Outdoor Adventures

I have passed this trail for years without exploring it but have heard people rave about this urban riverside oasis for just as long. Who wants to join me in exploring it? We will meet up in the parking lot on the northbound side of US 29 (just before Trader Joe's). After a quick introduction, we will head out on this riverside trail. We will turn around after a mile and a half (after we see some supposedly cool rapids) and mostly follow the path we came in on. We will scale the hill at two points to give us some rocky variety but it should be relatively flat other than those two climbs. Total distance is just over three miles and we should be back at our cars by 7:45. [Follow our route on Alltrails here](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/maryland/fall-line-rachel-carson-greenway-and-northwest-branch-trail?u=i&sh=5s9wgt)

Click here to attend: [https://www.jgoot.com/livestreams](https://www.jgoot.com/livestreams) Some travelers hear about changes and assume the value is gone. Prices go up. Options shift. Things get harder. End of story. The mistake is thinking the opportunity disappears when the chart changes. It doesn’t. In this special session, JGOOT Travel Expert Tom Spears breaks down Hyatt’s updated award chart and what it actually means for the way you book. Because the truth is: while most travelers focus on what got worse… smarter travelers focus on how to keep winning anyway. It’s time for: **The Suite Life: What Hyatt’s New Award Chart Means for JGOOT Travelers** Tom will walk through what’s changed, where it impacts real bookings, and how to continue applying the JGOOT strategy to get strong value from your stays. Inside this session, you’ll learn: • What’s actually changed in Hyatt’s award chart (and what hasn’t) • Where the biggest impacts show up when you go to book • How to adjust your approach without overcomplicating things • Where strong value still exists… and how to find it • How to keep using the same core strategy, even as pricing shifts This isn’t about chasing the “old” chart. It’s not about finding a workaround or shortcut. Because the travelers who understand the system don’t lose when things change… they adapt and keep winning. Click here to attend: [https://www.jgoot.com/livestreams](https://www.jgoot.com/livestreams)

**Please note new time: we are now starting at 6pm!** Climbers of all skill levels are welcome! To join us: 1. Complete the [participant agreement](https://movementgyms.com/participant-agreement/). 2. Pass the belay check, which can be done the same day. See [FAQs](https://movementgyms.com/first-visit/#faqs) for more info. 3. Pay for [gym membership or day pass](https://movementgyms.com/memberships-passes/). The event itself is run by volunteer organizers free of charge. If you are interested but have never belayed before, please take the [Introduction to Rope Climbing](https://movementgyms.com/rockville/calendar/#activity=climbing&location=rockville&class-type=intro-series&area-of-focus=safety-and-belaying) class first. We'd love to climb with you as soon as you know how to belay safely using a GriGri. To find us, go past the front desk and turn left. We'll gather by the fitness room entrance. If you need a refresher on knot tying and/or belaying, please post in comments or message the host and we'll be happy to help. We normally top rope in groups of 2-3 people, but some are also happy to lead. Post in comments or ask on the spot if you are interested in leading.

We will be hiking along the historic Alexandria waterfront down and through scenic Old Town to the Wilson bridge and back. Lovely views of the river, as well as of Old Town. Part of the walk is on the Mount Vernon Trail bike path. Hike is mostly flat, and on paved surfaces or board walk. Please note the hike leaves at 600PM sharp. There are bathrooms at the halfway point. **Meet at the small parking area closest to the bike path. First left on Marina Drive. Not the large marina parking area that is further along.** We walk pretty briskly around 3.-3.5 miles an hour. I assume if you can’t keep up, you can always find your way back to the starting point. Hope you can join our group of stalwart regulars and cheery newcomers. Happy hiking. Most of the walk has street lights, but not all so, but bring a light.

Banshee Reeks, designated as a Virginia State Treasure in 2016, is a 695-acre nature preserve located near Leesburg, VA. Protected under a permanent conservation easement, the property's 20 miles of hiking trails allow visitors to observe the diversity of flora and fauna that call the preserve home. We will meet at the Vienna South Metro Station at 9:00 AM and carpool to the trailhead. Drive time is about 45 minutes. Please post a comment below if you are willing to drive. Carpooling saves the environment and makes friends. ## **Trail Facts** * **Difficulty Level: Easy** * **Length:** 7.5 Miles * **Duration:** 3-4 hrs * **Elevation Gain:** 466 Feet * **Permits:** None * **Parking:** Vienna South Metro Station * **Dogs:** Must be leashed and under control at all times. * **Trailhead Coordinates:** 39.028277603032315, -77.5997077224149 * **[AllTrails Map](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-february-16-2025-f4f691a?u=i&sh=kucj8c)** **Trail Details:** Our route through Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve will showcase varied habitat types, including meadows, forests, and wetlands. We will pass by Goose Creek, a State Scenic River, two small ponds, and a few of the structures that were used when this property was a farm. Depending on time and interest, we can stop by the Visitor Center before or after the hike to chat with the friendly staff and check out the exhibits. If you'd like to learn more about Banshee Reeks and its history, please visit [the preserve website](https://bansheereeksnp.org/). If you end up driving, the trailhead coordinates will take you to the main parking lot, which is about 5 minutes into the preserve after you pass through the entrance gate. If for some reason that lot is full then you can park in the overflow lot, which you will pass on your drive in. There is a restroom available inside the Visitor Center for you to use both before and after the hike. **Banshee Reeks is a nature preserve and is not treated for ticks, so please make sure to bring and apply the appropriate repellent before the hike.** On the way back, I plan to stop at Quattro Goombas Winery and Craft Brewery in Aldie, VA. The address is 22860 James Monroe Hwy, Aldie, VA 20105. **Itinerary:** 9:00 AM: Meet at the Vienna South Metro Station. 9:15 AM: Depart for the trailhead. 10:00 AM: Arrive and begin the hike. 2:00 PM: Finish the hike, drive to Quattro Goombas, and eat. 3:30 PM: Depart for the carpooling location. 4:15 PM: Arrive at the Vienna South Metro Station. *(Setting the end time to 5:00 PM to allow time for the unexpected.)* **LIABILITY NOTICE:** Please remember that this group is an informal group of friends and volunteers initiating trips under [the common adventurer model](http://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're also not experts or 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 events. Be sure to choose to attend hikes only within your own physical abilities 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. If you ever believe you may be lost, follow [the advice of the US Forest Service](https://www.fs.fed.us/visit/know-before-you-go/if-you-get-lost). Organizers and members shall not be liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to persons or property, direct or consequential, arising from any aspect this group’s activities. By attending this event, you represent that you agree to personally assume any and all risks associated with the Activity. You further agree to hold group organizers harmless from any and all claims, loss or damage to personal property, liabilities and costs, including attorney’s fees, as a result of my participation in this Activity, including travel to and from the Activity or any events incidental to this Activity. **[FEATURED IMAGE SOURCE](https://www.angelinamlopez.com/blog/2014/11/4/banshee-reeks-nature-preserve)**

Brisk, 3- 4-mile urban hike starting and ending at Aslin Beer Company in Logan Circle. We will head down 14th, loop around the Washington Monument and past the White House, and back on 15th to Aslin for drinks. Closest metro U Street.

Let’s enjoy a walk in beautiful Brookside Gardens and Wheaton Park! ❶ **What we'll do:** * From the parking lot of Brookside Gardens, we'll walk east into the gardens and spend around 45 minutes of pleasant wandering through the garden paths and fountains. Departing the gardens, we'll pick up the pace and enjoy a walk through the woodland paths of Wheaton Regional Park. * The walk is a modified loop of about 4.6 miles. The surface is mostly paved, with some gravel and dirt paths here and there, and only slight changes in elevation. We should be finished in around two hours. This is an easy hike. * Google map: [https://tinyurl.com/4x4jy79p](https://tinyurl.com/4x4jy79p) ❷ **How to get there:** From the I-495 beltway north of Washington DC between I-270 and I-95 (either direction), take exit 31A to follow MD-97/Georgia Ave toward Silver Spring/Wheaton. Follow signs for MD-97 N/Georgia Ave and drive north about 3.2 miles. Turn right onto Randolph Road, and take the second right onto Glenallan Avenue. Brookside Gardens will be on your right at Heurich Road. (Follow signs to the Visitor Center.) See [https://goo.gl/maps/WHERgb5tyJ12](https://goo.gl/maps/WHERgb5tyJ12) NB: Be on the lookout for speed cameras, especially along Randolph Road! ❸ **What to bring:** Water and comfy shoes. Sorry, only service animals are allowed in Brookside Gardens, so your furry friend must stay home. A light jacket and sunscreen are recommended. It's early, but insect repellent may be handy. ❹ **Weather:** The forecast is partly cloudy and a high of 66F, with a 20-24% chance of showers. Winds 4-6 mph from the WSW. Updates: [https://tinyurl.com/yaewwwbt](https://tinyurl.com/yaewwwbt) ❺ **Advisories:** * 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. * Please review Brookside Garden's Etiquette page for a list of do's and don'ts: [https://tinyurl.com/2cjht3h6](https://tinyurl.com/2cjht3h6) ❻ **Administrative stuff:** There are restrooms at the Visitor Center, the Conservatory, the Nature Center, and just north of the carousel in Wheaton Regional Park. ❼ **Notes:** * Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20902. [http://tinyurl.com/gqxstyb](http://tinyurl.com/gqxstyb) *H/T to Abby for the event photo!*

Discover DC Boundary Stones in Maryland - NW Stone 4 (Delcarlia Reservoir Grounds) to North corner stone (Silver Spring). This is the third hike along the original boundary line between the nation's capital, Virginia, and Maryland. See stones placed every mile along the boundary survey line in 1792. These stones are the first federal monuments in the nation's capital. Initially, we will hike a short distance along the Capital Crescent Trail to view NW Stone 4, which is on Delcarlia Reservoir grounds. We will come back to our meeting location and hike north along Norton Street and Loughboro Road (restroom opportunity at Sibley Hospital) to Delcarlia Parkway. We will hike a short distance along Delcarlia Parkway and then on Spring Valley neighborhood streets to Warren Place and Delcarlia Parkway, where we will get you as close as we can to the location of NW Stone 5, which is also on Delcarlia Reservoir grounds. We will hike Spring Valley neighborhood streets to Massachusetts Avenue and Western Avenue at Westmorland Circle, and then on sidewalks along Western Avenue (NW stones 6, 7, and 8 are in front yards along Western Avenue), on trails through the northern portion of Rock Creek Park (NW 9 is adjacent to the park), and on sidewalks along streets in Silver Spring (North corner stone is just south of East-West Highway, west of 16th Street) to the Silver Spring Metro Station. Total distance is approximately 10.5 miles. We will meet 9:00 am, Friday, May 9, 2026, at the connector trail to the Capital Crescent Trail (intersection of Norton Street and Potomac Avenue NW). Parking is available along Potomac Ave. Public transportation to and from the hike also works. If you drive, you can take Metro and a bus back to your vehicle. Occasional restroom opportunities are available along the route. All participants must sign a liability waiver at the start. SCPRO requests a voluntary donation of $2 per person to help support our all-volunteer program. Leaders are Russ Norfleet & Gary Kosciusko. You need not be a Sierra Club member to participate, but if you'd like to join, go to: http://www.sierraclub.org/virginia.

**History** The history of [Blendon Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blendon-woods/) began long before its 1951 opening, rooted in a landscape of rugged ridges and deep ravines that made the land unsuitable for traditional farming. In 1945, a report proposing a metropolitan park system for Franklin County specifically highlighted these cliffs of Bedford Shale as some of the "wildest land in the vicinity". Following this recommendation, the recently formed park district purchased the first 229 acres in early 1949. Because the terrain was so uneven, developers had to cut a mile-and-a-half-long roadway through dense woods just to bring in heavy equipment. This initial preservation effort ensured that the mature second-growth hardwood forests remained largely untouched by the urban expansion spreading toward Westerville. Opening day arrived on Labor Day, September 3, 1951, marking Blendon Woods as the second park in the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks system. The final push to open was a frantic race; the State Highway Department only finished the primary gravel access road four days before the gates opened. Early staff members, consisting of just four full-time employees, had to hand-dig pit toilets and learn construction skills on the fly to build the first picnic shelters. Despite the dusty conditions and limited facilities, the park was an immediate success, drawing massive crowds from across Central Ohio. By the end of the 1950s, annual visitation had already climbed to over 190,000 people. As the surrounding suburbs grew in the 1960s, the park faced severe overcrowding that threatened its natural habitats. In response, Franklin County voters passed the first Metro Parks levy in 1960, providing the funds necessary for a decade of steady expansion. During this era, the park nearly doubled in size, growing from 264 acres to over 570 acres by 1968. Planners also addressed a critical water shortage by collaborating with the U.S. Soil and Conservation Service to build a lake in 1964. This body of water originally served as a temporary reservoir before its role shifted toward conservation and wildlife support. The 1970s marked a transition toward the specialized wildlife and educational focus for which the park is known today. In 1971, the Walden Waterfowl Refuge was established around the 11-acre Thoreau Lake, creating a sanctuary that remains restricted to provide a quiet habitat for migratory birds. A formal nature center was also developed during this period, expanding on the guided Sunday walks that had been a park staple since the early 1950s. The park’s famous "Monarch Mansion" also became a prominent fixture, starting a long tradition of raising and releasing thousands of monarch butterflies each September. These initiatives cemented the park’s reputation as a premier destination for birders and nature enthusiasts. In more recent decades, Blendon Woods has continued to modernize while maintaining its wilderness character. The 10-acre Natural Play Area was added in 2017, encouraging kids to explore the ravines and woods off-trail. This was followed by the opening of a $1.5 million inclusive playground in April 2025, designed to accommodate children of all physical abilities. The nature center also underwent major renovations to include immersive, three-dimensional exhibits and a new butterfly house. Today, the park encompasses 653 acres, preserving a unique geologic and biological corridor amidst the bustling Westerville and Northeast Columbus area. **Map of the Park** Here is a map of [Blendon Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_May-2025_1980px.png). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Lake View, Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook, Brookside, and Sugarbush Trails. This sounds like a lot, but it will really be only a little over five miles. Blendon Woods has a few hills here and there, but it's not one of the more strenuous metro parks. **Where We'll Meet** We'll meet just in front of the Nature Center. This is about a mile into the park from the main entrance. You have to go past the Ranger Station and the Shadblow Reservable Area to get to it, so don't stop too early at the Ranger Station and get it confused with the Nature Center. **After the Hike** Afterward, we will head over to [Forbidden Root Restaurant & Brewery](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/) at Easton for [drinks](https://forbiddenroot.com/restaurants/columbus-ohio/#dinner-menu) and [food](https://forbiddenroot.com/wp-content/uploads/Cbus-Food.pdf). We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks. The brewery's actual address is [4080 Worth Ave, Columbus, OH 43219](https://www.google.com/maps/place/4080+Worth+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43219/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88388a86d10b6619:0x4d42b470a5cf11d3?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111); however, I recommend pointing your GPS to the [Worth Garage](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Worth+Garage/@40.0542293,-82.9137962,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x88388b4df6082825:0x17582f0eccd9dda1!8m2!3d40.0542293!4d-82.9137962!16s%2Fg%2F11rzfvvv8b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQxNS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D) across the street. Parking in this garage is free as long as you're not on the first floor, and it is literally right next to the brewery.

Hike approx 4.0 miles at approx. 17 minute mile pace. Meet in front of the Nature Center.

We will hike the Ridge Trail and Meadows Trail twice, for a total of 3.8 miles. There are some pretty good inclines so plan on getting a cardio workout :). This is a loop which is pretty easy to follow; thus faster walkers can take the lead and the rest (like me) will bring up the rear at a slightly slower pace. You could also just do the loop once for 1.9 miles. No one left behind. Optional lunch to follow in Canal Winchester. I'm working through the metro parks - this is the third one!

Hike approx 4.0 miles at approx. 18 minute mile pace. Meet in front of the Nature Center.

Hi ladies. Let's hike the edward thomas trail, lake trail , spring creek and a short walk on the multi purpose trail. This is one large loop . Wear your shoe of choice. Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area. 4.2 miles in length .

Hosted by Licking County Parks Registration opens at 9am on April 9th. Ladies are you ready? It's back! Every other year we hold the Women's Outdoor Skills Workshop! The day is a chance for women to relax, enjoy exploring new skills in a welcoming environment, and make new connections! Session topics this year include: archery, kayak, stand up paddleboard, outdoor cooking, firemaking, knot tying, foraging, forest bathing, orienteering, nature photography, nature journaling, intro to disc golf, yoga, Tai Chi, birding, intro to backpacking, and more! Lunch is provided. Fee: $75 * Event Address: James Bradley Center, Infirmary Mound Park, 4309 Lancaster Rd, Granville, OH 43023 * Ages 16+. Under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. * Cancellation: Cancellation deadline is May 20, 2026. Cancellations before this date will receive a refund. There will be 4 sessions: three 1.5 hour sessions throughout the day (9am-10:30am, 10:50am-12:20pm, 1:30pm - 3pm) followed by the final 1 hour wellness short session (3:20pm - 4:20pm). Each session will have 6 or more classes to choose from. PLEASE NOTE YOU MUST FILL OUT THE GOOGLE FORM TO BE FULLY REGISTERED - The link will be in your receipt email. It determines your sessions. Sessions assigned FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE. Register and pay here: [https://www.lickingparkdistrict.com/271/June-2026](https://www.lickingparkdistrict.com/271/June-2026)

if you’re tired of doing the same boring thing every weekend, this is your excuse to **do something different.** This is a full **Saturday night experience** at Shadybowl Speedway — a BYOB potluck cookout, live racing, a ***late-night bonfire under the stars,*** and free camping if you want to stay the night. We’re basically **throwing a party in the middle of nowhere** — about an hour west of Columbus and an hour north of Dayton **Start early with the cookout** Come out around 4:00 PM for a **potluck-style cookout.** Bring something to share, hang out, have a few drinks, and meet people before the night gets rolling. Then head into the races Racing starts around 7:00–8:00 PM at Shadybowl. **Bring a chair** and sit with us in Turn 4 — **best seats** in the house. in front of concrete spots **58,59** ask for Chance **Think racing isn’t your thing?** That’s fine. Bring something to drink and come for the atmosphere, the noise, and the wrecks. I promise you won’t regret it! Then the **real vibe kicks in** Once the races wind down, we head back to the fire for the Bonfire party starting around 11:30 PM. good people, and nowhere else to be. **Stay the night if you want** No rush. No long drive home if you don’t want it. Free camping on-site — bring a tent, sleep in your car, or *just hang out late by the fire.* What to know Saturday, May 9, 2026 Cookout starts around 4:00 PM Racing starts around 7:00–8:00 PM Bonfire party starts around 11:30 PM BYOB, **No glass inside the race.** Free camping, Bring a chair Shadybowl admission is **$15 cash only.** Free parking This is a **group experience.** RSVP on Meetup is free. A **small contribution** helps keep events sustainable and ensures those who RSVP actually show up. **Great events** take time and money to organize. If you **find value** in these events consider contributing Contribution link listed below in the comments Be sure to Drop a comment on this post after you RSVP this helps the algorithm. Come for the cookout. Stay for the races. Party around the fire. Camp if you want.