Nature Walks with Dogs
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Nature Walks with Dogs Events Today
Join in-person Nature Walks with Dogs events happening right now
Rock Creek Park North (Rating: C)
You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer,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.
**7 mile loop with a 679 ft. elevation gain that makes the hike the equivalent to a bit over 8.5 miles.** (400 ft gain = 1 mile)
**Per Park Permit Guidelines, this hike is *limited* to *20 Hikers***
**Description**: **[Rock Creek Park](https://www.nps.gov/rocr/index.htm)** is truly a gem in our nation's capital. This 1,754 acre city park was officially authorized in 1890, making it the third national park.
It offers visitors the opportunity to escape the bustle of the city and find a peaceful refuge, recreation, fresh air, majestic trees, wild animals.
This hike starts from the **[Rock Creek Park Nature Center](https://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/nature-center-and-planetarium.htm)**[ ](https://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/nature-center-and-planetarium.htm)(Plenty of Free Parking; closed Mon/Tues), crosses Military Road heading north along the **[Western Ridge Trail,](https://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/maps.htm)** over the **[Boundary bridge](https://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/maps.htm)** and then south following the creek to the **[Valley Trail](https://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/maps.htm)**, and then back to the **[Nature Center.](https://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/nature-center-and-planetarium.htm)**
**Pace:** pace is about 2 - 2.5 mph while moving.
**Bring**: adequate water/hydration, also snack/lunch, insect repellant as Tick Season is here and sturdy hiking shoes since there are rocky areas, tree roots and a stream crossing,
**Dogs:** Dogs are **not** welcome on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy.
**Weather:** weather in this location is **[HERE](https://weather.com/weather/hourbyhour/l/NoMa+Washington+District+of+Columbia?canonicalCityId=5449cc9af33d6584872016be78d0340d)**[.](https://weather.com/weather/hourbyhour/l/NoMa+Washington+District+of+Columbia?canonicalCityId=5449cc9af33d6584872016be78d0340d)
**Meetup Location:** we will meet in the parking lot of the Rock Creek Park Nature Center & Planetarium
(Closed Monday and Tuesdays) at
5200 Glover Rd NW, Washington, DC 20015.
**GPS Coordinates : 38°57'34.1"N 77°03'05.6"W**
**Maps**
**[Hiking in Rock Creek Park](https://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/hiking.htm)**
**[Rock Creek Park](https://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/maps.htm)**
Cat Happy Hour 🍻 🐈
Your cat might be under 21, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t drink! We are bringing the cats to the beer garden.
Feel free to come with or without a cat and get ready to socialize and raise a glass with fellow cat lovers! 🍻 This is a great opportunity to make new friends.
I will be bringing one or both of my cats and they would love to meet you! If you bring your cat, make sure they are wearing a collar, harness, leash, in a backpack, carrier, and/or stroller.
We will be meeting in the side tent called the “special events tent” opposite of the entrance. We have the tent fully reserved for our group!
🅿️: From the Shipgarten website, “Our free parking can be found at 1700 Old Meadow Rd McLean, VA 22102. We have a complimentary shuttle which has continuous service after 3pm on weekdays and starting at 11am on weekends.”
Ⓜ️: The venue is a 7 minute walk from the McLean station on the silver line.
Sky Meadows right side everything (Rating: A; ***FAST***)
**REQUIRED**: 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 12.5 miles with 1600 feet elevation gain in Sky Meadows State Park. We will start from the visitor center with a quick warmup climbing up North Ridge trail to the overlooks. After looping back down, we will head to lost mountain and hike almost every trail on the east side.
We hike at a pace of **3-3.5 mph** when moving. Faster on flat/downhill sections. ***This is considered a fast hike. You must be experienced in hikes of this distance, elevation gain and speed.***
Leader: Xiaobin 857-408-1070
**The hike leader will meet at the** **trailhead at 8AM**.
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.
Trailhead: **Sky Meadows Visitor Parking at 8AM**
GPS Coordinates: 38.99193015785012, -77.96586598358779 [https://goo.gl/maps/ppMunuKYabQcaH4w8](https://goo.gl/maps/ppMunuKYabQcaH4w8)
Park Entry Fee: $10 or free if you have a Virginia State Park Pass or a receipt from participating REI stores in Virginia (details: [https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/pr-relz-detail?id=2016-05-18-14-32-37-164146-2x3](https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/pr-relz-detail?id=2016-05-18-14-32-37-164146-2x3))
Rating: A
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/1uZ1XnrV92qQwTChGLe-bBFjNdtn5QcH7/view?usp=share_link](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uZ1XnrV92qQwTChGLe-bBFjNdtn5QcH7/view?usp=share_link)
ALMOST QUEEN
ALMOST QUEEN
Buy tickets here:
https://freshtix.queue-it.net/?c=freshtix&e=43c3139ac2e85dacb2b&ver=v3-javascript-3.6.3&cver=334&man=Whole%20Site%20Safety%20Net&l=Custom%20Theme&t=https%3A%2F%2Fthestatetheatre.freshtix.com%2Fevents%2Falmostqueen424&kupver=cloudflare-1.2.0
Friday Night Skate
Bring your lights for the “Friday Night” Skate!
**Join us for the Friday Night Skate!** See the monuments of DC all lit up at night!
We will meet at the National World War I Memorial “Pershing Park” at 7pm. We’ll warm up with a nice easy skate to the Capital and skate along the mall and museums to the National Monument. We will then head to the Lincoln Memorial through the World War II Memorial.
Those interested in just a 5.5 mile skate can backtrack to Pershing Park.
The group will then proceed from the Lincoln to Haynes Point via Ohio Drive with the option to take the 3 mile loop (12 mile total skate) or sit by the water and enjoy the crisp air (8.5 mile total skate.)
There are three options to loop back to the Pershing Park WWI Memorial and our path back will depend on the preferences / skill of the group.
The skate is mostly flat on good pavement with a small slope coming down from the Washington Monument and a 40 yard small slop from the Lincoln to Ohio Drive. If skaters are more advanced we will cross the 14th St bridge, enjoy a few up and down hills and finish with a downhill through the 12th St. tunnel.
Please feel free to jazz it up with lights, I wear a helmet bike light, a fun set of lights and lighted wheels! Wear your lights so you have fun, can see and be seen!
In case of bad weather, I will cancel the skate by 6pm on this post.
**Of course, all skating is at your own risk.**
Nature Walks with Dogs Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Peaceful Bowie Wilderness Stroll
**Hosted by Giovanni**
**📅 Date:** Sunday, April 26
**⏰ Time:** 10:00 AM – around noon
**📍 Starting Point:** White Marsh Park - parking lot for the Bowie Playhouse
## **🗺️ Route**
A relaxed loop through Bowie’s quiet green spaces:
* Trailhead in White Marsh Park
* Bridge to Spur Way
* Acorn Hill Park
* Bowie Marketplace
* Back across the bridge to the trailhead
Approx. **1.5 miles** (more if the group adds scenic loops or detours). Takes **40–90 minutes**, depending on pace and stops.
## **🌿 Terrain**
* Mostly paved (macadam)
* Short sections of packed dirt
* Some gentle hills
## **🐾 Dogs**
Friendly, **leashed dogs are welcome**.
## **🌧️ Weather**
**Rain cancels.**
Run and Get Dirty! Adult Dogs in the main park, puppies in the small dog park
Our regular Sunday meetup at the Shirlington Dog Park -- members start arriving around 10:15 a.m. You'll always find an Aussie to play with. There are 3 entrances, so wander the park -- the dogs will find each other!
For puppies, Shirlington has a small dog park within the larger dog park. It's the prefect place for your puppy to gain confidence and socialize with others. There is also plenty of room to run.
Just a reminder, the Dog Park is under attack by the Arlington County Board of Commissioners. While early plans to decrease the size of the park by 50% has been tabled, it's important to remind Arlington County how important this park is to dogs and owners. Here are links to the change.org petition and the Facebook page where you can get updates.
Shirlington Dog Park Page Petition: https://www.change.org/.../arlington-county-board-save...
Arlington County Board: Save the Shirlington Dog Park!
We love the Shirlington Dog Park -- it provides…
change.org
Shirlington Dog Park Page
Shirlington Dog Park Page Save the Dog Park Facebook page; https://www.facebook.com/groups/696087663906890
Easy Hike: Capital Crescent Trail, only 3 miles
Below is the alltrails link to the hike:
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/maryland/capital-crescent-trail
We will only be doing 3 miles overall in this hike, out and back.
Parking and Metro Access:
Park in the garage near 7150 Woodmont Ave, Bethesda, MD 20815.
Or park on the streets----- street-parking is free on Sundays.
For metro: just get down at Bethesda metro station.
We will meet at the trailhead next to the Ourisman Honda, check out the photo section of this event for a visual of the location.
Bring plenty of water, whatever you need for your hike, and your awesome authentic self. Keep it easygoing.
RELEASE OF LIABILITY & ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT:
By being a member of this Group, RSVPing to any Activity, or participating in any Activity, You accept and agree to the terms and conditions described below:
1. You acknowledge that hiking in nature carries the risk of potential harm to yourself, including the risk of injuries such as broken bones or muscle/tendon injuries, illness, disability, or death.
2. You agree that You will at all times be responsible for Yourself and Your own safety.
3. You release and hold harmless with respect to all injury, disability, death, or loss of property, whether caused by negligence or otherwise, this group's leadership and members for the hikes that you participate in.
4. You acknowledge and agree that this Group is merely a collection of friends or potential friends who enjoy doing activities, and that in no event does any Organizer or Other Member assume any responsibility or liability for You.
5\. You agree not to sue and to release\, discharge\, waive and hold harmless all organizers and other members from and against all liabilities\, claims\, demands\, losses\, damages\, suits and proceedings\, for negligence\, carelessness or any other cause which you may have or that hereafter may accrue arising\, resulting from or related to your membership in this group or participation in any activity\.
Paws & Socialize
At Dawgie Linkup, we provide a safe and fun space for your dog to socialize and play. Our goal is to not only create a space for dawgs to build social interactions, but also cultivate relationships between dawg parents!
Meet us at Bowie Dog Park on Saturday, April 25th at 10:00am for a Dawgie play date. There will be small and large dog enclosed spaces!
We want to make this social club lots of fun. So come and linkup with your neighborhood dawgie parents. All dawgs are welcome!
\- Sincerely\,
Dawgie Linkup — where we connect paws & people
Energizing Walk for Busy People!
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.
Nature Walks with Dogs Events Near You
Connect with your local Nature Walks with Dogs community
Two for Tuesdays Walk & Comedy crawl option
Before the comedy crawl, we’re starting Tuesday with **Two for Tuesdays**: a casual **social walk** designed to get people off the couch, **out of the house,** and actually doing something.
This is a relaxed group walk at a **social pace,** covering roughly **2–3 miles**. Nothing intense. No pressure. Just good conversation, a little movement, and a **better way to spend your Tuesday** than sitting at home **scrolling your phone.**
Then **after the walk,** we roll right into the **comedy crawl.**
This is what makes the night better: you don’t just show up for one event, awkwardly stand around, then leave.
You actually get time to **meet people,** loosen up, and **feel part of something** before the comedy even starts.
If you’re tired of wasting your weeknights at home, this is your sign.
**Spots are limited.**
**A paid ticket** helps us plan accurately, keep the group intentional, and make sure the people who RSVP actually show up.
Please use **ticket Link in comments** Preferred
Two for Tuesdays Walk **$2**
Walk + Comedy Crawl **$5**
**Ticket Link preferred.**
As an option Venmo/Paypal @WiseUnlimitedLLC CashApp $WiseUnlimitedLLC
Nature Photo Walk
Join WQC on April 25th from 11am-1pm at Inniswood Metro Park for a Nature Photo Walk. All types of cameras welcome! Let's enjoy spring to the fullest... 🌻🌼🌷🐤
Saturday Bonfire Comedy Experience With 2 other groups
if you’re **tired of doing the same boring thing** every weekend, this is your excuse to **do something different.**
This is **not just a comedy show.**
It’s a full **Saturday night experience** at Shadybowl Speedway — a **BYOB** potluck cookout, **live racing,** a late-night **bonfire**, open mic **comedy under the stars**, and **free camping** if you want to stay the night.
We’re basically **throwing a party in the middle of nowhere** — about an hour west of Columbus and an hour north of Dayton
### The experience
**Start early with the cookout**
Come out around **4:00 PM** for a potluck-style cookout. Bring something to share, hang out, have a few drinks, and meet people before the night gets rolling.
**Then head into the races**
Racing starts around **7:00–8:00 PM** at Shadybowl.
**Bring a chair** and sit with us in **Turn 4** — best seats in the house. **in front of concrete spots** 58,59 **ask for Chance**
Think **racing isn’t your thing?**
That’s fine. **Bring something to drink** and come for the atmosphere, the noise, and **the wrecks.**
**Then the real vibe kicks in**
Once the races wind down, we head back to the fire for **Late Night Bonfire Comedy** starting around **11:30 PM**.
This is open mic style, so you might catch comics traveling through, a local favorite, somebody trying stand-up for the first time.
Either way, **you’re getting laughs around a bonfire** with drinks, good people, and nowhere else to be.
**Stay the night if you want**
No rush. No long drive home if you don’t want it.
**Free camping on-site** — bring a tent, **sleep in your car,** or just **hang out late by the fire.**
### What to know **Saturday, May 9, 2026**
* **Cookout starts around 4:00 PM**
* **Racing starts around 7:00–8:00 PM**
* **Bonfire comedy starts at 11:30 PM**
* **BYOB, No glass inside the race.**
* **Free camping, Bring a chair**
* **Shadybowl admission is $15 cash only.**
* **Free parking**
### How to reserve your spot
This is a **ticketed group experience**.
A **$5 reservation** helps us organize the night, reduce no-shows, and make sure the people coming are actually coming.
Send **$5 per person**. Send **$20 and i will get your Admission ticket for the races.**
USE PAYMENT Link Found in Comments. **(preferred)**
Venmo PayPal, Cashapp accepted
**@WiseUnlimitedLLC $WiseUnlimitedLLC**
Include your **name + event name** in the note.
Link posted in the comments.
Be sure to Drop a comment on this post after you RSVP this helps the algorithm.
Come for the cookout. Stay for the races.
Laugh around the fire.
Camp if you want.
Walk & Talk About Life's Big Questions
[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).



























