Trail Riding

This is the second hike of a preparation/progression series that builds up to the AMC 150 Relay segment scheduled for 3/29/26. That relay segment will be 8.3 miles. This second hike in our preparation series is five miles in length (out and back). It’s a flat rail trail on a section of the WB&A Trail, so it is rated as easy. If you are recuperating from injury, got busy with work and family, or otherwise feel the need to get in hiking readiness for the year ahead, this hike will work great for you. Feel free to join with no commitment to doing the relay segment or any other hike in this series. All participants must register individually for the hike at [https://activities.outdoors.org](https://activities.outdoors.org/) so that the waiver is signed and an emergency contact is provided. No dogs. We will meet at the parking lot [location available upon registration]. The WB&A Trail is a converted rail-trail, converted from an electric commuter railway that served Washington, DC, Baltimore, and Annapolis. The trail winds its way between Prince Georges County and Anne Arundel County, offering a mix of woods, water, and residential communities along the asphalt path. A bridge across the Patuxent River was completed in Spring 2025, now linking Prince George’s County and Anne Arundel County. (We will not see the bridge on this 5-mile hike.) The trail offers a peek behind the curtain of suburbia, with marshy wetlands, woods, bridges and tunnels, along with some trail sections that pass through residential neighborhoods and some road crossings. A bit about the AMC 150 Relay: we’re celebrating AMC’s 150th Birthday! From March to October, volunteers from AMC are offering events galore—a succession of hikes and other outdoor activities from Virginia to Maine, to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the organization’s founding in 1876. Though historically rooted in New England, over time AMC has expanded and established regional chapters through the Mid-Atlantic, including today’s host, the Potomac Chapter.

I'm excited to revive a DCUL tradition -- our annual potluck and "big trip" slideshow. You'll get to munch on tasty treats while seeing brief presentations from 2025 "big trips," including Tour du Mont Blanc, Nepal, the Wonderland Trail, and adventures in Colorado and Arizona. It's a great opportunity to socialize, meet other club members, and learn about trips that may be on your bucket list. And who knows--maybe a few plans for 2026 and 2027 trips, domestic or international, will take shape. This will be a potluck, so post what you're planning to bring in the comments. The building is easily accessible by metro—just two blocks from the Eisenhower metro or a short walk from the King Street metro. Limited street parking is available, but there are parking garages nearby.

**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.

PawsUP for David and Brick for originally suggesting this awesome meetup and our dogs love it! -Dumbarton Oaks/Montrose Park in Georgetown -Meet at the entrance off of R st, on the East side (closer to the cemetery) -Plenty of street parking in the area -Bring water and a ball for your Aussie This park is a very large open field, that is very dog friendly. Tons of space to run and chase. Most if not all dogs are off leash. Occasional runners and kids (there is a playground), so keep that in mind. There is also a trail inside with a stream that the dogs love to play in.

Out-and-back, go-at-your-own-pace hike of 10.2 miles on former right-of-way of a historic railroad through lovely wooded sections of Northwest DC, with an optional indoor lunch stop in Bethesda, MD. Total of 350 feet of elevation climbed on a few hills, at your own pace. [https://www.cctrail.org/points_of_interest](https://www.cctrail.org/points_of_interest) Level: Moderate 10 miles: Allow min. 4 hours for this hike. Meet at Fletcher's Boat House - 4940 Canal Rd, NW We meet by 9:30 am on the first/upper parking lot for registration. If there is no room in the first parking lot when you enter, proceed through the tunnel under the canal to a much larger parking lot, then walk back up the stairs/bridge to the meeting point. There are bathrooms there. Dress in warm layers, bring (hot) water, snacks and or lunch ...plus anything you might need for balance and to stay warm. Leaders: Rob Anderson 202-258-1010 and Vicky Hsu 240-370-7011 **ONE DAY HIKE** Although open to all, this hike is part of a series of Saturday training hikes leading up to the [One Day Hike](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac/events/304791832/) (ODH)—100 or 50 km along the C&O Canal—on May. 2, 2026. See SCPRO’s [Meetup page](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac/) for other training hikes as they are posted. If you would like to support the ODH, see [volunteering opportunities](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac/events/304792694/) . For official updates regarding training hikes, registration, and other information, join the ODH discussion group by sending a blank email to onedayhike+subscribe@groups.io. **SCPRO DONATION:** A voluntary $2.00 donation per event is appreciated. You may donate via PayPal by sending money to ECommerce@SierraPotomac.org using “For friends and family” as payment type, or in cash at the event. You may join the Sierra Club by clicking "JOIN" on the Virginia Chapter's [website](http://www.sierraclub.org/virginia).

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.

As always, the goal is fun. Beginners are welcome. We play until 5 or 6. Parking (Free): Plenty of free street parking available on Sunday afternoons near the playing area. Contact Organizer for exact address and other helpful details Metro: Foggy Bottom Metro Station is an 8 minute walk

Hike leaders, this event is for you! In appreciation of our hard-working volunteers, we're hosting a special outing to thank them for contributing their time to make the Capital Hiking Club a success. If you led a trip in the last calendar year, the CHC board members would like to invite you to join us at Swingers Crazy Golf in Dupont Circle. What you'll enjoy: * Tasty food and drinks. * A round of mini-golf * And a chance to test your skills with some carnival games! ****This event is invite-only for CHC hike leaders**--please add yourself to the waitlist, and we'll move you into the event. **Email jen.adach[at]gmail.com by Jan. 9 with any dietary restrictions. Interested in learning how you can be a hike leader? Reach out to us--we'll be happy to get you started!

Join us as The Washington Area Roadskaters lead you on a different adventure every week, skating through and around our Nation's Capital! For current details, check Facebook and Instagram. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WashingtonAreaRoadskaters/events Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareskatedc/ We hope to see you soon!

**The Goombay Annual Winter Hike at Great Falls 2026** "Let's get out and enjoy a day hiking and taking some great pictures at Great Falls" **Saturday\, January 24th \| 10am\-12:30pm** This is a Moderate Level hike which is generally suitable for novice hikers seeking a bit of a challenge. The terrain will involve moderate inclines and may have some steeper sections. This trail is 5-6 miles. **Great Falls Visitor Center** \| 9200 Old Dominion Dr\, McLean\, VA 22102 \* We will meet at the entrance of the Great Falls Visitor Center. The entrance into the park is $20 per vehicle (no cash accepted). If you have a yearly park pass, the entrance fee is free. \*\* NO PETS ALLOWED **SIGN UP AT [WWW.GOOMBAY.NET](http://www.goombay.net/)** **HIKE AGENDA:** 9:45am: Hikers check in at the entrance to the visitor center. You will see the group assembling by the parking lot. 10:00am: Hikers assemble for welcome announcement 10:15am: Hike begins 12:30pm: Hike ends **SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT LIST** * Day Pack with hydration pack or water bottles * Trekking Poles (optional) * Sturdy hiking boots or trail sneakers * Small First Aid Kit (optional) * Weather-appropriate clothing (think moisture-wicking and layers) * Hat or scarf * Trail snacks & plenty of water * Wipes/Toilet Paper * Hand Warmers * Cell phone with back up battery **FAQ** **WHAT LEVEL IS THIS HIKE:** This is a Moderate Level hike which is generally suitable for novice hikers seeking a bit of a challenge. The terrain will involve moderate inclines and may have some steeper sections. This trail is between 5-6 miles. **CAN BEGINNERS ATTEND THIS HIKE:** Yes, we welcome beginners to attend this hike but please note, there will be some challenging sections throughout the hike but nothing to strenuous. **WHAT IS THE PACE OF THE GROUP:** The group will start off at the same time and during the hike three distinct pace groups will form. We will have hike leaders mixed within the group and we will stop periodically for water and rest. **WHAT TYPE OF HIKE IS THIS:** This is a loop trail hike and will start and end at the same location **WHAT SHOULD I WEAR:** A good rule of thumb is to dress comfortably and in layers. Dressing in layers will allow you to stay warm when your cold and as you warm up, you can take off layers and not over heat. It's going to be cool to cold so we strongly suggest warm clothing, moisture wicking under garments, a hat, sturdy hiking boots or trail sneakers (your choice), wool socks, a small day back, trekking poles (optional) and plenty of water. **ARE PETS ALLOWED:** NO ***If you have any questions please contact Butch at 202.210-1957***

*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.* This is an 9.1 mile out and back hike with about a 1,300 ft elevation gain near Fort Valley, VA. The first mile is uphill to the Massanuten Trail. We follow that south to the Woodstock Tower. The views from up there are nice and unobstructed for 360 degrees. We then return the way we came. The trail is pretty well maintained but overgrown in places. Hiking pants and sticks are recommended. We'll hike at a 2.0 to 2.5 mph. We will start hiking at 0900. Hiking map: [https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/woodstock-tower-via-mine-gap-and-massanutten-trail?u=i&sh=5vghox](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/woodstock-tower-via-mine-gap-and-massanutten-trail?u=i&sh=5vghox) Grid coordinates for trailhead: 38.89716, -78.40461 Rating: B Leader: Dick Pregent 703-587-2359 Park Entry Fee: $0 **NOTE: The road to the trailhead is rough with ruts and potholes. Parking is *VERY* limited at the trailhead. Carpooling is strongly encouraged.** The suggested carpool location is at the Centerville P&R. The driving time from there to the trailhead is about 1 hour. Please arrive at the Park and Ride a few minutes before 7:30 AM to form carpool so all cars can leave at 7:30 AM. Suggested carpool fee is $5. Hike leader will not be at carpool location. Neither the Club nor the hike leaders are responsible for coordinating transportation to/from the trailhead. Hikers are not guaranteed to get a ride to the trailhead from the carpool location. Carpooling is organized by the participants and they participate at their own risk. Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy)

This will be a moderate 5.7-mile loop hike in Rock Creek Park. We will start on the Western Ridge Trail and proceed north past Military Road, connect to the Valley Trail to return south, and finish with a visit to Pierce Mill and back to our starting point. **Meeting Point**: I recommend using the GPS coordinates below with Google Maps or another mapping application to get to the meeting point. I've added an alternative place to park in case the first parking lot is full. The two lots are about 1/4 mile apart. **Meet at:** Parking lot for Picnic Grove #2 North (space for about 10 cars) * **Address:** Beach Drive NW &, Broad Branch Rd NW, Washington, DC 20008 * **GPS Coordinates:** 38.94365251382421, -77.05048751390072 **Alternative Parking:** Parking lot for Picnic Grove #28 (space for about 5 cars) * **Address:** Ross Dr NW, Washington, DC 20008 * **GPS Coordinates:** 38.94605569126567, -77.05053042924311 **Meeting Time:** Plan to arrive at 9:45 so you will be able to meet everyone and sign the PATC waiver. Once the waiver is signed, we will begin the hike; w**e will begin walking at 10:00 AM.** Please be punctual as my hikes begin on time. **Contact Information**: Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leader is Peter; 703-999-9435. Call or text as needed.

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. Join us for winter fun, hiking and ice skating! First time skaters welcome. We will meet next to the Mercury Fountain, which is north of the Ice Rink. From the fountain, we will take the Green Trail to Lake Anne. From there we continue on the Blue Trail and some other paths until we reach Lake Fairfax. We will zigzag through Lake Fairfax Park and we will have a break at Lake Fairfax Park Campground A (excellent facilities). Then we will continue through the Lake Fairfax Park until we make a right turn that will bring us close to the Reston Golf Course. We will hike along the golf course until we hit the W&OD trail at Sallie Mae Drive. Then we will follow the W&OD trail back to Reston, to start part 2 of the fun. The hike is 6 miles with \~400 feet elevation gain. We plan to arrive at the Reston Ice Rink about 11:45am for the ice skating portion of this event, followed by lunch at Makers Union about 1pm. Cost for skating is $11 adults/$9 senior or military plus $8 skate rental. Please only sign up if you are interested in both the hike and ice skating, as space is limited. Thank you. Distance: 6 miles Elevation: 400 ft. Pace: 2.5-3 mph while moving **Coordinates of the meeting place:** 38.958924, -77.356932 **Dogs:** not allowed **Leaders:** Willem Janssen, (202) 280-4397 and Kris N. (618) 623-2484 **Rating:** C **Map for hike:** https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-december-2-2024-9c838d2?u=i&sh=g8n9nn

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