Off-Road Camping

I was not meaning to steal Austin's thunder on this trip (he's heading to Otter Creek in August), but I've also been wanting to check out this area and had been pondering a trip there for the last weekend in June. Come join me! (And full disclosure I haven't been here before so we can explore it together!) Also, just a note that since there's a 21-mile day, you should have already attended at least one DCUL trip before. We will meet at the Vienna metro at 5 pm Friday to carpool, then head for the [Lower Glady Dispersed Campground ](https://elkinsrandolphwv.com/place/lower-glady-dispersed-camping-area/)to spend Friday night and meet up with anyone driving separately. Saturday morning, we'll get an early start to beat the heat and head up the Mylius trail from the campground, gain the ridge and head clockwise around the Otter Creek wilderness area boundary. After reaching Otter Creek, we'll head south following the creek and camp along it. Sunday we'll get back up on the plateau and follow the boundary south back to the cars. Finally, we'll grab some food in Davis on the way home. I hear there are bogs, marshes and creek crossings, so prepare to get wet. Splits are 0/21/10. **Resources\*** * Monongahela NF Map: https://bit.ly/3FOs7wF * Purple Lizard Map: https://bit.ly/46EUwRB * CalTopo: https://caltopo.com/m/5BF0P * Weather: https://bit.ly/490kwbH * Driving Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/QAdy2nh8TYt5TB3M9 \*Credit for these goes to Mark/Brightside **Disclaimers** * Liability Waiver: *By RSVPing for this trip, you agree to these guidelines and to DCUL's waiver liability terms: https://dculbackpacking.com/about/liability-waiver/* * Dues: *Members and above, don't forget to pay your annual dues. You can check 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. To pay your dues via PayPal, use this link: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/Jennifer Adach15 ($10 annual dues plus a $5 suggested donation to City Kids Wilderness Project.)* * Carpool: *As per our carpool policy, riders should pay drivers $0.10/mile.*

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.**

Meet in the parking lot of the Handy Bikes Service Center. At the start of each ride, we'll go over introductions to have a sense of participants' cycling experience. Over the course of our rides, we'll address the following: group riding dynamics; safety (ABC check & trail hazards); gear shifting; hill climbing; audible and hand communication within the group, with other trail users, and automobile drivers; what to bring on each ride; etc... Bring your questions, water & a snack. When it starts getting dark earlier, we'll need lights as well. Helmets a MUST. If you can, and especially if you've had issues with your bike, come a bit early to have it looked at ahead of the ride. PS - all levels are welcome to join, however, be mindful that if you are an experienced rider, please be prepared to ride at the pace of the newest rider in the group. Each week, depending on who's in attendance, and participants' riding ability/comfort level, we may do skills practice as a group in the parking lot or at the west end of Wheeler Ave. Once everyone is comfortable, we'll go for a ride on local trails and neighborhood streets and finish back at the shop. Happy Pedaling !! \~Maya

**Let’s enjoy a shady “through the woods” hike in the north district of Shenandoah National Park! This 5.6 mile moderate to moderately strenuous loop hike with about 750 ft of elevation gain utilizes the Elkwallow and Traces trails. We typically hike about 2 mph when moving; however, we leave no one behind and strive to maintain a pace that is comfortable to all.** **Optional Rehydration:** **Join us for a byob picnic lunch and/or purchase something from the Wayside after the hike. Wayside Menu (subject to change): https://www.goshenandoah.com/dining/food-groceries/elkwallow-menu** **Hike Route:** **https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/elkwallow-traces-5-6-750-lollipop-31ff003** **Time to Meet:** **Please meet 15-20 min prior to hike start for introductions and liability waiver sign in.** **RSVP:** **If your plans change, please edit your RSVP 24-48 hrs before the hike if possible to open a spot for another hiker. This request applies to hikers on the Waitlist as well.** **Meeting Location/Parking:** **Elkwallow Wayside parking area, milepost 24 on Skyline Drive. We will meet near the restrooms. NOTE: Follow signs to the Wayside. Do not go to the Picnic Area, which Is a different place.** **Facilities:** **Restrooms are located between parking and the Wayside building.** **Park Admission:** **Park fee or pass. https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/fees.htm** **Contact Information****: Please use the comments feature for comments and questions. The hike leader is Lisa Peterson.** **Hike Cancellation****: In the unlikely event that the hike needs to be cancelled, hikers will be notified through comments on this posting. Please check Meetup for updates the evening before the hike.** **What to Bring:** **Water at least two liters, emergency contact information, medications, snacks/meal, insect repellent, sunscreen/protection from weather, and personal first aid kit. Trekking poles if you use them, sturdy hiking footwear.** **Please leave pets at home. Thanks!** **Notes:** * **RSVP to register for this hike. If your plans change, update your RSVP.** * **To find out more about PATC,** [click here](https://www.patc.net/)**.** * **Consider becoming a member of PATC. To join,** [click here](https://www.patc.net/membership)**.** **Attendance is limited at the discretion of our hike leaders. PATC rules do not permit children under 18 years to participate in a hike without a parent or guardian present.**

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. **7.1 miles with an elevation gain of 282 feet.** **Description:** **[DC250](https://dc250.us/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=dc%20250&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23445556778&gbraid=0AAAAAC7gsaAL8-EaZbmb2we2FY5q2F1hg&gclid=CjwKCAjwt7XQBhBkEiwAtStppxCFcbqvF7mqbGxxATdtUBxXRqsyxsVPaZCUsTTv1LScqzHJ23ANsRoC8hoQAvD_BwE): July 4, 2026** marks the **250th anniversary** of the **United States Declaration of Independence**\-\- a celebration of the people\, by the people\, for the people\. We will begin our **[visit of DC in festive mode](https://dc250.us/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=dc%20250&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23445556778&gbraid=0AAAAAC7gsaAL8-EaZbmb2we2FY5q2F1hg&gclid=CjwKCAjwt7XQBhBkEiwAtStppxCFcbqvF7mqbGxxATdtUBxXRqsyxsVPaZCUsTTv1LScqzHJ23ANsRoC8hoQAvD_BwE),** from the **[Theodore Roosevelt Island](https://www.nps.gov/this/index.htm)** parking lot. heading over the **[Key Bridge](https://www.nps.gov/places/000/francis-scott-key-bridge.htm).** From here we will enjoy a leisurely walk along the **[Georgetown Waterfront](https://www.georgetowndc.com/neighborhood/georgetown-waterfront/)**[ ](https://www.georgetowndc.com/neighborhood/georgetown-waterfront/)towards the **[Kennedy Center](https://www.kennedy-center.org/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=299478384&gbraid=0AAAABBMbcUh7UQT5nce6nYQ3paUCb_DrL&gclid=CjwKCAjwt7XQBhBkEiwAtStpp5w1UgZNtq8gE-NQ3JD9fZgxYLyANQGxAe__JuFytV7LnFE4j-pa6RoCYZQQAvD_BwE).** Once inside, we will go up to the **[Terrace Level](https://washingtonphotosafari.com/home/photo-tours/night-safaris/sunset-and-twilight-from-the-kennedy-center-terrace-rooftop/)** which allows one to see a **panoramic view** of **Washington DC.** From there we will take the **pedestrian walk way** to the **[Lincoln Memorial.](https://www.nps.gov/linc/index.htm)** The newly re-done **[Reflecting Pool](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lincoln_Memorial_Reflecting_Pool)** is the **centerpiece** on our way to the **[Washington Monument](https://www.nps.gov/wamo/index.htm)** which offers a view of the entire **Mall** in both directions. From there we head back to the **Lincoln Memorial** along the **Reflecting Pool** and over the **[Memorial bridge](https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/memorialave.htm)** to the **[Mount Vernon Trail](https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/mtvernontrail.htm)** back to **Roosevelt Island.** **Facilities:** Kennedy Center and along the Mall. **Pace:** The pace will be about 2.5 mph. **Bring:** adequate water/hydration, snacks/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes and hiking poles if you use them. **Fee:** None **Dogs:** Dogs are **not** welcome. **[NVHC Dog Policy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy)** **Weather:** weather for this location is **[HERE](https://weather.com/weather/today/l/434885816dced9dd270292ef3091a4d5d474bc898df914d47c36585a0f98d1c2).** **Wher** **e to Meet:** Meet at the **Roosevelt Island parking lot** at 9:00 to allow everyone to get signed in and ready to hike at 9:30 am. The Hatchback of my Honda Fit will be up. **By Metro:** Roosevelt is a 10-15 minute walk from the Rosslyn Metro station toward the Key Bridge. A short paved connecting trail leads downhill to the Roosevelt parking lot. A small green sign indicating Roosevelt Island at 0.25 mile on the right. **By Car:** Drivers can only reach Theodore Roosevelt Island from the Virginia side of the river in the northbound lanes of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. After Memorial Bridge, follow the signs and turn right into the parking lot. **Coordinates**: **38.8958415°N, -77.0624191°W** **[LINK to Roosevelt Island](https://maps.app.goo.gl/5zAGUtpjj1Qd5MQ39?g_st=im)** Feel Free to reach out via text with any questions, Dawn K 703 533 9231 If you do text me, thank you for including your name.

Join us as The Washington Area Roadskaters lead you on a different adventure every week, skating through and around our Nation's Capital! Skate description will be placed here as the route is published. 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!

Start Location Greenbelt Metro Dr., Greenbelt, MD, 20770, US End Location Same as start location Start Sunday, June 28, 2026 | 10:00 AM End Sunday, June 28, 2026 | 2:00 PM Description Join us for another refreshing Sunday morning hike through one of the DC area's hidden gems, followed by an optional brunch at a local café. We'll explore the scenic trails of Greenbelt Park, a 1,100-acre forest managed by the National Park Service. Despite being only minutes from the city, the park feels surprisingly remote, with shady woodland paths, towering trees, gentle hills, and opportunities to spot birds and other wildlife. Our route will follow a combination of the park's loop trails, offering a pleasant mix of forest scenery and easy-to-moderate hiking. We'll maintain a social pace with time to enjoy nature and get to know fellow hikers. Distance: Approximately 5–6 miles Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Terrain: Natural dirt trails with some roots and gentle hills Please Bring: Water Comfortable hiking shoes Weather-appropriate clothing A positive attitude! Optional Brunch: After the hike, those interested are welcome to join us for brunch at New Deal Café in historic Greenbelt, a cozy community gathering spot known for its coffee, breakfast options, and relaxed atmosphere. Whether you're new to hiking or a regular trail enthusiast, come enjoy a morning of fresh air, conversation, and good food. Looking forward to hiking with you!

Next Sunday the 28th we’ll walk from the Dupont Circle Metro Q Street exit west to the Rock Creek Park Trail, where we will proceed northbound to Peirce Mill, where restrooms and water will be available. We will then proceed northbound on the Valley Trail (a dirt trail) to West Beach Drive and use that to access North Portal Drive. At 16th Street we will walk into Montgomery County and take Colesville Road to 2nd Avenue near the Silver Spring Metro, the official end point for our 9,5 mile hike. Optional beers/pub food will be available at the Silver Branch Lagerhaus & Biergarten at 8401 Georgia Avenue, the corner of 2nd Avenue. Check their website: [https://www.silverbranchbrewing.com/taproom-locations/lagerhaus-biergarten/](https://www.silverbranchbrewing.com/taproom-locations/lagerhaus-biergarten/) Bring plenty of beverages, good hiking boots, bug spray, sunscreen, and the $5 Adventuring trip fee (cash or Venmo). Please [click here](https://adventuringlgbtq.com/Adventuring_Release_Form.pdf) to review our release form. When you RSVP to an event, you affirm that you have read and agree to the terms of the release.

If you like to sleep in on Sunday mornings, this magnificent hike at Catoctin Mountain Park close to Camp David in Thurmont, MD is for you. Our moderate-to-strenuous 8.5-mile circuit with 1370 ft. in elevation gain includes some spectacular views and attractions. Some of the sights we’ll enjoy along the way include Cunningham Falls (highest in Maryland), Hog Rock overlook, Blue Ridge vista, Thurmont vista, the Wolf Rock formation, and the Chimney Rock overlook. Meet at the Grovesnor-Strathmore Metro station by 1:30 p.m. and please answer the Meetup questions so we can organize carpools. Bring snacks, beverages, sunscreen, bug spray, sturdy hiking boots, the $5 Adventuring fee, and $10 to reimburse your carpool driver. We'll make a stop at Sheetz on our drive up. There will be an optional dinner stop in Frederick after the hike. **NEW!** Please [click here](https://adventuringlgbtq.com/Adventuring_Release_Form.pdf) to review our release form. When you **RSVP** to an event, you affirm that you have read and agree to the terms of the release. Everyone must RSVP on their own behalf.

We are fortunate to have a good network of bicycle paths and bicycle-friendly streets in the DC area. Dust off that bike, pump up your tires, and find out how easy it can be to get around on a bike. This will be a relaxed ride of approximately 19 miles through Arlington and DC. Don't be intimiated by that mileage. You'd be surprised how quickly you can cover 19 miles on a bike. The terrain will be mostly flat with a very gradual climb along the W&OD and Bluemont trails. I intend for our group to stay together throughout the ride so you won't need to bother with a cue sheet or navigation device or worry about being "dropped." You can [click on this link ](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/55703716?privacy_code=PcKMWNH6M61rHBOEtssadbj6ShtSIZKj)if you want to see a map of our route and the elevation profile. We'll meet at the Pentagon City (not Pentagon) Metro station and depart promptly at 10 AM. Wear a helmet, bring a water bottle, and be prepared to pay Adventuring's usual $5 trip fee. There will be an option for lunch or a snack at one of the Pentagon City eateries after the ride if anyone is interested. Please [click here](https://adventuringlgbtq.com/Adventuring_Release_Form.pdf) to review our release form. When you RSVP to an event, you affirm that you have read and agree to the terms of the release,

**WAIVER 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. **HIKE:** A 6-mile urban hike will take us through the Lubber Run Park, Bon Air Rose garden, Bluemont and Glen Carlyn parks, and Arlington neighborhood streets. We will be on natural trails for less than a mile; the rest of the time we will be on paved bike trails and sidewalks. We'll have a snack/restroom break part way through. There will be a few hills and some stairs. Along the way, we'll see a beautiful stream, a large rose garden, and other gardens in bloom. **WHERE TO MEET:** We will meet \*inside\* the Lubber Run Community Center, near the vending machines/restrooms (there is a large lobby area near the information desk). There is a garage with free parking (up to 4 hours). **DISTANCE:** 6 miles **ELEVATION GAIN:** 400 feet **PACE:** Our average moving pace will be between 2.5 and 3.0 miles per hour. **DOGS:** Dogs on a leash are welcome in accordance with NVHC pet policy ([https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy)). (If you plan to have a dog, let me know; we may need to meet you outside.)

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** \~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~ 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!

(Note: RSVPing here on meetup does NOT reserve your seat. To do that, you’ll need to register at our website, [HERE](https://www.coreerocks.com/Events.aspx?ID=Picnic-with-a-Purpose-Real-Estate-Networking-That-Actually-Pays-Off-14-7-7-2026).) Real estate is a proven wealth-builder—it has been for generations. But it’s not a solo sport. You need PEOPLE—who can advise you, partner with you, bring you deals, and buy deals from you. We’re all about bringing you the best, most active, most got-your-back people in Central Ohio, which is why our July meeting is all about real conversations with real investors at our annual Picnic with a Purpose. This is where: * Deals get discussed * Partnerships get formed * Funding relationships start * Problems get solved faster Bring your family. Build your network. Strengthen the relationships that actually move your business forward. Members and first-time guests are free. Returning guests are $35. Location is a local park and will be shared after registration. Space is limited, so you’ll want to secure your spot now. Remember, to actually reserve your seat, you have to go [HERE](https://www.coreerocks.com/Events.aspx?ID=Picnic-with-a-Purpose-Real-Estate-Networking-That-Actually-Pays-Off-14-7-7-2026) and register on our website!

**Educational Forum Topic:** Learn about Endangered Freshwater Mussels and how to help protect the Darby Watershed. The occurrence of a wide variety of mussels is one reason the Big Darby Creek is so outstanding and why its protection is so important. The City of Columbus has been pushing a new Accord due to pressures for increased development in the watershed region. Learn more here: [https://protectthedarby.org/](https://protectthedarby.org/) **When:** Saturday, June 27, 2026, 9am-12noon **Location:** Battelle Darby Metropark, Indian Ridge picnic area parking lot. At the base of the hill, park at the second parking lot near the restrooms with a kiosk next to it. **Itinerary:** 9:00-10:00am: Endangered freshwater mussels talk. 10:00-12:00noon: 4-mile loop hike on Terrace Trail and Ancient Trail **What to Bring:** Wear cool, comfortable clothing for hiking, sturdy hiking shoes, bug spray, sunscreen and water. **Restrictions:** No pets allowed on the trails. **Event speaker:** Elaine Hall, Assistant Resource Manager & Darby Watershed Coordinator with Columbus and Franklin County Metroparks, will lead a discussion focused on endangered freshwater mussels found in Big Darby Creek. Following the forum, volunteers will lead the group on a roughly 4-mile hike beginning with Terrace Trail and continuing on the Ancient Trail, leading back to the parking lot. Register at: [https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=701Po00001qoLUFIA2](https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=701Po00001qoLUFIA2) **Contact:** Ginny Roedig, 440-497-9876 cell, 440-257-3281 landline, Roedig5@msn.com email.

Join us for a 2.4 mile hike along the Alum Creek Trail south from Casto park to Strawberry Farms park and back. This is a fully paved flat trail along Alum Creek. Come and enjoy a great hike with us!