Trail Running
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Discover all the trail running events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
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Trail Running Events Today
Join in-person Trail Running events happening right now
Turkey Run/Chain Bridge (Rating: B)
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
VMO/IO: Susquehannock Trail System (STS) ~84mi
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)
Friday Night Skate
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.**
Handy Bikes | Beginners' No Drop Ride
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
😀♠️❤️ Friday Spades at Comma's in Downtown Silver Spring 😀♠️❤️
😀♠️❤️ A Spades Special - Cards in Downtown Silver Spring 😀♠️❤️
We are hosting another event in Downtown Silver Spring - at Comma's Food Hall inside City Place Mall.
😀 Enjoy a friendly night of Spades play, lots of laughs, and Friday fun.
♠️ Spades games will be the main event, from 6pm to 10pm!
🌯 Play cards, eat, drink, & socialize! Enjoy drink specials and variety of reasonably-priced restaurant options.
🌟 Get matched with a partner onsite. All skill levels are welcome.
The fun starts at 6pm!
🍷 Happy Hour Specials all night!
🎶 A Live DJ will be playing music all evening
🚗 Parking available in Ellsworth Garage (connected to the venue through the Skywalk)
📷 See the photo section for details
🌜Join us for a night of card play and fun times! 🌛
🙏🏿 We will also be honoring our friend, Tony, we recently lost in the Spades community. 🙏🏿
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Trail Running Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Sundays In The Park series
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.
Saturday Run - 50 min (25 out and 25 back)
This Saturday lets run to the National Mall! We will start at Roosevelt Island at the crosswalk in the center of parking lot.
(Note there is an alternative meeting spot, it is right on the Custis trail, on the North side of Gateway Park, near Langston Blvd and Lynn St; it will be clearly marked as the meeting spot if conditions are bad on a given Saturday. Ignore this unless told otherwise.
Afterwards stay for coffee, we'll wander up to Rosslyn and either meet in Compass or, if the weather is nice enough, at the Plaza opposite the Metro.
Note: Photos taken during the event may end up on Instagram, Meetup, Strava and similar platforms.
\|LOCATION:
Roosevelt Island Parking Lot. Use this map to locate the parking lot ([https://www.google.com/maps/place/38%C2%B053'48.2%22N+77%C2%B004'02.1%22W](https://www.google.com/maps/place/38%C2%B053'48.2%22N+77%C2%B004'02.1%22W)) [GPS: 38°53'51.99"N 77° 4'3.24"W]. To help new people find the group, please meet in the middle of the parking lot.
Please meet 10 min. before the start time.
Alternative location, ONLY when indicated, on the Custis trail, on the North side of Gateway Park, near Langston Blvd and Lynn St: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/3SNFYSkFv9rRQed37](https://maps.app.goo.gl/3SNFYSkFv9rRQed37)
PACE and MILEAGE:
All paces are welcome! We'll be doing an out and back route, so everyone will just turn around at the halfway time marker. We generally average from 8-12 min/miles and run for fifty minutes. But, you can run any amount of time or mileage. And if you need to walk, it's not a problem either, everyone needs to start somewhere!
ROUTE:
The usual route is [https://onthegomap.com/s/7r0gvj5r](https://onthegomap.com/s/7r0gvj5r). It may vary occasionally. The full circuit works out to around 8:30 min/mile for a 50 minute run. Slower paces can turn around earlier, faster paces can run farther.
PARKING:
Use this map ([http://bit.ly/i2dWD0](http://bit.ly/i2dWD0)) to find parking in Rosslyn. There are parking lots at Roosevelt Island and above the Continental Lounge. There are also meters and pay garages.
DIRECTIONS:
For those of you driving to Roosevelt Island, please note that the parking lot is only accessible from the NORTHBOUND lane of GW parkway. You will see it right after the Roosevelt Bridge. Also whenever it is warmer the parking lot fills up really quickly. You are strongly advised to use alternative travel or park in Rosslyn.
They do ticket illegally parked cars at the island!!
METRO:
Orange or blue to Rosslyn. From N. Moore St, turn left; right onto 19th St; cross Lynn St. and turn left; take the trail on the right just before the Key Bridge.
Sunday Morning Long Run
Come out and run with us along the shady Anacostia Tributary Trails!
These runs tend to be longer than our other club runs. Average mileage is 4-6 miles, but some members might go farther (and others shorter).
We meet in front of Mission BBQ at 8:00AM for introductions, then walk over together to the Indian Creek Trailhead.
We are always happy to welcome new faces (and feet)!
Saturday Morning #HillsForBreakfast
**Meet at the trail head at the Sweetgum picnic area.**
Come out and join us on the newly surfaced, rolling hills of Greenbelt National Park. This run through Greenbelt National Park consists of two loop that comes out to roughly 3 miles.
With 3 hills (run twice), this is a great way to get hills in before breakfast.
Both walkers and runners are welcome.
Rock Creek Loop (8.1 miles, 817 ft elevation)
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))
Fairland Intermediate weekend Ride
Please read and agree to the following waiver:
[MVD Mountain Bikers Waiver](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1z6YtRf6ZWXqLqcQN3g44BsKtwbHqsRMG/view?usp=sharing)
generally, we roll about 15 minutes after the meeting time.
please text me if you're running late.
Here is a non-competitive but a little up-pace ride.
If you mountain bike regularly then this ride is for you.
This is a No-Drop ride.
Feel free to text or call if you need to 240-603-6948. Also please call me if you get separated from the group.
Depending on the endurance and skill level of riders, this ride will be around 10 miles.
The pace I aim to keep is no more than 7-8mph with rest stops as needed. We will wait for every rider at the trail crossings.
About Fairland: 95% non-technical ride with few major climbs and no mandatory obstacles (they all have ride-arounds). Promise, no rocks. None! Anyway, there are a couple good places to stop and practice log-overs, and balance on the boardwalks, and some good flow trails.
Video of our ride at Fairland: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1-b0EDVb08](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1-b0EDVb08)
What to bring:
ID and emergency contact info in an easy to find spot!
Plenty of water, helmet (no helmet no ride), your mtb of course!, multi-tool (although you can borrow mine), patch kit, extra tube (make sure it has the same valve you need for your wheel), a snack if you're doing both loops.
Here at MVD MTB'ers meetup page, we always appreciate any feedback, write a group review Here ([http://www.meetup.com/MVDMountainBikers/about/comments/?op=all](http://www.meetup.com/MVDMountainBikers/about/comments/?op=all))
Waiver: Mountain biking is a risky sport, By signing up for this meetup you are agreeing to the waiver posted at the top of this description
Trail Running Events Near You
Connect with your local Trail Running community
Thursday Night Run + Brewery Hangout
Join the RunDMV crew every Thursday night at **6:30pm** outside **Caboose Brewing Co.** in Vienna (520 Mill St. NE). We hit the W&OD Trail right behind the brewery for a **40-minute out-and-back run/walk**—go at your own pace, and when you hit 20 minutes, just turn around so we all finish together.
No matter if you’re walking, jogging, or pushing the pace, you’ll have company out there. Each week we switch directions (east one week, west the next) to keep things fresh.
After the run, we stick around for food and drinks at Caboose—because half the fun of run club is hanging out afterward. 🍻
Beaverdam Reservoir Park & Lark Brewing Co.
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
Thursday Run: Ballston to Custis Trail
Come join other guys in their 20s and 30s for a friendly group run. This run is not competitive and all skill levels are welcome.
Join our [Slack](https://join.slack.com/t/arlington-run-club/shared_invite/zt-2lq70wa9t-INw_xk~MnZM~U41EQsKcXQ) to keep up to date with the group!
**MEETING SPOT:**
We'll meet a little before 6:30 PM at Ballston Local on N Glebe in front off the restaurant. See the pin below. Parking at the mall is only $1.00 after 6:00 PM. Then we'll head out right at 6:30 PM and eventually end up back where we started.
**ROUTE INFO:**
Here's our regular Thursday route, from the Bluemont Junction Trail to the W&OD Trail to the Custis Trail (about 4 miles): [https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/5952134599/](https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/5952134599/)
When viewing the route, you may want to login with a MapMyRun account and bookmark the route so you can load it later from the MapMyRun app on your phone.
**POST-RUN:**
After the run, we'll grab a drink nearby for those who are interested in sticking around.
**WEATHER:**
We won't run in the middle of a thunderstorm, but we'll still go if there's light rain. Many of us will plan to meet at the start time regardless and we can make a call then. We've learned that the weather can change quickly, so there's not much point in canceling the run prematurely.
**RSVP:**
If you are interested in joining, please join the group and then sign up for this event so we know you're coming. You're welcome to bring a friend -- all guys in their 20s and 30s are welcome -- but please have them sign up through Meetup or shoot us a message so we know how many people to expect.
Lake Anne Brew House Saturday BEER RUN
Run starts promptly at 9:45 am and follows a 1.5 mile loop around the lake. Do however many loops you like!
Run at your own pace.
After the run, we'll meet at the Brew House for a beer or coffee and BREAKFAST pretzels! Those cannot be anything but delicious.
See you there.
Monday Run
Join us for a 5k run alternating between Harris Teeter/NIH loop and Chopt/Capital Crescent Trail.
Old Town Herndon Happy Hour Run
Start at the old train depot.
After the run, we'll meet at Mile 20 for a drink!
Run starts at 6:45 pm we will head toward Sterling tonight. Run at your own pace out and back.
2 mile runners turn around at Crestview Drive.
3 mile runners turn around at Tamarack Court.
3.5 & 4 - No cross streets in this stretch. You're on your own. :-)
5 mile runners - turn around at Sterling Blvd.















![Catoctin National Park Loop Hike [Moderate/Hard- 10.5 mi]](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/next/images/fallbacks/redesign/event-cover-4.webp?w=640)






