Park

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. **5.6 mile loop with a 685 ft. elevation gain that makes the hike the equivalent to a bit over 7 miles. (400ft gain = 1 mile)** **\*\* This hike is limited to 20 participants per park no permit regulations.**\*\* **Description:** **[Rock Creek Park](https://www.nps.gov/rocr/index.htm)**[ ](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. Military Road divides the park into North and South This hike starts from the **[Rock Creek Park Nature Center](https://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/nature-center-and-planetarium.htm)** (closed Mon/Tues) and heads **east** and then **south** following the **creek** to the **[Valley Trail](https://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/maps.htm)**, the **[Rock Creek Trail](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington-dc/western-ridge-trail-rock-creek-valley-trail)** and finally to the **[Western Ridge Trail](https://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/maps.htm)** through **[Pierce Mill](https://www.nps.gov/places/peirce-mill.htm)** and then back to the **[Nature Center](https://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/nature-center-and-planetarium.htm)**. **Pace**: pace is about **2.-2.7 mph** while moving. **Bring:** adequate water/hydration, also snack/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes since there are rocky areas, tree roots. **Dogs:** Dogs are **not** welcome on this hike in accordance with the **[NVHC Dog Policy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy).** **Weather:** weather in this location is **[HERE](https://weather.com/weather/today/l/4977d84136752e007d09245dc605351849a561f839bb8c7d002ae55470e11441).** **Meetup Location:** we will meet in the parking lot of the **[Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium](https://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/nature-center-and-planetarium.htm)** (Closed Monday and Tuesdays) at 5200 Glover Rd NW, Washington, DC 20015 GPS Coordinates : **38°57'34.1"N 77°03'05.6"W. Please arrive by 9:45 am to get signed in in time to start the hike at 10 am.** **Rock Creek Park** **[Map of Hike](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington-dc/western-ridge-trail-rock-creek-valley-trail)** **[Hiking in Rock Creek Park](https://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/hiking.htm)** **[Map of Rock Creek Park](https://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/maps.htm)** **Questions:** feel free to text/call me, Dawn, at 703 533 9231

Come celebrate the golden anniversary of the showcase transit of Washington, the Metrorail! We'll be traveling back and forth over the original stretch of the Red line that opened on March 27, 1976, distributing [t-shirts](https://transitenthusiastsdc.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/t-shirt-order-form.pdf), balloons and stickers. Once we've spread our cheer, we'll retire to the Metro Bar just outside the Rhode Island Avenue station to reminisce and celebrate more. Join us! **NOTE**: Our "official" celebration begins at 4:30. We may add a noontime celebration if there is enough interest. Please email me at williamrice63@gmail.com if you'd like to participate in the earlier event. **ALSO NOTE**: WMATA has of this writing not yet announced what it is doing to celebrate. We will monitor its communications and keep you updated if we adjust our activities to accommodate the agency's plans.

The Spring fling weekend of the Lancaster Bicycle Club, and Wilmington Rails for Trails will be held on the weekend of March 27-29, 2026, Washington DC Cherry Blossom ride. Where we have stayed previous years is now permanently closed. So this year we will be staying at: The Double Tree-Hilton 300 Army Navy Drive Arlington, VA 703-416-4100 We have a special rate per room/ two queen beds/ per night of $179 This rate is held until March 6th… To register /control/click on the following: [https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/dcaaedt-500-eef3e4a2-105a-4fd5-a39e-7d51d68f2aea](https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/dcaaedt-500-eef3e4a2-105a-4fd5-a39e-7d51d68f2aea) **Tentative schedule:** Friday afternoon arrive and check in. 4pm We will meet in the parking lot and ride the trails Four mile run, Mount Vernon, etc. …back by dark. Saturday ride to see Cherry Blossoms. Once again this year, we have Mary, who lives in DC will ride with us, as our guide for the day. Sunday after checking out, some of us will choose to stop, on the way home, and ride the Capital Crescent Trail between Bethesda and Georgetown. The trails we are riding are crushed gravel. Hybrid bicycles are recommended,but road bikes will do… so RSVP required on Meet Up and control/ click the link above. Richard Conner 717-572-8480

Join us for the Friday Night Fitness Skate! A 12 or 8 mile fitness skate that skates the same route each week so you will know the route and pavement hazards (since it is dark) and be able to work on form, endurance or speed as the cold wind is pushing against you! ;) The route has nice long stretches of uninterrupted skating, open roads with very few cars and the regroups are short and infrequent. We will meet at Freedom Plaza at 7pm as long as it is not raining, snowing and the pavement is not wet or icy. We’ll warm up with a skate to the Capital and then skate along the mall and museums to the National Monument. We will then head to the Lincoln Memorial through the World War II Memorial. From the Lincoln we will proceed to Haynes Point down Ohio Drive with the option to take the 3 mile Haynes Point loop (12 mile total skate) or practice stops or stunts at the regroup spot while others skate the loop (8.5 mile total skate.) 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 and a couple patches here and there. The wind can be very strong and cold especially on Ohio Drive and Haynes Point as we skate adjacent to the water. Please feel free to jazz up your gear with lights, I wear a helmet bike light (since it is pretty dark) and a set of body lights. Most of the regulars skate with lighted wheels for fun! Wear your lights so you have fun, can see and be seen! In case of bad weather, I will update this post via the comment section around 6pm on Friday. Of course, all skating is at your own risk. Hope you will come join us!

Come check out the Carter Farm Band at Tommy Joe's. Fantastic group of musicians playing the softer side of classic rock music. Admission is free, the food is great, and the crowd will be fun!

This is the last weekend before a $12 entrance fee goes back into effect for non-county residents at Burke Lake Park. Let's go for a hike! ❶ **What we’ll do:** * From the marina parking lot, we'll walk clockwise once around the lake. * The walk is 4.7 miles with 144 feet of elevation gain and should take a little under 2 hours at a moderate pace. The surface is pretty flat and mostly dirt, with paved bits here and there. This is an easy hike. * Google map: [http://tinyurl.com/khy8uwj](http://tinyurl.com/khy8uwj) **❷ How to get there:** From I-495, take the Braddock Road West exit and travel about 2 miles. Turn left onto Burke Lake Road (at Kings Park Shopping Center). Follow Burke Lake Road for 5 miles. Turn left onto Ox Road (Route 123 South). The golf course entrance is the first left off Ox Road (Route 123). The park entrance is the second left off Ox Road (Route 123). Once you enter the park and pass through the gate, go straight and follow the signs to the marina. The road will dead-end into a large parking lot. We'll meet at the trailhead near the entrance of this parking lot. ❸ **What to bring:** Water, comfy shoes, and your furry friend if desired (leashes please). Shades, sunscreen, and the layered look are recommended. **❹ Weather:** The forecast is sunny and a high of 50F, with 12-13 mph NNW winds. No rain in the forecast. Updates: [https://tinyurl.com/y7khb5jd](https://tinyurl.com/y7khb5jd) **❺ Advisory**: As a reminder, this is an adult group, and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety and well-being during events. No one under 18 years of age is allowed at this event, either as members or as guests, to include babies in carriers and/or strollers. ❻ **Cost:** No fee any time for Fairfax County residents! The $12 per vehicle park entrance fee for nonresidents goes back into effect in April, so nonresidents also enter free for now. ❼ **Administrative stuff:** There are public restrooms at the marina near the meetup point, and at Picnic Area A&B, just to the south. There are also locations nearby for a pit stop en route to the hike. South Run Recreation Center and a few likely nearby commercial established are listed below. ❽ **Notes**: * Burke Lake Park, 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station, VA 22039, 703-323-6600. [http://tinyurl.com/lrlg9fn](http://tinyurl.com/lrlg9fn) * Burke Lake Park Entrance Fees: [https://tinyurl.com/5n8vuhpy](https://tinyurl.com/5n8vuhpy) * Trail map (pdf): [https://tinyurl.com/ahhyjpfw](https://tinyurl.com/ahhyjpfw) * South Run Recreation Center, 7550 Reservation Dr, Springfield, VA 22153 * McDonald's, 5651 Burke Centre Pkwy, Burke, VA 22015 * McDonald's, 9528 Old Keene Mill Rd, Burke, VA 22015 * Starbucks, 7475 Huntsman Blvd, Springfield, VA 22153

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

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

This hike is perfect for those who want to experience the joy and wonder of the Cherry Blossom season beyond the Tidal Basin by strolling through DC's hidden treasure, the National Arboretum, where the blossoms are already bursting out and are nearly at their peak. As we embark on this journey, we will first take a leisurely stroll through the National Grove of State Trees, where you'll see a stunning collection of trees representing each state in the United States. As we continue, we will pass through the Fern Valley Native Plant Collection, where we will immerse ourselves in the lush greenery and spot some of the unique fern species found in this area. The highlight of this trip, of course, are the Cherry Blossoms, spread out across 450 acres. Our itinerary will take us through the most breathtaking scenery of the Arboretum. When the cherry trees are in full bloom, they create a sea of pink and white petals. We will be surrounded by the delicate fragrance of the Cherry Blossoms as we hike through this magical if ephemeral wonderland. At the end of our hike, we will reach the iconic National Capitol Columns. These majestic columns, which once supported the East Portico of the U.S. Capitol, provide a picturesque spot for a rest and some stunning photo opportunities. This hike is perfect for nature enthusiasts and anyone who wants to take in the breathtaking beauty of the Cherry Blossom season. Come and explore the US National Arboretum and experience the magic of nature! Total length of this easy stroll is about 6 miles, most of it on paved roads and pathways. Bring plenty of beverages, lunch, bug spray, comfortable walking shoes, and the $5 Adventuring trip fee. Restrooms are available along the way. Since the Arboretum is not Metro-accessible, we'll carpool at 10 a.m. that Saturday morning from the Rhode Island Avenue Metro Station. Those not participating in the carpool must use the Arboretum's New York Avenue entrance immediately east of Bladensburg Road. Park in either the large lot right at that entrance and walk to the Visitor Center, or continue driving to the smaller lot by the 24th & R Street NE gate; please note this gate is available only for cars exiting the grounds. Anyone taking a taxi/Uber/Lyft should ask to be dropped off at this gate, which is completely open to pedestrians. No matter how you get there, we will all rendezvous at 10:30 a.m. in front of the Visitor Center near the R Street gate. **Dogs: Allowed** **Fees: The Adventuring Trip Fee will be $5.** **What to Bring: Sturdy shoes, bagged lunch, and at least 2 liters of water.** **Park Information:** [National Arboretum](https://www.usna.usda.gov/) **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

“Spring” into fitness with our FREE Fitness in the Parks Spring Kickoff. As the weather gets warmer, get back to your fitness routine! At this event, you will meet our instructors, work out, and get assistance in registering for our upcoming Fitness in the Parks classes. Also, please come and enjoy smoothie samples from Smoothies on the Move with Get Fit Mobile. Help with registration for Fitness and Yoga in the Parks Spring classes will be available throughout the event. **[Register Here](https://mdpgparksweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/search.html?Action=Start&SubAction=&_csrf_token=Zi6R660R6G6S3J2I383N353Z705L4Z531J5T3R515F725H5I5F460G5B4M4S650A5S4P5T6A696U4L4Z526407476L4K705V5Z5F5J014O4G6E5Y1I4Q514V566R5E4O5F&keyword=spring+kickoff&keywordoption=Match+All&dayoption=All&beginyear=&location=&display=Detail&search=yes&page=1&module=global&multiselectlist_value=&globalwebsearch_buttonsearch=yes)** **Ticket Code: SPD-SPEC-GA-20250328** For fastest response to any questions, or for more information, please contact Health and Wellness directly at (301) 446-6800; TTY (301) 699-2544 or email wellness@pgparks.com

Join us for a flat 2.6 mile hike along the Alum Creek Trail from the rear parking lot of the Easton Hilton Garden Inn to the Strawberry Farms Park and back. This scenic trail along Alum Creek is a gem. Come and hike it with us!

We will meet next to the restrooms at the [Big Meadows Picnic Area](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/HBK_Web_1980.png). They're all the way at the back of the park, and they can be found at coordinates [40°09'06.6"N 83°02'30.2"W](https://www.google.com/maps/place/40%C2%B009'06.6%22N+83%C2%B002'30.2%22W/@40.151828,-83.0423587,214m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m10!1m5!3m4!2zNDDCsDA5JzA4LjAiTiA4M8KwMDEnNDUuMSJX!8m2!3d40.1522222!4d-83.0291944!3m3!8m2!3d40.151827!4d-83.041715?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTIwNC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) (near the playground and the zip line). We'll hike about 5 miles at [Highbanks Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/highbanks/) on the Dripping Rock and Overlook Trails. Afterward, we'll head over to [Olentangy River Brewing](https://www.olentangybrew.com/) for drinks, coffee, or food (their Sunday [food truck](https://www.olentangybrew.com/eventsandfood) is Venezuelan and always gets good reviews). The actual address of the brewery is [303 Green Meadows Dr S, 43035](https://www.google.com/maps/place/303+Green+Meadows+Dr+S,+Lewis+Center,+OH+43035/@40.1551938,-83.0144045,17.25z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x8838f395cef06c97:0xe407de61b3e30069!8m2!3d40.1551765!4d-83.0124352!16s%2Fg%2F11c26jc7j9?entry=ttu). If you can't make the hike, we should be there by noon. **How to find our starting point in Big Meadows:** If you are new to Highbanks, the Big Meadows picnic area is 1.5 miles into the park just after you turn into the park off of U.S. Route 23. That is, after you enter the park, drive a mile and a half into the park. You will come to a crosswalk with a yield sign in the middle of it (this is not to be confused with the first such crosswalk you come to just in front of the Nature Center, which you arrive at maybe a quarter of a mile into the park). Just after this second crosswalk, make a left. Then make another almost immediate left into the parking lot on your left. There you will see the jungle gym and the kiddie zip line to your left. I will be just in front of the restrooms just a bit further down from the jungle gym and picnic shelter; the restroom building will also be on your left.

Hi ladies. We will meet in front of the Nature Center and head to the two Observation decks. We will then hike Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook and Sugarbush trails to get approximately four miles total distance. We will walk approximately a 18 minute mile pace. Please wear appropriate hiking shoes.

**Summary** Celebrate America's 250th year and the [Columbus Clippers'](https://www.milb.com/columbus) 50th season by watching [Franklin County's](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbus_Clippers) best team play the [best game in the world](https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/babe_ruth_140116) at [one of the ten best](https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/minors/2025/03/26/huntington-park-voted-top-10-minor-league-ballparks-usa-today-10best-awards/82656048007/) baseball stadiums in the United States in their 2026 home Saturday opener! The first pitch is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. The gates always open an hour before the scheduled first pitch. I'm usually at the ballpark a half an hour before the scheduled first pitch. Clippers' games usually last around two and a half hours. Being a few minutes early will help us secure good seats. **Parking** I personally always like to park in the [McConnell Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/McConnell+Garage/@39.9685114,-83.0103938,17z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388f24145462d1:0x6238c0f0c851ab70!8m2!3d39.9692957!4d-83.0081175!16s%2Fg%2F1jkw6y27y?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTExNi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D). If nothing else is going on in the area, this should be $7. However, I've also seen it be as high as $22. I can't say for certain what it will be for this game, but once I know, I will post in the comments. Alternately, there are other lots in the area you can try which will probably be a few dollars cheaper. [Here is a map](https://img.mlbstatic.com/milb-images/image/upload/q_auto/milb/ernng44ya2xkr4wbheql) of all the garages and lots surrounding the stadium. Keep in mind that many of these are outdoor lots and your car will be out in the elements. If you decide to look for a different lot, I would mildly recommend either the Buggyworks Lot or the Broadbelt Lot, but I have never parked in either of these myself. Although it won't apply for this game, keep in mind that street parking is also free citywide in Columbus on [Sundays and holidays](https://www.columbus.gov/files/sharedassets/city/v/1/public-service/right-of-way-permit/on-street-parking-out-of-service-policy-and-procedure-final-8.15.2022-signed.pdf). **Where We'll Be** Here is a [map of the ballpark](https://img.mlbstatic.com/milb-images/image/upload/milb/qkqohbqjgtx5uwo6zkgn.pdf). We'll be sitting on Level 3 of the [Left Field Building](https://www.milb.com/columbus/ballpark/huntington-park) (aka the "AEP Power Pavilion"), which features a 110 foot bar with six open patios overlooking the field. This area is covered and will be out of any sun or rain that may transpire. If you enter the park through the Center Field Entrance (which is at the intersection of Nationwide Blvd. and Neil Ave.), there will be a door to your immediate right after you enter that leads to a staircase up into the Tower. This door is not well-marked, and if you've never been to Huntington Park before, you may wonder if you're actually allowed to go in and up the stairs. Yes, you are. We'll be on the Tower's "Level 3". I have uploaded to the Photos section of this event page, below, a picture of the sign you want look for after you ascend the stairs, so you'll know you're on the correct floor. **Tickets** Do not buy your tickets ahead of time. They will literally be twice as expensive if you buy them on Ticketmaster. Instead, go to the ticket window near the Center Field Entrance. Buy a *Standing Room Only* ticket (don't worry, you won't be standing), which will cost you a flat $8 with no other taxes or fees. These tickets never sell out, and this is the cheapest way to get into the park. **Carry-Ins** Per the team's [website](https://www.milb.com/columbus/ballpark/a-z-guide): "Soft-sided coolers are permitted in the general seating area [which is where we'll be], but not hard-sided coolers; also no alcohol, glass bottles, or cans will be permitted. SMALL bags or backpacks of food items and beverages in plastic bottles are ok. Reusable water bottles are permitted, but must be empty upon arrival. Diaper bags are allowed." I always bring a disposable plastic bottle of water and refill it as I need at the park. Bottled water at the game is something like 4 or 5 dollars. So if you want a bottle of water, I recommend bringing your own bottle instead of buying it at the park. **Food & Drink** The area we'll be in has burgers, hot dogs, salads, soft pretzels, ice cream, and other sorts of things you would expect at a baseball game. I've posted pics of the menu in the Photos section, below. The burger and fries are $14 plus tax, and they're not bad. (This is what I usually get.) The beer is *really* overpriced. It's like $9, or $20 for a pitcher. If there's some people to help me drink it, though, I'll buy a pitcher of Michelob Ultra. While we'll be on the penultimate floor of the Tower, the top floor (which has a great view, but is fully exposed to the elements) has a [Dirty Frank's](https://dirtyfranks.com/) hot dog stand. I've never gotten anything from there, though I've been told it's good. The Donatos pizza stand is also a very short walk away from where we'll be. I love Donatos, but the pizza is so expensive at the ballpark. It's like $9 for a personal-sized pepperoni. It is good, though. **Peroration** Let's (watch them) play ball!