Outdoors

The weather has been amazing, so why stay inside? We'll meet at the trail head to Gorman Stream Valley Park which is just south of the intersection of Old Columbia Road and the Middle Patuxent River. We'll start promptly at 5:30 and turn around at 6:10 so we're back before sunset. Hiking boots are a good idea since the trail is likely to be muddy. Meet in the dirt parking lot at the trail head which is just south of where the road crosses over the water. If there is no parking in the lot, you can park across the street along the road and cross carefully.

**DESCRIPTION**: Hurray! C & O Canal National Park's Billy Goat B trail has finally reopened, Let's walk it now before extensive undergrowth blocks our views. Less than 3 miles in less than 3 hours, this is a slow walk, **but on very rocky terrain** with slopes and a stream to cross. We will make full stops to enjoy exceptional river scenery. So much to see and hear and enjoy with many natural curiosities (impressive rock formations, long river vistas and islands and white water stretches, overlooks to climb, beaver lodges, and possibly bird and frog songs). **MEET** at the red brick restrooms building by 1:00 PM for introductions. Hike starts by 1:15 PM and ends around 4:00 or so. **ADVISORY**: This walk is NOT recommended for anyone with stiffness, balance, bending nor range of movement problems. My companion, last week, slipped and fell (not injured). Using poles and watching our footsteps, when we get to rocky and steep parts, we may stoop and stretch in a gingerly manner. The trail, itself, is 1.4 miles and the canal towpath back adds another mile or so to make a loop. https://liveandlethike.com/2016/09/17/billy-goat-trail-section-b-chesapeake-ohio-canal-national-historical-park-md/ **WAIVER:** All participants will sign a Sierra Club sign-in sheet with waiver before we set off on our walk. **BRING**: (Weather forecast is for 80 degrees Tuesday.) Lots of water and sturdy hiking footwear with grooves and traction are essential, hiking pole(s) (We will cross a stream), back pack, sun hat, sun block, layers for changeable hot weather, old plastic shopping bag or other to sit upon, snack, binoculars, camera.

We're back. Brisk, 3- to 4-mile urban hike starting and ending at Whitlow's on the Wharf. We will hike around Hains Point before looping back to Whitlow's for drinks and food. Rideshare or public transportation recommended, closest metro L'Enfant.

We’re turning Tysons Corner Center into a competitive indoor playground for one hour. We’ll meet on the 3rd level cafeteria, split into teams, and race through the mall completing photo challenges for points. Every task requires at least one team member in the picture — so no cheating and no solo lurking. Creativity, strategy, and teamwork will matter just as much as speed. After 60 minutes, we’ll regroup at TGI Fridays to tally points, laugh at the best photos, and crown the winning team. No purchases required — just good energy, fun people, and a little competitive chaos. 📍 Plan • Meet: Level 3 Cafeteria • Form teams • You get 1 hour • Regroup + scoring at TGI Fridays ⸻ 📸 IMPORTANT RULES 1. At least ONE team member must be in EVERY photo. 2. No purchasing required. 3. Be respectful to staff and shoppers. 4. All items must be photographed inside the mall during the 60 minutes. 5. Creativity > speed. ⸻ 📝 SCAVENGER LIST (Points Attached) 🧥 Fashion & Style Finds 1️⃣ A celebrity picture – 5 pts 2️⃣ An extremely ugly sweater – 6 pts 3️⃣ Shoes that look impossible to walk in – 6 pts 4️⃣ A mannequin posed in a dramatic or awkward way – 5 pts 5️⃣ An outfit over $1,000 total (estimate tag prices) – 8 pts (extra 5 points If you’re wearing the outfit) 6️⃣ A jacket that looks straight out of the 90s – 5 pts ⸻ 💎 Random & Unexpected 7️⃣ The most expensive item you can find (price visible) – 10 pts 8️⃣ A product that makes you say “who is buying this?” – 7 pts 9️⃣ Something glittery and over-the-top – 5 pts 🔟 A completely all-white outfit display – 6 pts 1️⃣1️⃣ A product with a name you can’t pronounce – 6 pts 1️⃣2️⃣ A tiny item with a surprisingly high price – 7 pts 1️⃣3️⃣ Strike your best runway pose inside Zara - 5 points ⸻ 🍔 Mall Energy 1️⃣4️⃣ A dessert that looks ridiculously unhealthy – 5 pts 1️⃣5️⃣ A seasonal or holiday decoration – 5 pts 1️⃣6️⃣ A team member pretending to be a mall security guard (respectfully staged) – 6 pts 1️⃣7️⃣ A window display that makes no sense – 5 pts 1️⃣8️⃣ Take a group pic representing 3 different cuisines (no buying required) - 6 points 1️⃣9️⃣ Team selfie in front of the giant directory - 5 points 2️⃣0️⃣ Get a stranger to take a picture of all of you sleeping on a bed - 10 points _______ 📍 Mall Items 2️⃣1️⃣ A red tote - 2 points 2️⃣2️⃣ A purple tie - 2 points 2️⃣3️⃣ Chocolate - 2 points 2️⃣4️⃣ A pair of neon-colored sneakers - 3 points 2️⃣5️⃣ A watch priced over $1,000 - 3 points 2️⃣6️⃣ A pair of sunglasses - 1 point 2️⃣7️⃣ A perfume bottle shaped in a unique way - 2 points 2️⃣8️⃣ A stuffed animal bigger than a backpack - 4 points 2️⃣9️⃣ A coffee cup with latte art - 4 points 3️⃣1️⃣ A candle with a food-related scent - 2 points 3️⃣2️⃣ A phone case with glitter - 1 point 3️⃣3️⃣ A denim jacket with patches or designs - 5 points 3️⃣4️⃣ A sale sign that says “70% OFF” or more - 5 points 3️⃣5️⃣ A winter beanie with a pom-pom on top - 6 points 3️⃣6️⃣ A backpack with a cartoon character on it - 2 points 3️⃣7️⃣ A pair of platform shoes - 2 points 3️⃣8️⃣ A necklace with an oversized pendant - 3 points 3️⃣9️⃣ A seasonal decoration display - 2 points 4️⃣0️⃣ A store window featuring only one color theme - 5 points 4️⃣1️⃣A dessert covered in sprinkles - 2 points 4️⃣2️⃣A mannequin wearing a bold patterned outfit - 5 points 4️⃣3️⃣A hoodie with a large graphic logo - 4 points ⸻ ⭐ BONUS POINTS • Compliment a stranger (reaction videoo) – +5 pts • Get a stranger to join your team photo – +8 pts • Funniest team name – +5 pts • Most coordinated team pose across 3 photos – +7 pts • Best dramatic “return to Fridays” entrance video – +10 pts • Random act of kindness caught on video – +6 pts • Funniest caption when posting (optional IG story tag) – +5 pts ⸻ 🏆 Winning Team Most total points wins. Tiebreaker = loudest crowd applause at Fridays.

\- Chicken or Vegetarian Dinner at Nando's Peri Peri Restaurant \- Parking free in garage or outdoor lots for 2 hours \(no street parking\) \- Naughty Nata's for dessert\! Menu: https://order.nandosperiperi.com/menu/pike-rose

Join Social Sips & Bites for our Wednesday Happy Hour. Great drinks, easy conversation, new faces, familiar faces, and that signature SSB energy that turns a simple night out into something memorable.

Join us for an easy hike along the **Difficult Run Trail to Great Falls Park** and kick off your day with **great company** and engaging conversations! The trail is **mostly flat**, but a **246-foot incline within Great Falls Park** will give us a fun little cardio challenge. Don’t worry - we’ll pause at the top to regroup, hydrate, and catch our breath while soaking in the views. Whether you're here for the exercise, the scenery, or the chance to meet like-minded people, this hike has something for everyone! This trail is packed with sights: enjoy picturesque views along Difficult Run Stream and breathtaking overlooks of the Potomac River from up high. We’ll even come across a picnic table at the top of one incline, the perfect spot to rest, take in the view, and soak up some good vibes! Afterward, join us for an optional lunch at Mookie's BBQ to relax and unwind after our hike. **Meeting Time & Location** Meet at 9:30 AM at [Cross County Trail Access Point (Leigh Mill Rd & Kelso Rd)](https://maps.app.goo.gl/btDGQg7gphrVJdmB7). If you're running a bit late, you can catch up with us at the Difficult Run parking lot off Georgetown Pike - we’ll pass through about 30 minutes into the hike. **Distance:** 5 miles **Difficulty:** Easy (246 feet of elevation gain) This hike is rated Easy for its gentle terrain, wide paths, and manageable 246 feet of elevation gain. * **Easy Water Crossing:** Large stepping stones make the stream crossing simple and safe. * **No Rock Scrambling or Steep Climbs:** The trail has no steep rocky sections or scrambling required. * **Mild Inclines:** The mostly flat route includes a gentle 246 foot incline within Great Falls Park. **Pace:** Moderate Pace 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** Plenty of parking is available. You can park off Route 683 by [Cross County Trail Access Point (Leigh Mill Rd & Kelso Rd)](https://maps.app.goo.gl/btDGQg7gphrVJdmB7) (be sure to park head-in, with your car clear of the street). Additional parking is on the shoulder of Kelso Road. The trailhead is at the intersection of Route 683 and Kelso Road, marked with a crosswalk. **Trail Map (AllTrails):** [Take a Hike! (DMV) - Difficult Run to Great Falls Park](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/difficult-run-from-683-23fa71c) **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** Join us for an optional lunch after the hike at **Mookie's BBQ, 1141 Walker Rd, Great Falls, VA 22066**. It’s a perfect way to relax and unwind after our time outdoors!

Hey Social Sips & Bites friends! 🎶🍹 One of our group’s absolute favorite feel-good bands, The Nonessentials, are back at The Solace Outpost, and we want the whole crew there! This is your chance to kick back with friends, enjoy amazing live music, sip on something delicious, and grab a tasty bite. Every time The Nonessentials play, the vibes are high and the dance floor is calling - let’s make it a night to remember! https://www.thenonessentialz.com/

**(Trailhead hike) Crow's Nest Nature Preserve is situated on a high narrow ridgeline rising above two tidally influenced creeks: Potomac and Accokeek. It features 4,000 acres of old-growth woodland with several miles of hiking trails. All hikers will explore various trails that go to the viewpoints at Crow’s Nest Point and Boykin’s Landing. Long hikers will take an additional there-and-back to the Potomac Overlook. Est.: 11.75 miles, 600 ft. elevation and 9.5 miles, 500 ft. elevation. Hike fee: $5** **Trailhead: Crow's Nest parking area, 9:30 AM** **Trailhead point: 81 Raven Road, Stafford, VA** 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 a 2-mph pace. New hikers are required to first complete a moderate hike. **Liability Waiver:** Many of our hikes take place in remote wilderness areas where cell phone service is not available. Any person participating in any Club activity is responsible for their own safety, health and welfare, and must assume all risks and liabilities related to all Club activities. The Club, its hike leaders, hike sweeps, officers, and other representatives are not liable for any injuries, losses, or damage to persons, children, pets, and/or property, arising from any trips or activities of the Club. You are responsible for bringing enough water, food, and first aid supplies, including those for your personal medical conditions. CANCELLATION POLICY To cancel and receive a full bus hike refund, less a $5 processing fee, you must change your RSVP to "No" on Meetup **before NOON on the Friday** before the hike. If you change your RSVP after noon on the Friday before the hike, no refunds will be issued. Cancellations to Metro/carpool/trailhead hikes will not issue a financial refund, but hiker must change their Meetup RSVP to NO so that leaders do not wait for them at the trailhead. COVID PRECAUTIONS Anyone experiencing symptoms of upper respiratory illness should not attend the event. MORE DETAILS -- [SEE THE FAQS ON OUR WEBSITE](http://www.wanderbirds.org/faq.html)

**Park Map / MD Bus** _$36. Long hike: 9½ mi., 2800 ft. ascent. Moderate hike: 7 mi., 2300 ft. ascent._ This hike will take us along the challenging but beautiful River Hills section of the Conestoga Trail along the eastern bank of the Susquehanna River. Moderate hikers start at the Tucquan Glen Trail junction at River Road (PA 3017). Following the Glen downstream for 2 miles, they turn left on the Conestoga Trail and ascend The Pinnacles with its panoramic view of the Susquehanna River. Descending the Conestoga to Kelly’s Run, they follow Kelly’s Run Trail to the Holtwood Arboretum. Long hikers start at the Pequea Campground and follow the Conestoga Trail down Pequea Creek to the Susquehanna, where they turn south (downstream) past the famous Wind Cave (the largest tectonic cave in Pennsylvania) to Tucquan Glen. They then follow the moderate route on the Conestoga to The Pinnacles and up Kelly’s Run. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 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! Because this is a paid event, we cannot offer a waitlist should the hike fill up. If spots subsequently open up, they will become immediately available to anyone and everyone. 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: MARYLAND 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 Grosvenor 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. * **[Connecticut Ave. and Porter St,, NW, northeast corner](http://bit.ly/ConnecticutPorter)**. Bus briefly stops at the curb in front of the Broadmoor Apartments to pick up hikers about 8:10 a.m. * **[Connecticut Ave. and McKinley St., NW, southeast corner](http://bit.ly/ConnecticutMcKinley)**. Bus stops at the bus shelter in front of the Safeway to pick up hikers about 8:20 a.m. * **[Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro Station, North Bethesda](http://bit.ly/Grosv_Metro)**. Bus stops at the bus shelter nearest to Metro Station walkway entrance between the station and the parking garage about 8:30 a.m. 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)** for answers to questions such as these and many more: * What should I bring on a hike? * Can things be left on the bus during the hike? * When will the bus return to the metro Washington DC area? * Can I drive my car and meet the bus at the hike destination? * Are dogs allowed on hikes?

Join Social Sips & Bites for our Wednesday Happy Hour. Great drinks, easy conversation, new faces, familiar faces, and that signature SSB energy that turns a simple night out into something memorable.

(RSVPs open April 5th 8 am) Come out and enjoy discovering the Spring flowers blooming along the Potomac this time of the year. We will hike about 6 miles on the Billy Goat Trail section B & section C. Billy Goat Trail section B re-opened this spring after being closes since after a flood in 2018 We will do an 8 loop alternating hiking on the Billy Goat trails and on the towpath, we will be on natural terrain trails, Billy goat trail is pretty rocky with some rock scrambling and creek crossing, C is easier, the towpath is flat and graveled. Meet: [Carderock North parking lot](https://maps.app.goo.gl/uPXMBmBAx7mTQ7366) At 9:45 am for registration, we will start hiking at 10 am. Bring: Snacks/Lunch, water, hiking shoes for a good grip on the rocks. Weather-appropriate clothing. There is a portable toilet on the Carderock north parking lot. RSVPs open April 5th 8 am For carpooling, the closest metro stations are the ones on the Red line: Friendship Heights, Bethesda, Medical Center, Grosvenor-Strathmore. Arrange for carpool in Meetup Comments, on your own.

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. **8.63 mile circuit hike with 456 feet of elevation gain.** **Description:** This beautiful hike starts out in **[Riverbend Park](https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend/hours)** and follows the **[Potomac Heritage trail](https://www.nps.gov/pohe/index.htm)**[ ](https://www.nps.gov/pohe/index.htm) to **[Great Falls Park](https://www.nps.gov/grfa/index.htm)** offering **spectacular views** of the **Potomac River** and the **Great Falls**. We will stop **briefly** at the **3 Great Falls Overlooks** for some amazing views of the **falls** and **Mather’s Gorge.** From there we continue along the **Old Carriage Road** to the **Swamp Trail** and up to the **Ridge Trail.** A**t** this point, we head down to and cross **Route 193** into the **Difficult Run Parking lot**. We then follow a small portion of **Difficult Run** **Trail** to the **Ridge Trail** that will take us to the **Matildaville Trail** and finally back onto the **River Trail** overlooking the **Potomac River** as we head back to **Riverbend Park. (see [MAP](https://www.nps.gov/grfa/upload/GRFA-complete-map-508.pdf))** **Hike Pace**: Pace will be about **2.5 mph**. **Bring:** Adequate water/hydration, snacks/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes since there are some rocky areas/tree roots on the River Trail. Hiking poles if you normally use them. There are no stream crossings. **Fee:** There is **no entrance fee** at Riverbend Park, but I will need to collect **$2.00** from each hiker to cover the cost of **group fees** at Riverbend. for groups of 12 or more. I will get the **Group Permit** in advance. Small bills only please! **Dogs:** dogs are welcome on this hike in accordance with the [NVHC Dog Policy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy). **Great Falls Trail Map:** [https://www.nps.gov/grfa/upload/GRFA-complete-map-508.pdf](https://www.nps.gov/grfa/upload/GRFA-complete-map-508.pdf) **Where to Meet:** Meet in the parking lot across from the [Riverbend Park Visitor's Center](https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend-park) at 8:45 to allow everyone to get signed in and ready to hike at 9:00 am. The Hatchback of my Honda Fit will be up. **Coordinates** 39.01817, -77.24599 **Address:** 8700-8814 Jeffery Rd, Great Falls, VA 22066 Any questions, please message me here or text me at 703 533 9231 Dawn K. Rehydration: [The Old Brogue](https://oldbrogue.com/)

Join us for an Easter brunch at Matchbox in Mclean followed by a springtime escape at the beautiful Meadowlark Botanical Gardens. ⭐️Brunch starts at 10AM. 📍Matchbox address: 1340 Chain Bridge Rd, McLean, VA 22101 💐Garden Tour will start after we finish the brunch, depending on when we finish brunch, but projecting a start time of 12:30pm. Will keep everyone posted here in the comments. ⭐️Brunch is limited to only 8 guests, so please indicate if you will join us for brunch upon RSVPing, by responding to the question. 🐣Let’s celebrate Easter at Meadowlark Gardens surrounded by peaceful lakes, winding garden paths, and vibrant blooms — without the overwhelming crowds. We may also get a chance to see beautiful Cherry Blossoms throughout the garden. ✨ Open space to stroll and take photos ✨ Quiet corners for reflection and conversation ✨ Beautiful landscaped gardens and waterfront views ✨ A relaxed, unhurried atmosphere 💲entrance fee(pay at the visitor center upon arrival): Age 18 - 59 ----$9.00 Age 60 and over ----$5.00 This is your chance to truly experience spring. Soft petals drifting in the breeze, sunlight shimmering on the water, and room to pause and soak it all in. Let’s trade the hustle for harmony and experience the season that way its meant to be enjoyed. If you RSVP and your plans change you must remove your RSVP 24 hours before the event. No-shows are strongly discouraged and may be removed from the group based on the organizer's discretion.