Canoing, Kayaking, Rafting

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!

**DETAILS** Come join us for the first camping trip of this year at **Cedarville State Forest/Park**. Located in Southern Maryland, at the headwaters of Maryland’s largest freshwater swamp, the Zekiah, which extends through Charles County and emptying into the Wicomico River. The swamp is one mile wide and serves as a haven for wildlife. There are 19.5 miles of marked trails for hiking and horseback riding along with a fishing pond plus picnic and recreation area. **YOU MUST MAKE YOUR OWN CAMPSITE RESERVATION IN THE FAMILY LOOP- SEE LINK BELOW**. There are both tent sites and electric so book now before they fill up, I am in #8. I am excited to get out there and start camping again! I look forward to seeing you all there. There will be more details to follow as the date gets closer. Here’s the link - https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/Pages/southern/Cedarville/Camping.aspx

If you’ve already learned the basics of volleyball and want to keep improving your skills while having fun, this event is for you! **Number of Nets:** 3 **How to find us:** Park in the South Bluemont Parking Area and walk toward the south end of the lot. Near the end, you’ll see a bridge on your left—cross it. We’ll be on the field to the left of the picnic pavilion. **Skill Level:** Advanced Beginner (click [here](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/mobilebasic) for details). **Reminders** 1. Attendance: We’ve noticed that the waitlist is growing, so please make sure your name is on the Going list if you plan to play. Our number of nets is limited so this helps avoid too many rotations. If your name is on the list but you don’t show up, it will count as an absence according to Smiley Social rules. Please update your RSVP at least 12 hours in advance if your plans change. 2. Injuries: Play safely and be mindful of others on the court. Respect positions and avoid risky moves that could lead to injury. If you’re not sure the ball is yours, call it before going for it to avoid collisions. 3. Game Rules: Let’s follow the basic volleyball rules, especially the three-touch rule so we can play properly and improve as a team! **Smiley Social documents:** 1. [Group Rules ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HrG35p_0M08leRvCp8XWG3CMkr_GL928XFabl5T6Dvg) 2. [Liability Waiver ](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W2mq-7m99lmvd7gdWYaSUFtvVg4UGnzV6koafAbHmco) 3. [Volleyball Levels](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/)

It is irresistible to enjoy German, French, Korean, Amharic, Italian, Spanish, what not:) convo. The Event is open to all levels of these languages from novice to native fluency. ***GRAB A DRINK AND YOU ARE ALL SET TO FLEX YOUR LANGUAGE CAPACITY. YOU NEED TO GET AT LEAST A DRINK OR FOOD :) To get the event going and show support. We know that you like our events. P.S. : We have non-alcoholic drinks as well.*** We have a tiny venue and we hit capacity often and early arrival is suggested. We have the discretion to decide entry. We will give out name tags. You write your name and what language you speak and what language you would like to exchange. All languages are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular language, you would like to exchange. Rules to abide : 1\. Event is free and 21\+ \(bring ID\)\. 2\. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to exchange with others as well\. 3\. We all are native speakers of one or two languages and be willing to help others and try to accommodate as much as possible\. 4\. If you don't speak the other person's required language\, LEAVE THEM ALONE\. 5\. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion\. 6\. This is a face\-to\-face language exchange event\. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting\, by using the comment box or direct message\. 7\. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box\. Since it sends notification to all attendees\. If you have any questions\, send a message to the organizers\. Don't write in the comment box\. 8\. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation\. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event\. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via \(info@merevents\.com\)\. 9\. When you get there\, we will greet you and take you to your respective group\. 10\. Don't be shy of your local languages\. We have diplomates assigned to different countries\, who would love to practice your languages\. 11\. Be patient for the first 30 minutes\, up until we form your respective language group\. 12\. We will have a registration station and check you in\. 13\. This is mainly a social for Intermediate/Advanced/Native Speakers\. It is not as such to learn a language\. Beginners\, if you want to learn a language\, reach out to us \([info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com/)). We have a school and will arrange you a class. ***AFTER THE HAPPY HOUR, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!*** [) [) http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/3/2/8/600_8069480.jpeg http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/c/f/a/600_416043322.jpeg http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/a/e/600_416043502.jpeg http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/f/7/a/600_416043962.jpeg

Humpback Rocks is one of the most scenic views on the AT in Virginia. Let's combine it with a hike up Dobie Mountain for a moderate loop. ## **Trail Facts** * **Difficulty Level: Moderate** * **Length:** 7.7 Miles * **Duration:** 4-5 hrs * **Elevation Gain:** 1,745 Feet * **Permits:** None * **Meeting Location**: Vienna Metro Station​ South * **Parking Location:** Humpbacks Rocks Visitor Center * **Meeting Time**: 8:00 AM​ * **Driving Time**: Approximately 2.5 hr * **Dogs:** Allowed (with caution - small scrambles) * **Trailhead Coordinates:** 37.968461, -78.896603 * **AllTrails Map**: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/humpback-rocks-and-dobbie-mountain **CARPOOL:** If you need a ride or can offer one, please coordinate in the event comments. Be a friend to the environment, save money, and make friends. **Trail Details:** Humpback Rocks is an extremely popular section of the AT for good reason - the 360-degree summit views of the George Washington National Forest are stunning. Glass Hollow Overlook views are also impressive, and may still have the remnants of a plane crash from years ago. We will meet at Vienna Metro at 8AM and carpool to the trailhead. Drive time is about 2 hour and 30 mins. For drivers - Note that trailhead parking is limited, so we may need to park at the Humpback Rocks Visitor Center that is about 0.2 miles from the trailhead. Once at the trailhead, we will follow the trail counter-clockwise, first making a steep climb up to Humpback Rocks. After enjoying the view, we will follow the AT to the Glass Hollow Overlook to enjoy another view and look for plane crash remnants. Finally, we will turn off of the AT on the the Jack Albright Loop trail and finish the hike with a modest climb up Dobie Mountain. Make sure to bring water and snacks. Dogs are allowed on this trail. **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!

Come along to explore approx. 5 miles of trails that zig, zag, and zoom through Patuxent River Park as we head to southern Prince George's County. The Patuxent river borders one side of the park so we will have river and wetland views that occasionally put us on boardwalks. Most of our trails will be inland. We'll still enjoy the not-crowded, beautiful forest landscape and a few scenic overlooks. We will be on parts of the purple, blue, and brown trails. [Trail Map](https://www.pgparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/PRP-Trail-Map-2023.jpg). We will meet at the Visitor's Center. From there, we'll take the purple loop to the blue loop which will be most of our hike. The last 1/2 mile will be on the brown loop which will give us river views. Since we're stopped at the Visitor's Center, we'll also have time to check out the Osprey displays inside, the tower overlooking the river, and the Patuxent Rural Life Museums. We'll decide as a group if we want to stop for lunch at lookout 12 or at the end of the hike by the Living History Museum. Bring water, lunch, snacks, sturdy footwear, and $5 for the Adventuring trip fee plus about $3 if carpooling. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Largo Metro station to form carpools. If you are driving yourself, plan to meet at the Visitor's Center by 10:15am. After our hike, we may make an optional stop for foid or a drink at Top of the Hill/Babes Boys Tavern in Upper Marlboro. \*\*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.

This is the day after the official park sponsored Bluebells festival, so hopefully not too crowded! Please join us (Patricia and Jennifer) at 10:30 am on Sunday, April 12, at [Riverbend Park](https://www.fxva.com/listing/riverbend-park/246/), 8700 Potomac Hills Street, Great Falls, Virginia. If you'd like a ride from the East Falls Church metro station please message Patricia, thank you! We built in some time to linger after the hike if folks want to BYOL and enjoy a picnic together. Note that if it's a gorgeous day, the parking lot could be full. In that case we will pivot to a different hiking plan. Please be sure we have your cell number to coordinate in that case! We will hike either up or down the river as agreed on by the group, for about 1 hour / 3 miles total. Difficulty is easy/moderate (a few places where we need to walk on rocks and up and down small hills). If rain is falling or there are high winds, we will postpone -- again, please include your cell number when you sign up so we can reach you. Bring: Layers, water bottle, sturdy hiking shoes that can handle some rocks and muddy areas. Note: if you want to invite other female guests over 50 (or thereabouts), that would be welcome, let us know! Hope you'll join us!

Come join us on the Anacostia and then join us afterwards at [Streetcar 82](streetcar82brewing.com/) (with [Pizza Paradiso](https://www.eatyourpizza.com/) next door) in Hyattsville (this is meant as a social event; each attendee is responsible for their own check). We'll plan to head back to the dock around 4 so there's time for everyone to pack up and head to drinks (we'd love for you to join us for this part, but if you can only come for the paddle, that's ok too). We'll start from the Bladensburg Waterfront Park in Hyattsville, MD. We'll meet at the kayak dock near the park office. The park rents out kayaks and canoes if you need one (advanced [sign up online](https://www.pgparks.com/parks_trails/bladensburg-waterfront-park) is recommended). We'll depart promptly at 2pm and head south on the river towards DC, picking up trash as we go along. We'll plan to travel around 1-2 miles round trip. Please plan to carry all trash you pick up with you on/in your kayak/canoe/paddleboard. This stretch of the river is quite calm, though the strength and direction of the current depends on the tides. Please bring your own: - Kayak/canoe/paddleboard (or rent one at the park) - Personal flotation device (PFD) (or rent one at the park) - Dry bag for any personal items - Plenty of drinking water - Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, etc - Trash pickup tools (grabber, net, etc) - Rubber gloves (the Anacostia is not yet swimmable; we recommend gloves for handling river trash) We'll bring the trash bags, and we'll be able to leave all the trash with the park authorities at the end of our trip. Note: Neither this group nor this event are associated with any particular organization or volunteer event. Each participant is 100% responsible for their own participation in the event and any risks associated with their participation.

Discover a hidden ribbon of trail that transitions from open lake views to the rustic charm of an old-world mill. his route tracks the peaceful flow of the water through deep stream valleys, connecting two of the area's most iconic parks via a canopy-covered trail. Spring is here! What a wonderful time to get out and hike beautiful trails across the DMV! You must register here \*\*\*https://www.destinationhike.com/events/gristmill-hike\*\*\* **Once you register, please look for a detailed email from info@destinationhike.com.** \* Excerpt from Destination Hike Waiver\* *Hiking is a recreational activity that has an inherent risk of danger. While hiking I may be exposed to dangers and hazards, not limited to: heat, stroke, dehydration, bee stings, tick bites, snake bites, loss of balance, inclement weather, falling rocks, fatigue, wildlife, negligence of others, drowning, and/or death. Please review full waiver prior to registering for any Destination Hike event.* How to prepare? 1\. Wear comfortable shoes\. If you have hiking boots that would be preferred\. However\, if you have not committed to buying hiking shoes\, wear comfortable tennis shoes\. 2\. Check the weather for the day and dress appropriately\. When you are hiking in the Spring\, you need to pay attention to what the weather may be for that day\. There is always a possibility for rainy weather\. Allergens may be higher\, and there may be more bugs out\. You will want to dress in layers\, so you can take off and put on layers as necessary\. Also\, make sure you wear solid footwear with grips on the bottom\. Hiking boots are strongly encouraged\. Spring can bring wet trails that can be slick if you are not wearing appropriate footwear\. 3\. Bring a small to medium size back pack\. This is to carry any personal items; cell phone\, water\, personal medication\, and any other items you may need\. 4\. Always bring a at ***least*** 1L of water. Make sure you have hydrated the day before, and the day of the hike. 5\. Remember\, there are no bathrooms in nature\, so stay hydrated but make sure you are good to hike without needing a bathroom\. If you do need to use the bathroom\, nature will be your stall\. 6\. Suggested: Download the AllTrails app\. Trail app will be provided in confirmation email\. Any additional questions, comments, or concerns, email info@destinationhike.com

***NOTE: NOT RECOMMENDED FOR INEXPERIENCED HIKERS.*** Come enjoy a day filled with fresh air, great views, and friendly company as we hike **Sugarloaf Mountain!** This hike is all about enjoying the outdoors, getting some exercise, making new friends, and sharing a memorable experience with a great group of people. We’ll meet at the **West View Parking Lot** (check the map pin for the exact location) and head out on a **5.4-mile loop** that will take about **3 hours**. The hike follows the Blue Loop trail, to White Rock, where we’ll pause to take in the stunning views, snap some photos, and catch our breath. After the hike, join us for a casual meetup at **Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard**. Feel free to bring your own food, but there's usually a food truck on premises. Please remember that outside alcohol is not allowed, but the vineyard offers wine by the glass for purchase. It’s the perfect way to relax, enjoy good conversation, and toast to a fantastic day spent outdoors. We’re excited to have you join us! Be sure to wear your hiking shoes, bring water, and pack your positive energy. Let’s make this a fun and refreshing fall day together! **Meeting Time & Location:** We’ll meet at **9:30 AM** at the Sugarloaf Mountain West View Parking Lot. Look for us by the picnic tables near the trailhead. **Distance:** 5.4 miles **Elevation Gain:** 1,063 feet **Difficulty:** Intermediate / Advanced Hike This hike is rated Intermediate to Advanced based on it's moderate inclines / elevation changes. There are no stream crossings or rock scrambles. **Estimated Duration** This hike is expected to take approximately 3 hours. **Pace:** Moderate Pace We'll walk 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** We’ll park at the **West View Parking Lot**, which has plenty of spaces available and is a convenient starting point for our hike. Please refer to the event map to locate the correct parking area. Do not park at the East View Parking Area, which is the first parking area you’ll pass. **Trail Map (AllTrails)** [Take a Hike! (DMV) - Sugarloaf Mountain](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/map-april-11-2025-367147f?u=i&sh=mdqqtd) Preview the hiking route on AllTrails to get familiar with the terrain. Download the map in advance to follow along and stay on track during the hike. **Restrooms** There are a couple of porta-potties located at the trailhead for your convenience. Be sure to plan accordingly, as these are the only restroom facilities available on this hike. **Lunch After the Hike** Join us after the hike, for a relaxed lunch at the ***[Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard](https://www.smvwinery.com),*** *[18125 Comus Rd, Dickerson, MD 20842](https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=f71cbf26ae99198622b7ba5f47ae7aad1a0b204a683794057a007958f4a2895dJmltdHM9MTc3NDkxNTIwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=108cd8d6-7e8f-6b13-174d-ce097fb86ad8&u=a1L21hcHM_Jm1lcGk9MH5-RW1iZWRkZWR-QWRkcmVzc19MaW5rJnR5PTE4JnE9U3VnYXJsb2FmJTIwTW91bnRhaW4lMjBWaW5leWFyZCZzcz15cGlkLllOODhEOTZGM0FFQTNENjZDNCZwcG9pcz0zOS4yNTA5Njg5MzMxMDU0N18tNzcuMzc5NDkzNzEzMzc4OV9TdWdhcmxvYWYlMjBNb3VudGFpbiUyMFZpbmV5YXJkX1lOODhEOTZGM0FFQTNENjZDNH4mY3A9MzkuMjUwOTY5fi03Ny4zNzk0OTQmdj0yJnNWPTEmRk9STT1NUFNSUEw)* Feel free to bring your own food or simply enjoy a glass of wine with the group. Please note that outside alcohol is not permitted, but the vineyard offers a wonderful selection of wines available for purchase. There are food trucks on site as well. This is a wonderful chance to relax, take in the scenic views, and connect with the group.

We will hike 5 miles around the park and afterwards we'll go right next door to the Paradise Springs Winery. This hike is rated easy. We do start on time so please plan accordingly ** I will make every effort for your safety. You are hiking at your own risk. Dogs are welcome on the hike as long as they are good with groups, friendly and you follow all leash laws. Kids are great but this is an adult event so please no kids or any one under 21.**

During the month of April Juanatán will guide you on a short but beautiful hike at Riverbend Park. This journey of just under 4 miles will take you through varied habitat types with a chance of seeing bluebells in bloom. We will meet at the Vienna South Metro Station at 8:00 AM and carpool to the trailhead. Drive time is about 30 minutes. Please post a comment if you are willing to drive. Carpooling saves the environment and makes friends! ## **Trail Facts** * **Difficulty Level:** Easy * **Length:** 4 Miles * **Duration:** 3 hrs (Including plenty of time for taking pictures.) * **Elevation Gain:** 324 Feet * **Permits:** None. * **Parking:** Vienna South Metro Station (Search for ¨NOVA Trailblazers Carpooling Location¨ on Google Maps.) (Parking is free on weekends.) * **Dogs:** Allowed on a leash at the park. (But not inside the restaurant.) * **Trailhead Coordinates:** 39.01872734604616, -77.24625717031695 * **AllTrails Map**: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-91328d0?u=m&sh=kucj8c **Trail Details:** After using the restrooms we will follow the Potomac Heritage Trail along the river and enjoy the views, potentially seeing Virginia bluebells along the way. We will then pass by Carper's Pond and start following the Bootlegger Trail, which will take us through some wetlands and then a meadow. We will then start making our way back down to the river by following Madison's Escape Trail, Follow the Hollows Trail, and then the Bootlegger Trail once again. After that we will take the Potomac Heritage Trail along the river until we return to the Visitor Center. Afterwards I am planning to stop by Deli Italiano in Great Falls, VA. The address is 9911 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA 22066. **Itinerary:** 8:00 AM: Meet at the Vienna South Metro Station. 8:15 AM: Depart for the trailhead. 9:00 AM: Arrive and begin the hike. 12:00 PM: Finish the hike, drive to Deli Italiano, and eat. 1:30 PM: Depart for the carpooling location. 2:00 PM: Arrive at the Vienna South Metro Station. *(Setting the end time to 3:00 PM to allow time for the unexpected.)* **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! **[Featured Image Source](https://www.funinfairfaxva.com/potomac-hike-bluebells-and-sycamores-at-riverbend-park/)**

**NOTE: THIS IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR INEXPERIENCED HIKERS.** **Details** Get ready to hit the trails at Turkey Run - this is a 5.38 mile hike at Turkey Run. This hike is a bit challenging, with a couple of **stream crossings**, and a couple of **significant elevation gains** (a total of 456 feet of elevation gain). Ideal for **intermediate to advanced hikers**. The trail includes shallow stream crossings, adding some fun technical elements along the way. We’ll take regular breaks to regroup, hydrate, and enjoy the scenery. **Hiking shoes are a must -** the trail is slippery, and the extra grip of hiking shoes is essential for safety. Also, don’t forget your **hiking poles**; they’ll be helpful at the stream crossings. After the hike, join us for a social gathering at \*\**Chiang Mai Thai Cookhouse [(6828 Old Dominion Dr., McLean)](https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=4250880837db9923fe99316769050373b426a317e7bdf43931605d5b92eba921JmltdHM9MTc3NDkxNTIwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=108cd8d6-7e8f-6b13-174d-ce097fb86ad8&u=a1L21hcHM_Jm1lcGk9NTZ-fkVtYmVkZGVkfkFkZHJlc3NfTGluayZ0eT0xOCZxPUNoaWFuZyUyME1haSUyMFRoYWklMjBDb29raG91c2Umc3M9eXBpZC5ZTjg0NDI0Nzc2MDUyNTc5NzcmcHBvaXM9MzguOTM0NzY4Njc2NzU3ODFfLTc3LjE3OTQzNTcyOTk4MDQ3X0NoaWFuZyUyME1haSUyMFRoYWklMjBDb29raG91c2VfWU44NDQyNDc3NjA1MjU3OTc3fiZjcD0zOC45MzQ3Njl-LTc3LjE3OTQzNiZ2PTImc1Y9MSZGT1JNPU1QU1JQTA)* to unwind, grab a bite, and enjoy time with fellow hikers. **Meeting Time & Location** Meet at 9:30 AM at Turkey Run’s Parking Lot C-1. **Distance:** 5.38 miles **Elevation Gain:** 456 feet **Difficulty Level:** Intermediate Hike (challenging stream crossings) This hike features moderate inclines and **challenging stream crossings** over slippery rocks. Hiking poles are recommended for added balance and stability. **Estimated Duration:** 3 hours This hike is expected to take approximately **3 hours**, which accounts for breaks, stream crossings, and group pace. **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** Park in Turkey Run’s **Lot C-1,** where there's plenty of room for all. Grab a spot, lace up, and get ready to hit the trail! **Trail Map (AllTrails):** [Take a Hike! @ Turkey Run](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-367d794?u=i&sh=mdqqtd) **Bathrooms** There are no bathrooms available on this hike. Please plan accordingly. **Age Requirement:** Children under 18 are not permitted. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. **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 a casual lunch at **Chiang Mai Thai Cookhouse (6828 Old Dominion Dr., McLean)**. Free parking is available in the garage off Beverly Rd.

Meet new friends and enjoy a **medium/low difficulty hike** at Ball’s Bluff Regional Park! This hike focuses on good conversation and fresh air as we hike through wooded trails, with scenic views of the Potomac River. It’s a perfect way to connect with others who love the outdoors and take in the natural beauty of Leesburg during this 3-hour hike. Ball’s Bluff Regional Park is a hidden gem rich in history and natural beauty. The park features winding forest trails, scenic river views, and quiet spots perfect for taking a break or chatting with fellow hikers. Once the site of a Civil War battle, it’s now a serene place to enjoy nature and experience a peaceful escape just minutes from downtown Leesburg. **Meeting Time & Location:** 9:30 AM at the **Ball's Bluff Regional Park Parking Lot**. **Distance:** 5.34 miles (approximately) **Elevation Gain:** 643 feet **Difficulty:** Moderate Hike This hike features natural trails with moderate difficulty, including some elevation gains. We recommend wearing sturdy hiking shoes to navigate this terrain comfortably. **Estimated Duration:** 3 hours. **Waitlist Policy** To keep things fair, hikers will be moved off the waitlist in this order: **1\. Regular Hikers:** Those who join hikes often get first priority. **2\. Past Hikers:** Next are returning hikers, based on attendance and cancellation history. Frequent cancellations may lower priority. **3\. New Hikers:** New members will be added as space allows. **Age Requirement:** **Children under 18 are not permitted** to ensure a comfortable experience for all participants. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. **Pace:** Moderate. We'll walk 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. **Trail Map:** [Ball's Bluff - 5.34mi loop](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-ball-s-bluff-red-and-orange-loop-0010dae?u=i&sh=mdqqtd) **Restrooms:** Restrooms are not available on this hike. **Lunch After the Hike:** After we wrap up our hike, we invite you to join us for a relaxed lunch together. We'll meet for a casual lunch at **[Vanish Farmwoods Brewery,](https://maps.app.goo.gl/RRviGPewRvUmow46A)** *[42245 Black Hops Lane](https://maps.app.goo.gl/RRviGPewRvUmow46A)* *[Leesburg, VA 20176](https://maps.app.goo.gl/RRviGPewRvUmow46A)*