneven terrain** * **Light-colored clothing.** * **Long pants and socks are encouraged.** * **Please bring a reusable water bottle** * **Packed/picnic lunch.** **Picnic table seating will be available at the shelter house overlooking the Land Lab**

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.