Long Distance Walking

I’m planning on posting a lot more city visit walks for 2026. Let’s start the year doing a quick trip down to Fredericksburg! Route: The route meanders through the city. Highlights include \- Chatham Manor \- Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Battlefield \- Historic Downtown Fred \- Rappahannock River \- Mary Washington House \+ Mary Washington Monument Logistics This walk requires more than just metro. You may drive if you would like, but I'm assuming most (including myself) will be taking the train to Fredericksburg. We will meet at Union Station at 11:30 and take the 79 Carolinian leaving at 12:10. The train also stops at Alexandria if that is more convenient. For the trip back to DC we will take the 124 Northeast Regional leaving Fred at 6:34 PM. I HIGHLY recommend booking your train ticket ASAP as prices do increase as we get closer to the date. You can book your train tickets at [amtrak.com](amtrak.com). Outbound Train: 79 Carolinian Inbound Train: 124 Northeast Regional Start Location: Union Station (Main Hall) End Location: Union Station Distance: Approx 5-7 miles Route: This will be more of a meander to various cool spots in the city. There’s no set route, so we can play it by ear. Terrain: Mostly Paved/brick sidewalks. Potentially minimal bushwhacking to get to Chatham Manor. \-\-\-\-\- Our events prioritize metro accessibility by meeting and ending at metro stations. Sometimes we start/stop at the same station, sometimes we do not. Please double check the event description for start/end locations to see if you can manage transportation to them. We try to be punctual with our event times so please be respectful to others and show up a few minutes early, because we will leave without you. We're always looking for new leaders who can showcase their neighborhood or any cool places they know, so please reach out either at an event or on meetup if you are interested. If you've enjoyed our walks please consider donating a few bucks to help us keep this group running (meetup is expensive!). [Donation Link](https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2158403661070336114)

Let's go backpacking on a barrier island! I have wanted to do this trip since I missed it last year. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- LAST MINUTE UPDATE \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 2/27 Campsites wanted will be closed due to snow and flooding. Still some open we can go to. **I**n my rush earlier today I completely misread the mileage on the map 🙃. Instead of 24 mile out and back to Little Levels campsite, **it would only be 11-12 mi.** My bad(!!). With this in mind, I'm half expecting enough folks to drop and we'll have to cancel. I don't have any alt plans so I would still go. But I also wont' be one of those driving there and back. If you would STILL like to try this trip with that low mileage, **please say so (again with lower mileage).** I'm going to form a group chat of interested folks for last minute planning. Here is the plan if enough folks stay on the trip: \- Meet at Assatague around 12:30 pm \(because campsite is so close\, you can pull the permits later in the day\) \- Walk to the site and either immediately setting up camp or\, after dropping some things off\, continue to walk down the beach for some bonus miles before turning around \- Sunday: get up\, walk 5 ish miles back\, get some breakfast\, get home early weather: mostly sunny, high \~47, low \~35 sorry for last minute churn on this! I swear it's not on purpose... **Plan (Updated 2/5)** We have postponed again due to bad weather on 7th. Hoping to have better luck on Feb 28th (fingers crossed) \-\-\- Here's what got so far (special thanks to Andrew for tips): We are planning to do a key swap shuttle. Looks like we have enough drivers at this point. I will rent a car if necessary. For now we'll assume all of the DC based car pool crew will meet at the Greenbelt Metro Station at \~7:45-8am. This may change as we figure out car pool configurations closer to the hike and/or if folks self-organize in comments. All drivers will then meet at Maryland District Ranger Station/Campground Office. **We need the entire group assembled here before noon to pull the permit.** **\- Located** in the Maryland District of Assateague Island on west side of Bayberry Drive, after the entrance station. The GPS address is 6633 Bayberry Drive, Berlin, Maryland 21811. * https://maps.app.goo.gl/k5JNnJBgsP2Q1jUFA We'll get our permits, \- Note that the park service won't issue the permit in case of bad weather\. Will call if it seems necessary\. Half group will stay and start in MD (SOBOs). The other half of hikers will go to the VA side (NOBOs, preferably the faster hikers). We can do the swapped leg up front. After pulling the permit, NOBOs will drive SOBOs’ cars to the VA southern terminus to stage them. When the groups meet at the campsite, we’ll swap keys. That way each person finishes at their terminus with their own car + keys. Parking: \- For those starting in Maryland\, park at North Beach \(not far from ranger station\); \- For those starting in Virginia\, go to Herbert H\. Bateman Educational and Administrative Center\. Staff will provide parking information\. Vehicles must display parking tag obtained with permit\. https://maps\.app\.goo\.gl/scc77myoRAD5nBzM8 * Side note: Tom's Cover visitor center in VA is permanently closed (Nov 2025). Will be demolished We'll do splits of about 14 / 14. There is no freshwater on the island so plan to start will all the water you'll need for the trip. Depending on wind, we'll either camp at Stateline (on the beach side) or Pope Bay (on the bay side). Expect the camp ground to be sand. **Resources** Caltopo TBD (this is 99% walking in a straight line but I'll probably still make one) Locations: [Greenbelt Metro](https://maps.app.goo.gl/FWTMyBM5Qpy1CNLe6) [Ranger Station for Permit and MD Parking](https://maps.app.goo.gl/k5JNnJBgsP2Q1jUFA) [Herbert H. Bateman Educational and Administrative Center (for those starting in VA)](https://maps.app.goo.gl/scc77myoRAD5nBzM8) Past trips: \- https://dculbackpacking\.com/2022/03/29/trip\-report\-hiking\-on\-the\-beach\-in\-winter\-assateague/ \- https://www\.meetup\.com/dc\-ul\-backpacking/events/304254668/?eventOrigin=group_events_list Weather * [NOAA](https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?w0=t&w1=td&w2=wc&w3=sfcwind&w3u=1&w4=sky&w5=pop&w6=rh&w7=rain&w8=thunder&w9=snow&w10=fzg&w11=sleet&w13u=0&w14u=1&w15u=1&AheadHour=48&FcstType=graphical&textField1=37.94&textField2=-75.36&site=all&unit=0&dd=&bw=&AheadDay.x=58&AheadDay.y=12) * [Accuweather](https://www.accuweather.com/en/us/assateague-state-park/21842/daily-weather-forecast/19678_poi?day=7) From NPS: \- https://www\.nps\.gov/asis/planyourvisit/backcountry\-camping\.htm **The Fine Print** * 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/#more-110)) * 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) * All non-drivers should expect to pay $0.10 per mile to their driver, in accordance with the DC UL carpool policy.

Join our weekly walking meetup to have fun, maintain a healthy lifestyle, meet new people, and enjoy the weather! We meet Saturdays at 10am, halfway between the Reston *Container Store* and *Not Your Average Joes* (by the metal benches), leaving no later than 10:05. Every week, rain or shine, we start by walking along the Green Trail to reach Lake Anne Community Center. Once there, we pause for water/bio (often staying a few minutes extra from April-November, due to the local Farmer's Market), and then we circle Lake Anne and head back to our starting point. It's roughly 3-4 miles and takes about an hour and a half. Afterwards, some members will often head to *Not Your Average Joes* or another local restaurant for a quick drink/meal before tackling the day. This event is open to all ages and fitness levels. Dogs are welcome, and we recommend dressing for the weather (umbrella, water, snow shoes, hat, etc.) since we'll walk rain or shine. Also, feel free to bring a friend! By signing up, you accept and assume all risks and responsibilities with this activity, and nobody will be held liable.

Okay folks, time to shake off those winter blahs . . . let's pry ourselves off those TV & computer screens, get outside and breathe some fresh air! This is a 14.5-mile out-and-back, go-at-your-own-pace, hike on the paved W&OD Trail to Reston (Mile Marker 18.5), or Herndon (Mile Marker 20), the turn-around for the 17-mile hike option. For extra credit, continue hiking to Bready Park (Mile Marker 20.4), the turn-around for the 18-mile option. A natural-surface horse trail parallels the paved W&OD Trail, so you may avoid some asphalt pounding by hiking on the horse trail. Elevation change is approximately 200 feet. If necessary, you may actually turn around at any point. Meet in front of the Vienna Community Center (120 Cherry St. SE, Vienna, VA) at 8:45am. Well-mannered, leashed dogs are okay, but please let a leader know in advance. If inclement weather is forecast, check this site after 7 pm, February 27. The event is free, but SCPRO requests a voluntary donation of $2 per person to help defray the costs of our all-volunteer program. Each participant must sign a liability waiver before starting the hike. Wear trail shoes, dress appropriately for the weather, and bring water, sports drinks, snacks, and lunch. There are opportunities to purchase food and drinks along the trail. Comfort stations/restrooms: Porta-John east of Hunter Mill Road (Mile Marker 14.6) McDonalds Wiehle Avenue (Mile Marker 16.8) Herndon Fortnightly Library/Dairy Queen/Great Harvest Bread Company-Herndon Town Center (Mile Marker 20) Bready Park/Herndon Community Center (Mile Marker 20.4) Be courteous and purchase something if using restrooms at commercial establishments. Washington & Old Dominion Trail [http://bikewashington.org/trails/wad/wad.htm](http://bikewashington.org/trails/wad/wad.htm) Washington & Old Dominion Trail - Mile 10 thru 20 [http://bikewashington.org/trails/wad/wad2.htm](http://bikewashington.org/trails/wad/wad2.htm) ODH: Although open to all, this hike is part of a series of mostly Saturday training hikes leading up to the [One Day Hike](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac/events/297686196/) (ODH)—a 100 km and 50 km hike along the C&O Canal Trail—on May 2, 2026. See SCPRO’s [Meetup page](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac/) for other training hikes as they are posted. For official updates regarding ODH training hikes, registration, and other information, join the ODH discussion group by sending a blank email to [onedayhike+subscribe@groups.io](http://mailto:onedayhike+subscribe@groups.io/). If you would like to support the ODH, see [volunteering opportunities](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac/events/297694194/) in the discussion group and contact Mike Darzi ([mike.darzi@gmail.com](http://mailto:mike.darzi@gmail.com/)). Carpooling: If you want a lift from the Vienna Metro station, contact a leader not later than noon, Feb. 26. Otherwise, post messages on SCPRO Meetup specifying where you're coming from. Carpooling is a voluntary action by event participants and is not an official Sierra Club activity. Leaders: Gary Kosciusko, 703-946-8111, NOVAHIKER@cox.net or Annice “Niecy” Lee, 703-851-9468, annicelee@gmail.com .

**PATC Map G / VA Bus** *$36. Long hike: up to 13½ mi., 1600 ft. ascent. Short hike: 8½ mi., 1200 ft. ascent.* Starting at historic Camp Roosevelt, site of the first Depression-era CCC camp, we’ll climb the Stephens Trail to its junction with the Massanutten Trail atop the jagged Massanutten ridge. There moderate hikers turn south and follow Massanutten Trail south to Kennedy Peak, a prominent summit with a popular lookout tower, and continue on the trail back to Camp Roosevelt. Long hikers turn north at the junction for a view-filled jaunt along the Massanutten ridgeline as far up to Habron Gap as they like and then backtrack before returning to the junction and following the moderate hikers to Kennedy Peak. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 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)**

Join us for a **scenic, social hike at Rock Creek Park** as we explore the "Southern Loop," starting from the Nature Center. Starting at the **Nature Center**, the "Southern Loop via Western Ridge Trail, Rock Creek, and Valley Trail" is a well-loved route. With over 2,700 glowing reviews on AllTrails, it offers beautiful scenery, well-maintained paths, and a refreshing escape close to the city. This **easy hike** winds through lush forested trails, showcasing the beauty of Rock Creek Park. While the trail is mostly straightforward, please note that sections may be **slippery**, so wear sturdy, grippy shoes. To learn more about the trail, click the link in the **Trail Map section below**. Get ready for fresh air, great conversations, and plenty of scenic moments! This hike is perfect for all levels, so bring your good vibes and let’s hit the trail together! **Meeting Time & Location:** Meet us at 9:30 AM at the **Rock Creek Park Nature Center,** located at 5200 Glover Rd NW, Washington, DC 20015. There’s plenty of parking available at the Nature Center. We’ll gather right in front of the building to start the hike. **Distance:** 5.6 miles **Elevation Gain:** 685 feet **Difficulty:** Moderate Walk/Hike This hike is a moderate walk with natural trails and a few gentle inclines to get your heart rate up. The terrain includes some uneven sections, and the fallen leaves can make it a bit slippery in spots. With sturdy footwear, it’s an enjoyable and accessible hike for most levels. **Estimated Duration** This hike is expected to take approximately 2.5 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** Ample parking is available at the Rock Creek Park Nature Center, with additional overflow parking located across the street. **Trail Map (AllTrails)** [Rock Creek Park - Southern Loop](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/rock-creek-park-nature-center-a2f0474?u=i&sh=ylk43q) With over 2,700 reviews on AllTrails, this popular route offers insights into the trail’s conditions and highlights. Click the link above to learn more and prepare for your hike! **Restrooms** Restrooms are available at the Nature Center, our meeting point at the start of the hike. They open at 9:00 AM. Additionally, there are restrooms approximately 1 hour into the hike, where we’ll take a brief break. **Dog Attendance** For everyone’s comfort and enjoyment, we kindly ask that you leave your dogs at home for this hike. Thank you for understanding! **Lunch After the Hike** After the hike, join us for an optional lunch at **Pete’s New Haven Style Apizza** (4940 Wisconsin Ave. NW), an affordable, counter-service spot just a 10 minute drive away. They serve New England-style pizza, pastas, salads, antipasti, and local brews—something for everyone!

Join us as The Washington Area Roadskaters lead you on a different adventure every week, skating through and around our Nation's Capital! Freedom Plaza is currently closed for construction, so we are shifting the starting line. We will meet at the corner of E St and 14th Street NW, right outside the WWI Pershing Memorial, across from the Willard Hotel. If that area is covered with snow, skate down 14th street one block and meet in front of the Wilson Building (south of Freedom Plaza, across Pennsylvania Ave. This Sunday Big Mike will lead us on a great intermediate 14+ miles skate! Join us for a 14-mile urban excursion through DC and Northern Virginia. We’ll start by crossing the Arlington Memorial Bridge, heading south through the heart of Crystal City. The route stays on the pavement as we navigate the streetscapes of Alexandria and the Del Ray neighborhood before making our return trip back to the District. It’s a solid, straightforward loop with plenty of local flavor. The Route: A 14.3-mile street-skate featuring a mix of long straights and neighborhood turns. The Bridge: Iconic views as we cross the Potomac via Memorial Bridge. Secret Adventure: I’m aiming to scout a "secret adventure" along the way—no promises, but keep your eyes open. The Details • Meeting Point: Corner of E St and 14th St NW • Meetup Time: 11:00 AM • Roll-out Time: 11:10 AM • Distance: 14.3 Miles • Elevation Gain: 500 Feet • Level: Intermediate (Moderate Urban hills and navigation required) It's going to be a great day, and you don't want to miss it! The route: https://onthegomap.com/s/22r6bvki For up to the minute details, check Facebook and Instagram. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WashingtonAreaRoadskaters/events Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareskatedc/ We hope to see you soon!

We meet on Sundays at 8 a.m. for training runs on some of DC's best trails, including Rock Creek Park and the surrounding area. We typically meet at either Peirce Mill in Rock Creek Park, or Roosevelt Island, depending on the route. Details of the weekly schedule can be found here: https://new.vhtrc.org/runs/sip We hope you can join us for a run! All paces and levels of trail experience are welcome for these runs, which range in distance from 6 to 9 miles.

This will be a run or walk at your own pace on the Capital Crescent Trail. Since it's out-and-back you won't have to worry about getting lost! **Terrain:** This is a paved trail and will probably be a busy so watch out for bikers. **What to wear/bring**: comfortable clothes & walking shoes, sunscreen and water. **Where to meet:** In front of Chopt Creative Salad (near trailhead) Here's the description on https://www.cctrail.org/access: "To find the CCT toward Georgetown, go to the Bethesda Ave./Woodmont Ave. intersection and look for the Ourisman Honda dealership west of the intersection and on the south side of Bethesda Avenue. The CCT is between the public parking lot at the corner (Lot 31) and the Ourisman dealership." I will update Meetup comments if necessary. **Dogs:** Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash and be friendly & good with other dogs. **Donation:** A suggested donation of $1 to help offset Meetup dues (Meetup charges dues to organizers). **Keep it Vegan:** This event is open to all (vegan and veg-curious). Please only consume vegan food/drinks while with the group. By participating you agree to participating at your own risk. If your plans change, please update your RSVP promptly. See you then! Stephanie PS-Carpooling & Metroing is encouraged to reduce carbon footprint of events. Please post in comments if interested.

[The Board Walks](http://www.theboardwalks.com/) are for curious people who love deep conversations. If that sounds like you, **bring a thoughtful topic** and join us for a 5-mile walk (10,000+ steps!). **HOW IT WORKS** **Step 1: Bring a topic** Before you arrive, think of **one** topic you want to explore. A question. A thought that's been on your mind. An obsession you want to geek out on. This is your ticket to the event. **Step 2: Circle up & share** We gather in a circle. Your friendly walk host gives a speech to set the tone. Everyone shares: your name, what you're grateful for, and your topic. That's it. 60 seconds. **Step 3: Walk, talk & float** We walk 5 miles. You naturally drift into conversation with 2-3 people at a time, pulled by topics that spark your curiosity. When you're ready to move on, just say: "I'm going to float!" **Step 4: Feel more alive** Two hours flies by. You're back where you started — but you feel different. More alive. More energized. More connected to yourself and others. That's why regulars join 20+ times. *For more details, read our [Orientation Guide.](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation)* **HOW TO BRING A GREAT TOPIC** A great topic = something you're genuinely curious about. Recent topics include: * "What are you passionate about right now?" * "What makes a good friend?" * "What's a belief you used to hold that you've completely changed?" * "How do you want to be remembered?" * "What would you do if money wasn't a factor?" Think of your topic like the dish you're bringing to our conversational potluck. If everyone brings an A+ dish (i.e. energizing, uplifting, expansive), we'll all walk away feeling lighter and brighter. **WHAT TO EXPECT** This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together, beyond small talk. *If you're looking for light banter or a standard networking event, this probably isn't the right fit.* But if you crave depth, genuine connection, and conversations that make you feel alive? You'll love it here. **FAQ** * Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk! * We have multiple first-timers at each event. We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space. * We welcome people of **all** ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this space. * Rain or shine, we've been out here nearly every week since July 2022. If the event is cancelled, we'll let you know. * Dogs, babies in strollers, parents, and friends are welcome — please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic! **LOGISTICS** * If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we suggest skipping the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and your host can't answer messages during the event. * This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). This format works best when the whole group moves in unison. If you have mobility limitations, we kindly encourage you to find an event better suited to your needs. * Read our [Orientation Guide](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation) for full details. * If you enjoy the event, send **[this](http://www.theboardwalks.com/)** to a friend or sign up for our **[newsletter](https://theboardwalks.beehiiv.com/)**. We're in multiple cities with more on the way. 🤠👋 **IF YOU WANT TO GO DEEPER...** [The Board](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board) is the next step: a high-trust collective for renaissance people devoted to creating, connecting, and building lives that light us up. * This is a global HQ for people who crave big talk, deep connection, and dream collaborations with people across industries. If the walks feel like a spark... The Board is the fire. Apply [here](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board).

*****Short Notice***** This Saturday the weather is predicted to be nicer! Let’s take at walk Saturday morning 2/28/2026 ( last day of the month) at 10:00a. Meet at Taylor Farms Park ( all paved) 5526 E Dublin Granville Rd in the parking lot

🚀 FIRST EVER CORE EVENT — Don’t Miss This We’re launching our very first CORE social indoor walk — and **spots are limited** Cold weather won’t stop us. **Join us for a 1-hour casual walk** around the mall at a relaxed, conversational pace. Stop in shops if you’d like — **this is about movement, community, and staying active together** After the walk, anyone who wants can continue hanging out with **optional putt putt at Scene 75** 💲 $3 secures your spot (supports future events) 🎯 Optional putt putt - pay your own ⚠️ Limited capacity — cross-posted and capped for comfort Be part of the beginning. \*\*We will meet just inside the doors of scene 75\*\* and plan to start walking \*\*once everyone arrives or 2:30\*\* which ever comes first we will walk for a **consistent hour** around the mall up and downstairs taking multiple loops if needed!