Rail Trails

I've decided last minute to do the STS loop in 3 days. I've made this VMO/IO because of the challenging nature of this hike. Splits are roughly 31/29/24. The plan is to start early on Friday morning camping at the Spook Hollow Shelter, then stopping at Debs Cross Fork Inn for lunch, go to the Gravel Lick Shelter. The final day is back to the car and head home. Here is a trip report from another DCUL trip to this trail: https://dculbackpacking.com/2022/06/02/trip-report-spooky-hollow-danger-bigfoot-warnings-and-a-spider-man-sighting-susquehannock-trail-system-thru-hike-85-miles-may-26-30-2022/ The weather report for the weekend is mostly hot with temps in the mid-high 80s, lows of 60 overnight. I would expect some sections of the trail to be hiking through long grass, nettles and there are the ever present ticks. Water should be not a problem at this time of the year. Caltopo for this trip: https://caltopo.com/m/4R5VMG5 DCULers always bring maps. Below are a few resources: Susquehannock Trail System Guidebook & Map Set (fifth edition) by Chuck Dillon: [http://www.pinecrk.com/items/items.html](http://www.pinecrk.com/items/items.html) Michael's (U-turn): [https://www.amazon.com/AMCs-Best-Backpacking-Mid-Atlantic-Multiday/dp/193402886X](https://www.amazon.com/AMCs-Best-Backpacking-Mid-Atlantic-Multiday/dp/193402886X) Purple Lizard (only covers STS partially): [https://www.purplelizard.com/products/pine-creek-pennsylvania-grand-canyon-map?_pos=1&_sid=d58845716&_ss=r](https://www.purplelizard.com/products/pine-creek-pennsylvania-grand-canyon-map?_pos=1&_sid=d58845716&_ss=r) PA DCNR: [https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateForests/FindAForest/Susquehannock/Pages/Maps.aspx](https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateForests/FindAForest/Susquehannock/Pages/Maps.aspx) The Fine Print I’m just a co-participant on this trip, not a guide or an expert. I have no special training, such as organizational, medical, or navigational. You are officially on the trip if you both RSVP on Meetup, we engage by email, text, or the app, and you meet me at the trailhead. Otherwise, you are doing your own trip until you make physical contact with me and I recognize you as a co-participant. By RSVPing to this trip or any other DC UL trip, you agree to DC UL's liability waiver terms. ([https://dculbackpacking.com/about/liability-waiver](https://dculbackpacking.com/about/liability-waiver)) If you are a member, don't forget to pay your annual $10 dues. You can check to see 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 with the group. To pay your dues via PayPal, use this link: [https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/JenniferAdach/15](https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/JenniferAdach/15)

As part of the 250th anniversary of the USA, four tall ships, Providence, Kalmar Nyckel, Sultana, and Gazela will be at the Alexandria waterfront for Sails on the Potomac. We'll be able to view and get on board one or more of these replica and original historic sailing vessels. The weekend festival also includes history exhibits, demonstrations, artists, and live music. Check out the full schedule at: [Sails on the Potomac](https://www.alexandriava.gov/historic-alexandria/sails-on-the-potomac-event-schedule#SundayJune14) I'll be attending sometime Sunday afternoon; please send a message to the whole club so others can coordinate and meetup at the event.

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

• What we'll do Inter-faith praying, meditation, singing, discussion, and exploration of universal spiritual themes. This is not a "sermon". We will connect and support each other to increase our understanding of spiritual concepts such as "Love", "Forgiveness", "Spiritual Growth", "Service", "Truthfulness", "The Nature of the Soul", "Oneness Of Mankind", "Love Thy Neighbor", "Charity", "Justice", etc. • What to bring Participants are encouraged BUT NOT REQIUIRED to bring excerpts from the authoritative text, music, guided meditations from any religion or spiritual teachings that can illuminate the spiritual concept that we are exploring • Important to know Free. Inter-faith. Spiritual Fellowship. #TheDaley

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. **9 mile loop with 1100ft. of elevation; Each 400ft. elevation = 1 mile, so hike is approx. 11.5 miles.** **Please Note: this hike involves a lot of maneuvering over tree trunks, around rock and stream crossings.** You must be **capable** of hiking this **distance** and **elevation.** Join us as we hike along the **[Potomac Heritage Trail](https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/upload/POHEMap-508-2021.pdf)** from **[Turkey Run](https://gohikevirginia.com/turkey-run-park/)** to **[Chain Bridge](https://arlingtonhistorical.com/items/show/127)** through **[Fort Marcy](https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/fortmarcy.htm)** and **back**. It is a scenic and very enjoyable hike! **DESCRIPTION:** We will descend from **[Turkey Run Park](https://gohikevirginia.com/turkey-run-park/)** to the **[Potomac River](https://www.americanrivers.org/river/potomac-river/)**[ ](https://www.americanrivers.org/river/potomac-river/)to hike along the **[Potomac Heritage Trail](https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/upload/POHEMap-508-2021.pdf)**[.](https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/upload/POHEMap-508-2021.pdf) We will follow the trail through **varied landscapes** such as neighborhoods, highways, and along streams. We will stop and have lunch/snack near **[Fort Marcy](https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/planyourvisit/fortmarcy.htm)** and then continue along a lovely stream towards \*\*[Chain Bridge ](https://arlingtonhistorical.com/items/show/127)\*\*trailhead where we turn around and head back to **Turkey Run**. **Facilities: None** **Bring:** adequate hydration, sturdy shoes, poles, snack/lunch, insect repellant **Pace:** We hike at a pace of 2.0 to 2.5 mph while moving. **Dogs**: No dogs on this hike per **[[NVHC Dog Policy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicyhttps:/tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolic)]** **Park Entry Fee**: $0.00 **Where to Meet**: We will begin at **Turkey Run Park Lot C1** off of the **George Washington Memorial Parkway**. There is plenty of parking. I have a Honda Fit, the hatchback will be up. Please **arrive by 9:15** am to allow time for signing in. We'll start hiking at **9:30am.** **GPS Coord: 38.964339, -77.153148** **LINK: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/KDBQ5BdcVQRGHCnP7](https://maps.app.goo.gl/KDBQ5BdcVQRGHCnP7)** **Post-Hike Fellowship: TBD** **Leader:** Dawn please message me here or text to 703 533 9231

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.**

https://www.trolleytrailday.org/ https://www.trolleytrailday.org/itinerary ## Trolley Trail Day \| Saturday\, June 13\, 2026 ## Join the communities of College Park, Riverdale Park, Hyattsville, North Brentwood, Brentwood, and Mount Rainier for a full day of activities to celebrate the Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail and its connection to the regional trail network in the DMV.

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.

Please note the specific date and times of the Amtrak trains below when booking your ticket to Richmond. We are traveling to/from Richmond Main Street station, so please double check before booking your ticket (there are multiple amtrak stations in Richmond) 6/13 (DC --> Richmond): 7:00 am (Union Station) --> 7:18 am (Alexandria) --> 9:32 am (Richmond Main Street Station) 6/13 (Richmond --> DC): 4:49 pm (Richmond Main Street Station) --> 7:28 pm (Alexandria) --> 7:52 pm (Union Station) Let's take a day trip to visit our neighbor to the South: Richmond, VA. We'll take the Amtrak train from Union Station (or Alexandria VA) to meet at Main Street station in Richmond. After exploring the city, we'll grab a bite to eat before catching the train back to DC Sites we'll visit: \- Belle Isle \- James River \- Old Pump House \- Maymont Mansion \+ Gardens \- Virginia Museum of Fine Arts \(Free Admission\) Part I (1.8 miles) - [https://maps.app.goo.gl/crb5dBD8qgPhAeee7](https://maps.app.goo.gl/crb5dBD8qgPhAeee7 "https://maps.app.goo.gl/crb5dBD8qgPhAeee7") Part II (6.2 miles) - [https://maps.app.goo.gl/JQ9X5jgspKGZQXrP8](https://maps.app.goo.gl/JQ9X5jgspKGZQXrP8 "https://maps.app.goo.gl/JQ9X5jgspKGZQXrP8") Part III (4.2 miles) - [https://maps.app.goo.gl/YKK5zTjuFDJ3WjrE7](https://maps.app.goo.gl/YKK5zTjuFDJ3WjrE7 "https://maps.app.goo.gl/YKK5zTjuFDJ3WjrE7")

Let's enjoy a hike on this next-to-last Sunday of spring in DC's Rock Creek Park! This one’s for car-free DC folks, those who want a short morning drive with easy parking, and anyone who wants to explore one of the region's great urban parks. This is a moderately challenging hike due to its length, though there is not much elevation gain. We’ll move at a steady 2–3 mph pace, with breaks as needed. Water and bathrooms are available at the start. Please bring 2 liters of water with you. **Start location and time:** We’ll meet at 9 am at Picnic Grove 24 across from Rock Creek Tennis Center [https://maps.app.goo.gl/wUMV6UqH7GKsDBbA8?g_st=ic](https://maps.app.goo.gl/wUMV6UqH7GKsDBbA8?g_st=ic) We'll gather at covered picnic table shown in the image below. I'll have a large blue hiking backpack. Note: We plan to start hiking promptly after our meeting time, but I'll allow a grace period of up to 10 minutes for late arrivals. Route: [https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-ba011fd](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-ba011fd) **Transportation Options:** Driving or rideshare (Lyft/Uber): Yes! the meeting point is easy to get to and parking is free and plentiful. Buses: Indeed! Several buses go past this location on 16th Street. You can pick them up from Silver Spring metro (red line) or various metro stations in downtown DC. Please allow a little extra time if taking the bus, given variability in arrival times. Bikeshares - Of course! There are stations close by. CARPOOLING: Although this is one of our rare public transportation-accessible hikes, we encourage those with cars driving in from outside DC to be willing to carpool - you're the ones who make LMH great! If you're a driver that is willing to drive, please post a comment on the event page with the following information: (1) Number of seats (2) Meeting location (3) Meeting time As a rider, please comment on the driver's post to take a seat or post in the comments that you need a ride so a driver can find you. Riders are encouraged to help their driver out with the cost of gas. We look forward to hiking with you! **Background Info About LMH:** Please remember that this group is an informal group of friends and volunteers initiating trips under the common adventurer model (https://www.ronwatters.com/CADefine.htm). We do expect our members to be familiar with the best practices of hiking. This is not a group for first time hikers and is NOT a group for those seeking hiking instruction. We are also not professionals, nor are we trained hike leaders, nor do we scout out hikes. We plan hikes for fun. You are responsible for your own welfare and safety at all LMH events. Be sure to choose to attend hikes only within your own physical abilities and and hiking knowledge; take maps, suitable clothing, provisions (at least two liters of water plus any food or medical supplies you might require) and equipment, and act responsibly and safely at all times. Act responsibly and safely: if you ever believe you may be lost, follow the advice of the US Forest Service (https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/if-you-get-lost) LMH organizers and members shall not be liable for any injuries, loss or damage to persons or property, direct or consequential, arising out of any aspect of LMH activities. By attending this event, you represent that you have read, understand, and agree to the contents of our waiver of liability in the following link ([https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pQ0dedcqlyjc_Aib3TEbTX4gQRQt4C7FeCmsAPyTxd4/edit?tab=t.0](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pQ0dedcqlyjc_Aib3TEbTX4gQRQt4C7FeCmsAPyTxd4/edit?tab=t.0))

Come the whole time or if you just spend 30 minutes. All are welcome. You are welcome and encouraged to bring your own coloring supplies but, if you don't have any, I will have plenty and am happy to share! (coloring books, colored pencils, and markers). Part of the mission of this group is to provide us an opportunity to check out AND SUPPORT local businesses. So, please don't bring any outside food/drinks and, while purchasing something isn't at all a REQUIREMENT to participate in the event, I do strongly encourage you to try something from the vendor :) I look forward to seeing and meeting you there! ***\*\*DISCLAIMER*\*\*** Photos may be taken during the event to be shared here on Meetup so feel free to let me know if you'd like to be excluded from them.

We will be hiking the loop trail, (counter clockwise) around the BeaverDam Reservoir starting at the brand new Reservoir Park VisitorsCenter. Beautiful views of the water and varied woodland areas. This is an 7.5 MILE loop hike around one of Northern Virginia's largest bodies of water. The loop is mainly flat with a tiny hill or two. I've rated the loop moderate because the distance is 7.5 miles and we will be hiking about 22 minutes per mile - just under 3 miles per hour. After the hike we'll head over to Lark Brewing. 24205 James Monroe Hwy, Aldie, VA 20105 for food and beverages. 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. I like kids but this is an adult event so please no kids or any one under 21. We do start on time so please plan accordingly. Meet in front of the bathrooms by the parking lot. Reservoir Park Trail on AllTrails https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/reservoir-park-trail?sh=lkkoxr&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37593880 (38 miles, 40% gravel) https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37642919 (22 miles, 44% gravel) Two routes: 38 or 22 miles. Picnic is in Purcellville with restaurants. Toilets at the beginning, middle and end of the trail. **NOTE: ADVANCED TRAIL. BRING EXTRA BATTERIES! THIS IS A FULL DAY SELF-GUIDED ADVENTURE.** The GPS routes can be found here: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37593880 (38 miles, 40% gravel) https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37642919 (22 miles, 44% gravel) Come join us for a ride through some unbelievably scenic roads between Middleburg and Purcellville, VA. Loudoun County has a lot of beautiful back roads, many of which are gravel. This route meanders through some of the best scenery that this area has to offer. Expect to see miles of stone fences, pastoral farmsteads, charming little towns, and sparkling streams that snake their way through the landscape. You are guaranteed to end this ride with a smile on your face, and tranquility in your soul. Road bikes with super skinny tires will not be appropriate for this ride; that being said, any other tire should be fine. The key to navigating gravel roads is to take your time, which you will want to do anyway, as you take in the scenery. We wait at intersections for slower riders to catch up, so there will be no pressure to go any faster than you are comfortable. There is a winery just across the road from the parking area, and a brewery just on the other side of Middleburg, should anyone feel inclined to grab a bite to eat and a drink, after the ride. Mile 0 to 7: Mickie Gordon Park to Hibbs Bridge Both routes are the same to this point. Hibbs Bridge is a double-arched stone bridge with a humped back built between 1810 and 1830 when the Snickers Gap Turnpike was being constructed on what is now the Snickersville Turnpike. Mile 7 to 9 (short route): Hibbs Bridge to Philomont General Store The shorter route's lunch stop is at the Philomont General Store, which is a neat old building that has a variety of food, ice cream, drink, and other general store items. It has a strong 1800's vibe to it. There is also a restroom nearby. Mile 9 to 22 (short route): Philomont General Store to Mickie Gordon Park This is exactly the same as Mile 25 to 38 on the longer route. Mile 7 to 18 (long route): Hibbs Bridge to Purcellville We'll break away from the short route and make our way to Purcellville, where there are many good options for food directly on the route, including a Subway and 7/11. If you like Thai food, Patama Thai Kitchen (next to Subway) is top notch. We'll break for lunch in Purcellville's Fireman's Park, which has picnic tables and restrooms. The park is just down the road from the eateries, so consider bringing your food with you to the park. Mile 18 to 25 (long route): Purcellville to Philomont General Store We'll gradually get back into it after our lunch stop, and enjoy more pleasant back roads as we make our way to our final break point. The Philomont General Store is a neat old building that has a variety of food, ice cream, drink, and other general store items. It has a strong 1800's vibe to it. There is also a restroom nearby. Mile 25 to 38 (long route): Philomont to Mickie Gordon Park We'll head back over Hibbs Bridge and make a quick right onto a gravel road, which will lead us to some of the most remote and serene parts of the ride. You just can't find roads like this in most places, and we are lucky that Loudoun County sees fit to leave them be. We'll arrive in Middleburg the back way, bike down East Washington Street, and make a right just after leaving town. We'll take some neighborhood roads to avoid route 50 as much as possible, then do a very short stint (0.2 mi) on 50 to get back to our parking area. **Free Ride With GPS for E-Bike Lovers** The Ride With GPS E-bike Lovers club membership is now free as www.ebikelovers.com generates sufficient income from ads to cover the costs. Here is the link to activate your free membership: [https://ridewithgps.com/auto_approve/Club/6746/Zwa5jhttF5mJrFbN](https://ridewithgps.com/auto_approve/Club/6746/Zwa5jhttF5mJrFbN) **More information about using GPS files:** [https://ebikelovers.com/2021/03/15/download-our-trails-and-never-get-lost/](https://ebikelovers.com/2021/03/15/download-our-trails-and-never-get-lost/) **More information about e-bike ranges:** [https://ebikelovers.com/2020/12/31/e-bike-longer-and-happier-15-smart-strategies-to-reduce-your-e-bike-range-anxiety/](https://ebikelovers.com/2020/12/31/e-bike-longer-and-happier-15-smart-strategies-to-reduce-your-e-bike-range-anxiety/) **REGISTRATION FOR THIS RIDE IS YOUR AFFIRMATION THAT YOU ACCEPT THE TERMS OF THE DISCLAIMER BELOW.** **DISCLAIMER** **LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMISSIBLE PURSUANT TO APPLICABLE LAW, NEITHER GREGORY MAASSEN, RICHARD CAMER, TRIP COORDINATORS, THEIR AFFILIATES, FAMILY AND FORMER AND CURRENT EMPLOYERS NOR ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN CREATING, PRODUCING, OR DELIVERING E-BIKE LOVERS GUIDES, OUR MEETUP EVENTS, AND THE GPS E-TRAILS IS LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF A USER’S ACCESS TO, OR USE OF THE E-BIKE LOVERS GUIDES, OUR MEETUP EVENTS, AND THE GPS E-TRAILS.** **See for full disclaimer: https://ebikelovers.com/disclaimer**

In order to officially secure your spot on this event and to receive the details email of where to exactly park and meet with us you must register on our site by clicking the link below. https://www.trailboundproject.com/service-page/guided-hike-secret-view?referral=service_list_widget Our events typically fill up at 24 people for guided hikes! You won't see the attendees here on meetup as registrations are on our site but we wanted to let you know that we typically see large outings for all of our events! This guided hike has a nominal non-refundable $20 registration fee to secure your spot. The Secret View hike is a short out-and-back 2.5-mile hike with 450' of elevation up and down in a less popular part of Sterling Forest State Park in NY. We named it the Secret View hike because it is a very little-known view only accessible via unmarked trails. The view technically has a name, but you'll need to join us on the hike to find out what it is! The only hikers who visit it are locals who are... well... in the know! It's an easy-to-moderate hike that we'll take at a leisurely pace. We park at the trailhead near a medium-sized beautiful lake and head off on one of the park's unmarked woods roads. After taking in the interesting sights and features along this flat section, we turn onto another unmarked trail to head up to the small ridge. At the summit of this unnamed peak in New York, we find ourselves looking out at an incredible 180-degree view of the forests and peaks of New Jersey without any evidence of civilization. Since it's a short hike, we'll take our time resting, chatting, and enjoying the view at the top before we head back down. The parking and hike details are emailed after registration.

Join us to drum for rain! The drum circle will be at the Guru Rinpoche statue at the entrance to the Peace Park, across the street from the temple. We will be chanting sacred mantras as we drum, praying for abundant rain to ease the drought. All are welcome! Please bring any percussion instruments you have - the more the merrier! If you don't have any drums, there are typically extra available. Either way, you can chant along with everyone. In the event of inclement weather, we usually drum as long as we can before the storm starts, or wait it out and start a little late. We hold out until the last minute to cancel so if the weather seems iffy, keep an eye on our Facebook page for announcements. The DC region is currently experiencing moderate to severe drought. Many other regions of the world are also experiencing drought conditions. We will dedicate our prayers to bringing life-giving rain to all who need it!