Off-Road Camping
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Road Cycling from Wakefield Park
Welcome to the 2026 road cycling season.
Lots of paces from top racers to those just starting an exercise program. Several clubs will likely join together with One Love Cycling, including Korvelo (Korean Road Cycling Club), Viet Velo, Whole Wheel Velo Club.
Sign up if you'd like, or simply show up.
If you need the route GPS file, go to [ridewithgps.com](http://ridewithgps.com/) and search for Wakefield Route, which will show both the Southern part (16 miles) and the optional Western part (makes the ride total 25 miles.) Here is a link:
[https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44789824](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44789824)
Medium Level: The Koffee Klatch Ride: Gustave's
**Welcome Marius Back from Rehab!!!**
**THIS HAS THE NEW START LOCATION AT THE SOUTH END OF BLUEMONT PARK**
**++++++++++++++++++++**
**The Ride: Summary**
**(Must Read)**
**++++++++++++++++++++**
* RIDE NAME: The Koffee Klatch Ride: Gustave's
* START LOC: **[Bluemont Park Playground](https://www.google.com/maps/place/38%C2%B052'07.6%22N+77%C2%B007'55.7%22W/@38.868786,-77.132133,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m4!3m3!8m2!3d38.868786!4d-77.132133!5m1!1e3?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDMwOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D)**
* **BEST ACCESS FROM RTE 50**
* Start GPS: [38°52'07.6"N 77°07'55.7"W](https://www.google.com/maps/place/South+Bluemont+Parking+Area/@38.868907,-77.1342983,16z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x89b7b50016fd88fd:0x8afb6bdf9318a324!8m2!3d38.8689029!4d-77.1317234!16s%2Fg%2F11xgvpr5kw!5m1!1e3?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDMxMS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D)
ARRIVAL: 12:00pm
* SPEECH: 12:10pm
* ROLLING: 12:15pm
* LEVEL: Medium
* DISTANCE: 15.1 mi
* PACE: 11-13 mph (Social Pace)
* TERRAIN: Trail / Street / Cycle path
* RIDEWITHGPS ROUTE:
**CBG_KOFFEEK_GUSTAV_2026**
[https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55001233](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55001233)
**Notes:**
**This ride incorporates the Mt Vernon St Bridge detours from the trail**
* This ride is organized "lean"
* Pump your tires on the morning of the ride, please.
* It is strongly suggested that you become a NoVA CBG RidewithGPS club member and download the route posted for each "Klatch".
* Loading the route onto your Garmin (or other Nav device) is also acceptable.
* **NoVA CBG has a turn by turn RideWithGPS club account that's free. [https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/events/271742916/](https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/events/271742916/)**
**++++++++++++++++++++**
**The Ride: Detail**
**++++++++++++++++++++**
Welcome to The Koffee Klatch! These rides are normally based off the Arlington Loop, where we visit different area coffee shops or bakeries for a cup and/or treat if desired but you don't have to drink or even like coffee to participate.
This week we will again do a loop to Del Ray Alexandria to celebrate the Marius's successful reab!
The ride is a 15.1 mile flatish medium level ridden at a social pace (11-13 mph). We will get on the W&OD from the Bluemont **SOUTH** Parking Area down the W&OD/4MRT to the Potomac Yard Trail. We will cross over at Monroe St to Gustav's in Del Ray at mile 8.1. On the way back we ride up the Mt Jefferson Park Trail at Stewart St to Commonwealth and up to Four Mile Run and the the W&OD.
**+++++++++++++++++++++**
**The Meeting Spot:**
**+++++++++++++++++++++**
**South** Bluemont Parking
329 N Manchester St
Arlington, VA 22203
GPS: [38°52'07.6"N 77°07'55.7"W](https://www.google.com/maps/place/38%C2%B052'07.6%22N+77%C2%B007'55.7%22W/@38.868786,-77.132133,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m4!3m3!8m2!3d38.868786!4d-77.132133!5m1!1e3?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDMwOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D)
We will meet in the parking lot.
* This location has Restrooms
* Next to the Playground and Disc Golf Course
**+++++++++++++++++++++**
**The Koffee Within The Ride:**
**+++++++++++++++++++++**
**[Gustave Boulangerie & Brasserie](https://gustaveboulangerie.com/)**
2213 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301
**+++++++++++++++++++++**
**Ride Level Chart**
**+++++++++++++++++++++**
NoVA CBG tries to accommodate all levels of cyclists by offering different types/levels of rides. We just ask that you come to the ride that suits your current riding ability the best.
* Introductory Level: If you haven't ridden a bike in a number of years (or are uncertain of your abilities on a bicycle).
* Beginner Level: You can ride for 10+ miles at a pace of 10+ to 12+ mph with potentially minor hills involved.
* Medium Level: You can ride for 20+ miles at a pace of 13+ to 15+ mph with potentially moderate hills involved.
* Advanced Level: You can ride for 20++ miles at a pace of 15+ mph with potentially major hills involved.
Both Medium and Advanced Levels might require handling various challenges such as reading cue sheets, using a Garmin or navigation app, night riding, out of town travel, or any other odd cycling situations.
**+++++++++++++++++++++**
**The Fine Print:**
**+++++++++++++++++++++**
An RSVP of 'YES' is your digital signature and means you have read and understood [MEETUP.com](http://meetup.com/)'s:
* "Terms of Service : Section 6. Release" found at [https://www.meetup.com/terms/](https://www.meetup.com/terms/)
* NOVA-CBG's "Assumption of Risk Agreement" found @ [https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/pages/1942951/NOVA-CBG_Waiver/](https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/pages/1942951/NOVA-CBG_Waiver/)
* NoVA CBG's "COVID Policy" found @ [http://bit.ly/2021_NoVACBG_COVID19_POLICY](http://bit.ly/2021_NoVACBG_COVID19_POLICY)
Helmets are required to participate in all NOVA-CBG rides. All riders ride at their own risk and with the understanding that cycling is an inherently dangerous activity. When coming to the meetup you do so voluntarily and are ready and able to participate in the ride as described under the conditions of the day. Be on time for the "pre-ride" preparation. If you do not attend the pre-ride preparation you will not be allowed to participate on the ride. There are NO exceptions to the above.
MORE Tuesday Night Women's+ Ride @ Wakefield
Tuesday Night Women's+ Ride at Wakefield
This is the women's+ night ride at Wakefield Park in Annandale, Virginia. Brought to you by MORE.
**Sign the ride waiver here:** [https://x.gldn.io/e/Wc3cUSEpC1b](https://x.gldn.io/e/Wc3cUSEpC1b)
Ride Leaders
Simona, Kathy, and Jessica
Location
Wakefield Park, Annandale, VA
Schedule
Meet up at 6:30 in the last parking lot. Park in the last parking lot. After you turn into the parking lot, make an immediate right and park (across from the purple recycling bin). We meet there prior to the ride.
All riders joining this ride will need to accept the standard MORE liability waiver form.
**Wheels down at 6:45pm**
Ride will be about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the group. The ride leader(s) will try to start as promptly as possible.
Bring: Trail-ready mountain bike, helmet, tube, and water. Optional: Tools, gloves, snacks, and lights. We will need lights this time of year.
Pace
Casual to moderate pace depending on the group. This is a no-drop ride. (A drop is leaving someone behind who is slower than the group. We won't do that - but if you feel like you are not able to keep up, please let the ride leader know.) All riding abilities are welcome, but it is recommended riders have a few off-road rides under their belts first.
Terrain
Wakefield is generally considered easier to intermediate by most riders. There are a few small stream crossings and some log obstacles. Riders should use good judgment and dismount when in doubt. The ride will typically consist of a mix of single track, fire roads, and other trail sections in the park.
Directions
https://more-mtb.org/collections/virginia-trails/products/wakefield-park
Weather
To protect and maintain the trails, the ride will be canceled if weather conditions warrant. Information on closures will be posted here.
Medium Level (B-Group NFT 15mph): Tuesday Night Ride (TNR) - Hains Point
**Tuesday Night Rides (TNR) B-Group Edition with Ryan, Dave, Bruce, Ronne, & Renee**
As you may have heard, our illustrious TNR leader Ryan is sporting a repaired knee and will be off the bike for a spell (wishing her a speedy recovery!) In her absence, we are recasting the TNR as a **B-ride!** (**no faster than a 15mph** pace).
**++++++++++++++++++++**
**The Ride: Summary**
**(Must Read)**
**++++++++++++++++++++**
* RIDE NAME: Tuesday Night Rides (TNR) B-Group Edition - Hains Point
* START LOC: Shirlington Library
* START GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/GXU2cMAG7672](https://goo.gl/maps/GXU2cMAG7672)
* START PARKING: Any Garage in Shirlington
* ARRIVAL: 6:00pm
* SPEECH: 6:15pm
* ROLLING: 6:30pm (or earlier if everyone is present)
* LEVEL: \*\***Medium\*\***
* PACE: \*\***no faster than 15mph\*\***
* DISTANCE: 16mi (19mi w/loop)
* TERRAIN: Trail / Street
* RIDEWITHGPS ROUTE:
**CBG_TNR_HAINS_2026 (Updated)**
**[https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33403628](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33403628)**
**NOTES:**
* Due to the Ohio Drive SW closure, we will visit Dr. MLK instead of Mr Lincoln :-)
**++++++++++++++++++++**
**The Ride: Detail**
**++++++++++++++++++++**
For your riding pleasure NoVA CBG presents: Tuesday Night Rides (TNR) B-Group Edition - Hains Point
We'll start in Shirlington and head east on the Four Mile Run Trail and then head north on the Mt. Vernon trail. We cross the 14th Street bridge and head up Ohio Drive to say "Hi" to Dr. MLK. We will then run back down Ohio Drive to do a loop on Hains Point. Once done, we'll head back to Shirlington the way we came.
This is a NO DROP ride so you will not be left behind but you are expected to try to keep an B-Group level pace (no faster than 15 mph).
**++++++++++++++++++++**
**The Meeting Spot:**
**++++++++++++++++++++**
Shirlington Library
4200 Campbell Ave
Arlington, VA 22206
GPS: [https://goo.gl/maps/GXU2cMAG7672](https://goo.gl/maps/GXU2cMAG7672)
We will meet directly in front of the library by the fountains.
**++++++++++++++++++++**
**The Ride After The Ride:**
**++++++++++++++++++++**
We’ll head to Samuel Beckett’s after the ride for a drink and food. We sit outside so we can bring our bikes and keep an eye on them. Join us if you like!
**++++++++++++++++++++**
**Ride Level Chart**
**++++++++++++++++++++**
NoVA CBG tries to accommodate all levels of cyclists by offering different types/levels of rides. We just ask that you come to the ride that suits your current riding ability the best.
* Introductory Level: If you haven't ridden a bike in a number of years (or are uncertain of your abilities on a bicycle).
* Beginner Level: You can ride for 10+ miles at a pace of 10+ to 12+ mph with potentially minor hills involved.
* Medium Level: You can ride for 20+ miles at a pace of 13+ to 15+ mph with potentially moderate hills involved.
* Advanced Level: You can ride for 20++ miles at a pace of 15+ mph with potentially major hills involved.
Both Medium and Advanced Levels might require handling various challenges such as reading cue sheets, using a Garmin or navigation app, night riding, out of town travel, or any other odd cycling situations.
**++++++++++++++++++++**
**The Fine Print:**
**++++++++++++++++++++**
An RSVP of 'YES' is your digital signature and means you have read and understood MEETUP.com's:
* "Terms of Service : Section 6. Release " found at https://www.meetup.com/terms/
* NOVA-CBG's "Assumption of Risk Agreement" found @ https://www.meetup.com/novacbg/pages/1942951/NOVA-CBG_Waiver/
Helmets are required to participate in all NOVA-CBG rides. NO exceptions. All riders ride at their own risk and with the understanding that cycling is an inherently dangerous activity. When coming to the meetup you do so voluntarily and are ready and able to participate in the ride as described under the conditions of the day.
Be on time for the "pre-ride" preparation. If you do not attend the pre-ride preparation you will not be allowed to participate on the ride. Again, no exceptions.
Off-Road Camping Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Sunday Skate with The Washington Area Roadskaters!
# Sunday Morning Roll: Capitol Hill & Southwest Loop! 🛼
Oil those bearings and get ready for a scenic cruise through the heart of the District! This Sunday, **Big Mike** leads the **Washington Area Roadskaters** on a high-energy loop featuring some of DC’s most iconic skate-able terrain.
From the historic greenery of **Stanton and Lincoln Parks** to the wide-open stretches of the **RFK Campus**, this route is packed with smooth pavement and great vibes. We’ll swing through the **Southwest Waterfront**, pass the stadiums, and cap it all off with a fast finish through the **12th Street Tunnel**—always a group favorite for that smooth, underground glide!
***
### 📍 Meeting Details
* **WHERE:** Pershing Park (Corner of 14th St & Pennsylvania Ave NW).
* **NOTE:** We are meeting here while Freedom Plaza is still under renovation!
* **WHEN:** Sunday, May 17th
* **MEET TIME:** 10:00 AM
* **ROLL TIME:** 10:10 AM sharp!
* **DISTANCE:** \~13 miles
***
### 🗺️ The Route
**Route Map:** [https://onthegomap.com/s/dk1kq25o](https://onthegomap.com/s/dk1kq25o)
* **Capitol Hill Classics:** We’ll roll through the beautiful neighborhoods and parks of the Hill.
* **The RFK Stretch:** Plenty of room to open up the stride.
* **Southwest Waterfront & Navy Yard:** Catch the river breeze as we skate past the Wharf and Nats Park.
* **The 12th Street Tunnel:** We wrap things up with a run through this fan-favorite tunnel back to the Mall!
***
### ⚠️ Vital Info
* **Skill Level:** This is a street skate. Skaters should be comfortable with urban obstacles, navigating traffic, and maintaining a steady pace.
* **Safety First:** Helmets are strongly encouraged! Wrist guards and pads are always a smart move.
* **Stay Hydrated:** Bring water and maybe a snack for the mid-point breather.
Let’s make it a great roll! Tag your skate buddies and we'll see you at Pershing Park! 🏁
**#WAR #WashingtonAreaRoadskaters #WeAreSkateDC #DCSkate #InlineSkating #Rollerblading #SundaySkate #StreetSkating #DCFitness #ExploreDC**
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 Sunday!
Day Hike - Old Rag (9.4 Miles) + Old Bust Head Brewing Co
**Important** \- I've pre\-purchased day\-use tickets for this hike\. Please only sign up if you are 100% committed
Old Rag is one of my favorite hikes on the east coast. The way up is nothing short of incredible - you will experience switchbacks, scrambles, false summits, interesting trail navigation, and absolutely amazing views. This is *the* iconic day hike in Shenandoah. Don't miss it. Please make sure to get a day-use ticket for $2 using the link below.
I plan to stop for food/drinks at Old Bust Head Brewing Co on the way back (7134 Farm Station Rd, New Baltimore, VA 20187).
We will meet at Vienna Metro at 9AM and carpool to the trailhead. Drive time is about 1 hour and 45 mins - Please post a comment below if you are willing to drive. Carpooling saves the environment and makes friends.
## **Trail Facts**
* **Difficulty Level: Strenuous**
* **Length:** 9.4 Miles
* **Duration:** 5-6 hrs
* **Elevation Gain:** 2,604 Feet
* **Permits:** Pre-purchased (you can venmo me $2)
* **Parking:** Vienna Metro Station
* **Dogs:** Not Allowed
* **Trailhead Coordinates:** 38.571008, -78.293499
* **AllTrails Map**: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/old-rag-mountain-loop-trail?u=i&sh=rak641
**Trail Details:**
This hike, although challenging, is one of the most popular and spectacular hikes in Shenandoah National Park. It has been referred to as an “unforgettable” hike by many. Your climb to the peak includes many rocky switchbacks, various false peaks, and several scrambles. The descent, which will be slightly longer than your ascent, is a much more gradual grade that ends with an easy walk down a fire road. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on this trail.
This is a challenging hike that will take most of the day. It is highly recommended that you bring plenty of water as well as snacks and electrolytes (i.e. Gatorade). Hiking Old Rag is an adventure that should be on every Virginia hiker’s bucket list.
**DAY USE TICKETS:** There were limited tickets left, so I've pre-purchased 14 day use tickets. You can give me $2 in cash or via Venmo.
**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!
Happy Hour & Coffee Social - Junction Bistro
**Note: This event is cross-posted to DMV Social 20s to 40s as well. You do NOT need to RSVP in both groups if you plan to come!**
Next up on the Happy Hour circuit is Junction Bakery and Bistro in Del Ray! This establishment is a bakery and restaurant offering dinner and HH bites. There's a back bar area with a decent amount of floor space, and some booths indoor as well as outdoor on their side patio if you choose to have a sit-down meal with a few friends. If you have a sweet tooth, the pastries are all made in-house daily as well.
🍽️ **Coffee & Drinks:** Junction's Happy Hour runs from 4-7. Not in a drinking mood? No Problem! They also offer coffee-based drinks all day!
🅿️ **Parking:** Junction Bistro has about 5-6 parking spots on-premises. Additional parking is readily available on most side-streets off of Mt. Vernon Ave, and there are metered spots right on Mt. Vernon Ave itself. Just pay attention to parking signs, as some streets only have parking on one side and not the other.
🚇**Transit** \- Take the Blue or Yellow lines to the Braddock Rd\. metro\, and it's a 15 minute walk up Mt\. Vernon Ave from there \(about \.7 miles\)\.
DC Tourist Loop -- with E-Bike Lovers
[https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45928389](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45928389)
20.3 miles. Lunch/snack stop TBD.
Join us for a short and pleasant e-bike ride in and around the center of Washington, DC.
The total tour distance is some 20 miles but you can cut it short if needed. 94% of the ride is on paved bike paths and flat terrain.
Various monuments can be seen during this route (the Capitol, the municipal Fish Market, the White House, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the Nationals ballpark, the Titanic Memorial, and the Frederick Douglas bridge).
Lunch: Brown bag TBD.
The group stops a few times for slower riders to catch up. The distance will be some 22 miles or shorter any time you are fully satisfied with biking for the day.
**Please remember to charge your bike, check your tires and brakes, and consider packing an extra tube.**
**We recommend downloading the Ride with GPS route map to enhance your independence.**
[https://ridewithgps.com/routes/34720279](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/34720279)
**Free Ride With GPS for E-Bike Lovers**
The Ride With GPS E-bike Lovers club membership is now free as [www.ebikelovers.com](http://www.ebikelovers.com/) generates sufficient income from ads to cover the costs.
Here is the link to activate your free membership:
[https://ridewithgps.com/auto_approve/Club/6746/Zwa5jhttF5mJrFbN](https://ridewithgps.com/auto_approve/Club/6746/Zwa5jhttF5mJrFbN)
**More information about using GPS files:**
[https://ebikelovers.com/2021/03/15/download-our-trails-and-never-get-lost/](https://ebikelovers.com/2021/03/15/download-our-trails-and-never-get-lost/)
**More information about e-bike ranges:**
[https://ebikelovers.com/2020/12/31/e-bike-longer-and-happier-15-smart-strategies-to-reduce-your-e-bike-range-anxiety/](https://ebikelovers.com/2020/12/31/e-bike-longer-and-happier-15-smart-strategies-to-reduce-your-e-bike-range-anxiety/)
As usual, non-assisted bikers are most welcome.
**Your registration for this ride signifies your agreement with the terms of the disclaimer below.**
**DISCLAIMER**
**LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMISSIBLE PURSUANT TO APPLICABLE LAW, NEITHER GREGORY MAASSEN, RICHARD CAMER, TRIP COORDINATORS, THEIR AFFILIATES, FAMILY AND FORMER AND CURRENT EMPLOYERS NOR ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN CREATING, PRODUCING, OR DELIVERING E-BIKE LOVERS GUIDES, OUR MEETUP EVENTS, AND THE GPS E-TRAILS IS LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF A USER’S ACCESS TO, OR USE OF THE E-BIKE LOVERS GUIDES, OUR MEETUP EVENTS, AND THE GPS E-TRAILS.**
**See for the full disclaimer: https://ebikelovers.com/disclaimer**
Off-Road Camping Events Near You
Connect with your local Off-Road Camping community
Rocky Fork Hike
Join us this Thursday (5/14) at 6:30 pm at Rocky Fork Metro Park in Westerville as we walk about 2.5 miles of a fully paved trail. The Beech Woodland trail is a flat yet scenic trail with a variety of landscapes. Let’s take it in together!
Trails & Ales! Blendon Woods Metro Park / Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery
**History**
The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville.
Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people.
As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support.
The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts.
In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area.
**Map of the Park**
Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png).
**Summary**
For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks.
**Where We'll Meet**
We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center.
**After the Hike**
Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks.
The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.
Columbus Code & Coffee 86 @ Improving
Columbus Code & Coffee is an inclusive, informal co-working session. People of all skill levels attend, and we love it that way. Many people (optionally) bring projects to work on, and many other people (optionally) socialize the entire time. It's entirely up to you!
**What to Expect at the Intro Circle**
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Near the beginning of the event (1:30 pm), we do a standup:
* Organizer announcements, updates, and logistics
Round 1 - (7 secs max):
* Your name
* What you're working on
* What you can help others with
Round 2:
* Community events you wanna plug. If none, that's cool too.
Round 3:
* Job opportunities you're hiring for OR announce that you are looking for one. If none, that's cool.
After the introduction circle, everything is self-organized! Feel free to work alone, pair up, attend one of our workshops/presentations, or mingle!

























