Trail Walks

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. **8 miles with 450 feet elevation gain.** ***Let's hike Billy Goat C and the recently reopened Billy Goat B trail which has been closed for several years. One of my favorite sections, I'm glad it's back!*** Let's recognize the Juneteenth holiday with beautiful hike along the scenic C&O Canal National Historical Park towpath. This trek will include a hike on Billy Goat B & C trails with great views of the Potomac River, as well as a bit of the Gold Mine trail and Burma Road. This route includes a very scenic section of the towpath. **Description:** We'll start our hike on Billy Goat C trail and hike until we connect with the C&O Canal towpath. We'll hike to Anglers Inn area for a break before we connect with Burma Road and a portion of the Gold Mine trail. After that, we're back on the towpath where we will connect to the Billy Goat B trail. After completing Billy Goat B, we'll then connect back to the towpath and return to the trailhead parking. ***Note:*** Billy Goat B and C each have a stream crossing which are fairly easily crossed by stone stepping. The pace will be about 2.5 mph. **Bring:** Adequate water/hydration, snacks/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes since there are some rocky areas and tree roots on both Billy Goat B & C. Restrooms are available at the Carderock Picnic Area parking lot where we start as well as at Anglers Inn parking. Hiking poles may be useful if you normally use them. Recommend sunscreen and insect repellent. **Trailhead:** We will meet in the Carderock Picnic Grounds parking lot in Carderock Recreation Area. Please plan on being there at 8:45am so we can get everyone signed in and start the hike on time. **Dogs are welcome.** Dog Policy [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) **There are no fees.** Map of Hiking Trails at Great Falls, Maryland: [https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/upload/Great-Falls-Hiking-Map.pdf](https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/upload/Great-Falls-Hiking-Map.pdf) **Directions to Carderock Picnic Grounds Parking at Carderock Recreation Area:** From I-495, take the exit for Clara Barton Pkwy, continue on the Pkwy until you see the exit for Carderock near the Naval Surface Warfare Center. After exiting at Carderock, you will pass under the towpath tunnel. Turn left after going under the towpath tunnel and continue into the picnic grounds parking lot. ***The parking lot is also labeled with signage as Parking Lot 1.*** **GPS 38.97122, -77.19874** Any questions, please message me here or text/call @202-528-0456. If you text me, please include your name.

**Important Note: Everyone who registers will initially be placed on the waitlist. I will reach out to participants, in the order of sign up, with further information on how to pay the trip deposit. Once the deposit is received, your status will be updated to Going.** Join us for a weekend adventure as we explore America’s newest National Park and raft the iconic New River Gorge! We’ll depart mid-morning on Friday, June 19 and make our way to the outfitter’s campus near Fayetteville, West Virginia. Along the way, we’ll stop at Virginia's newest tourist attraction - Buc-ee’s - and enjoy the scenery as we cross from the Virginia highlands into West Virginia. On Saturday, we’ll spend the day rafting the Lower New River, a classic Class III–V rafting stretch known for its big waves, warm water, and stunning scenery through the New River Gorge. This guided trip typically lasts 5–6 hours and includes periods of intense paddling, calm pools for swimming and a riverside lunch break. *Participants should be comfortable in moving water, able to paddle vigorously as part of a team and capable of sitting on the raft’s outer tubes for extended periods. Good mobility, balance and the ability to climb back into the raft if needed are important. This trip is recommended for individuals in good physical condition who can handle moderate to strenuous activity throughout the day.* The evening will be free to explore the amenities, relax or enjoy the on-site dining options. On Sunday, we’ll check out and head to the Canyon Rim Visitor Center and partake in a short scenic walk into the Gorge—an excellent opportunity for photos of the famous arch bridge and panoramic views—before returning home. Note that the walk to the lower observation deck involves descending 178 steps. We expect to arrive back in the metro area early Sunday evening. **Transportation** Carpooling details will be worked out among participants and a meeting/departure location will be set; drivers will receive a reimbursement. In the event we don't have enough drivers, we will utilize rental vehicles. **Lodging & Sleeping Arrangements** Once we arrive at the outfitter's base camp on Friday, we’ll check into their historic Truman Lodge, which features a full kitchen, porch and hot tub and is conveniently located within walking distance of their water park, restaurants, bar and rafting check-in. Sleeping arrangements will be coordinated among participants; options include queen-sized beds, a futon, roll-aways, and foam mattresses in the sleeping loft. **Meals** Lunch on Saturday is included with the rafting trip but all other meals will be on your own; group coordination will be encouraged. We’ll make a lunch stop on both the trip down and the return trip. The outfitter has two restaurants on site and the cabin has a kitchen; we’ll bring a cooler and make a brief stop for groceries on the way down. **Trip Costs** The total estimated trip cost is $325-375. This includes transportation, lodging, rafting (includes lunch) and the Adventuring trip fee. **Important Registration Information** Participation is limited to individuals who have participated in least three prior Adventuring events. Everyone who registers will initially be placed on the waitlist. Participants will be contacted in the order they signed up in order to submit a **$200 deposit** which is needed to secure your rafting spot. You will have **one week to respond** before your spot is offered to the next person on the list. The balance payment will be due by no later than June 1. If you must cancel, your deposit and any other fees paid will be refunded in full only if your spot is filled. **Maximum group size: 10 participants.** 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.

Join us for this scenic 6-mile loop in Rock Creek Park averaging 2-2.5 miles per hour with an elevation gain of 740 feet. We will start at the Rock Creek Park Nature Center, and travel south past Pierce Mill, ascend up to the Pierce-Klingle Mansion, cross Rock Creek, and hike up the Valley trail, visiting Pulpit Rock and Boulder Bridge before returning to the Nature Center. The hike is generally considered a moderate route. It takes an average of 3 hours to complete the loop. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Toilets will NOT be available at the Nature Center, however the toilets at Pierce Mill will likely be open (about 2 miles into the hike). **Meeting Point:** The address is 5200 Glover Road, NW, at the Rock Creek Nature Center (no entrance fees, plenty of parking) **Meeting Time:** Plan to arrive at 8:15am so you will be able to meet everyone and sign the PATC waiver. Once the waiver is signed, we will begin the hike promptly at 8:30am. **Route:** Here is an AllTrails route in case you want to import this into a navigation device. [https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/activity-march-2-2025-36e51f2-2?u=i&sh=wugt2j](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/activity-march-2-2025-36e51f2-2?u=i&sh=wugt2j) **Contact Info:** Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions, and to arrange carpools. Call/text the hike leader (Allie) if urgent for day-of questions or issues 202-320-6103 **Important Notes:** RSVP here by 6pm the evening before; please do not show up unregistered. If you need to cancel, please change your RSVP by 6pm to allow others to move off the waiting list. Cancelling after 6pm may result in being designated a “no-show” which may affect your ability to sign up for future PATC hikes. In the unlikely event that the hike needs to be cancelled, it may be cancelled up to the evening before the hike. Hikers will be notified through comments on this posting. \*\*Consider becoming a member of PATC to both enjoy the trails and support their maintenance. [www.patc.net](http://www.patc.net%2A%2A/)

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. **Overview:** This is an 8.5-mile hike with about 800 feet of elevation gain. The pace will be about 2.0 - 2.5 miles per hour. This hike is in the “northern / southeastern” portion of the Fountainhead Regional Park. There are porta-potties / restroom facilities by the main parking lot where we meet. **Important Note**: The trail could be muddy in places and there are sections in which there is no discernible trail which may require us to navigate by going from blaze to blaze in heavily wooded areas which always makes this hike interesting. There are no significant stream crossings. **Meetup:** We will meet at the main parking lot at GPS 38.724916, -77.329928 no later than 8:30 AM. **Fees:** There is no park entrance fee. Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy: [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy). Leader: Jim Hollis (703-927-7189… please use text)

Why spend the World Cup at home when you can watch it with hundreds of fans in one of the best atmospheres in the city? Join Social Sips & Bites as we head to Navy Yard Tingey Plaza for the public World Cup viewing of. We’ll cheer on Team USA, soak up the World Cup energy, and enjoy a fun afternoon with great people. After the match, we’ll grab dinner together before heading over to the famous Marine Barracks Evening Parade for one of DC’s most impressive summer traditions. You don’t need to know the offside rule. You don’t need a USA jersey. You just need to show up and have fun. Come for the soccer. Stay for the social. Make a day of it with Social Sips & Bites. 🇺🇸🍻⚽ Meeting Point: Navy Yard – Tingey Plaza Match Time: 2:30 PM Afterward: Group Dinner + Marine Barracks Parade

I'm putting this out there as a last minute to see if anyone is interested. The plan is to do the LHHT with 13/33/24 splits. Starting at the northern terminus, hiking to the 271 shelter area, then grindle ridge, then back to Ohiopyle and shuttle back to the car. Elevation is around 10k for the trail, water at all of the shelters along the way. I've made a reservation for the 2 shelters. Costs: *Camping: $10/per person for twp nights. - Carpooling: Standard DCUL rate (I will not be carpooling unless there are people coming from Ohio) DC ULers have maps! I will try to get us hard copies, but you can get a map of the route here: [https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/Recreation/WhatToDo/Hiking/LaurelHighlandsHikingTrail/Pages/default.aspx](https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/Recreation/WhatToDo/Hiking/LaurelHighlandsHikingTrail/Pages/default.aspx) Caltopo: [https://caltopo.com/m/7F31R](https://caltopo.com/m/7F31R) 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)

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.**

Join us for a relaxed Sunday afternoon DC brewery walk with the ladies, good drinks, fresh air, conversation, and a chance to explore a few spots together at an easy pace. You don’t have to drink to have a good time, you just come and enjoy the trail. I personally only plan on having two drinks max. Ideally just one. Expect: ✨ brewery stops + (maybe) drink flights ✨ casual walking between locations ✨ meeting new women in a low pressure setting ✨ snacks, laughter, and Sunday reset energy ✨ the perfect mix of social + laid back Whether you drink beer, prefer non alcoholic drinks, or just want the company, come hang out with us and enjoy the afternoon together.

(Bus hike) The hike explores Corbin Hollow, which features several artifacts by the farmers who once lived in the area, and provides an opportunity to obtain some of the most extensive views in the park. Moderate hikers walk around Robertson Mountain, starting at Nethers and going up the Corbin Hollow Trail and down the Old Rag and Weakley Hollow fire roads. Long hikers ascend the steep Robertson Mtn. Trail to the top, from which they can view the majesty of the mountains. They then descend the Corbin Mtn. and Nicholson Hollow Trails to Nethers. Est.: 11 miles, 2700' elevation and 8.5 miles, 2300' elevation. There are options for both the long and moderate hikers to do shorter hikes. For example, the moderates can climb Robertson Mtn. from Old Rag fire road (about 8.5 miles, over 2000' elevation) or go out and back on Weakley Hollow fire road. PATC Map 10. Fare: $33 plus park fee or pass. VA Hikes * **[DC: Near 17th and K St. NW](https://bit.ly/17thandKnu)** downtown (east side of Farragut Square). Bus leaves at 8 a.m. SHARP, so it's essential to arrive well before 8 am. * **[Vienna Metro: NORTH parking lot](http://bit.ly/vienna-bus)**, last bus shelter (Nutley St. Exit off Interstate 66 on North/Vienna side of I-66) at approximately 8:25 a.m. Park at 9486 Virginia Center Blvd, Vienna, VA 22181 * * Caution: The "south" parking lot also has bus shelters. If by 8:15, you're not with a group of Wanderbirds hikers, you may be in the south lot. There's a walkway that passes the fare gates over I-66 to the north lot. **RESERVATIONS** Wanderbirds Hiking Club is a 501(c)(7) non-profit, and the public is invited on all hiking trips. Reservations are accepted as late as Saturday, but reserving as early in the week as possible helps ensure your spot and prevent cancellation of the hike due to low sign-ups. RSVP through Meetup and pay through PayPal. Please be sure your RSVP gives your full name and phone number and where you'll be boarding the bus. **FIRST-TIME HIKERS** If you're a first-time hiker with us, please notify the leaders in advance so they can make sure you have the info you need. Hikers must be able to keep a 2-mph pace. New hikers are required to first complete a moderate hike. **LIABILITY WAIVER:** Many of our hikes take place in remote wilderness areas where cell phone service is not available. Any person participating in any Club activity is responsible for their own safety, health and welfare, and must assume all risks and liabilities related to all Club activities. The Club, its hike leaders, hike sweeps, officers, and other representatives are not liable for any injuries, losses, or damage to persons, children, pets, and/or property, arising from any trips or activities of the Club. You are responsible for bringing enough water, food, and first aid supplies, including those for your personal medical conditions. **CANCELLATION POLICY** To cancel and receive a full bus hike refund, less a $5 processing fee, you must change your RSVP to "No" on Meetup **before NOON on the Friday** before the hike. If you change your RSVP after noon on the Friday before the hike, no refunds will be issued. Cancellations to Metro/carpool/trailhead hikes will not issue a financial refund, but hiker must change their Meetup RSVP to NO so that leaders do not wait for them at the trailhead. **COVID-19, FLU, & RSV PRECAUTIONS** Anyone experiencing symptoms of upper respiratory illness should not attend the event. **MORE DETAILS** -- [SEE THE FAQS ON OUR WEBSITE](http://www.wanderbirds.org/faq.html)

We'll try to hike again. Hopefully, the weather cooperates this time. There's a shelter at 2401 Tilden Street we'll meet at. It's a simple out and back, not too steep. If we're up for it, we can grab some food at one of the nearby eateries. By signing up for this hike, you indicate you are responsible for own safety and do not hold the organizer or Meetup responsible for any injuries incurred. You may bring as many guests as you want provided they're single and childfree.

Happy Father's Day! We can meet at the Capital Crescent Trailhead on Bethesda Ave by the Honda Dealership (the address I put is for the Honda Dealership, [4800 Bethesda Ave, Bethesda, MD 20814](https://maps.google.com/maps?vet=10CAAQoqAOahcKEwjIueTNruaUAxUAAAAAHQAAAAAQCQ..i&pvq=CgwvZy8xMXhkam05MnIiFAoOb3VyaXNtYW4gaG9uZGEQAhgD&lqi=ChdvdXJpc21hbiBob25kYSBiZXRoZXNkYSIDiAEBSNfIpsjxgYCACForEAAQARgAGAEYAiIXb3VyaXNtYW4gaG9uZGEgYmV0aGVzZGEqBggCEAAQAZIBDGhvbmRhX2RlYWxlcuABAA&fvr=1&cs=1&um=1&ie=UTF-8&fb=1&gl=us&sa=X&ftid=0x89b7c97bf7253b1b:0x9a14f8d85d20b753), so people could easily GPS it, trailhead is right next to it). **Route:** Walk down CCT -> Hillandale Road -> Firefly Lookout -> Dorset Ave -> CCT -> 396, then come just straight back on the CCT. Should take about 1.5 hours, 3.8 miles. Dogs, kids, friends, etc. - all are welcome! [https://maps.app.goo.gl/jZeLP1b7zhcdQiJs8](https://maps.app.goo.gl/jZeLP1b7zhcdQiJs8)

NW Branch Trail & Hike Adventure **\*\*Check back to see if the date or start time has changed. This ride will be postponed (possibly replaced with another ride) if the chance of rain is above 49%, or wind speed or wind gusts are above 15 mph (per Accuweather) \*\*** **TRAIN OR BUS STOPS** Silver Spring Metro Station **PARKING ADDRESS** Roscoe Nix Elementary School 1100 Corliss St Silver Spring, MD **PARKING AND MEETUP SPOT** As you enter the school entry road, make a left into the first parking lot (dilapidated swimming pool area). Meet us in the parking lot. After check-in, we’ll do an icebreaker question. **BIKE ROUTE SUMMARY** The NW Branch trail runs between the Layhill neighborhood of Silver Spring and runs south following the NW Branch of the Anacostia River, ending in Bladensburg, where it connects with several other paved trails that we have biked. This route will give us a bit more incline on the return trip. **Unique things about this bike trail:** 1. Since we're starting at the north end, we decided to make a little "duathlon" adventure by including the .25-mile river rock trail segment. Be prepared to walk your bike down and then up it when we return if you don’t feel prepared to bike down. 2. The water crossings: Be prepared to bike through about five water “streams.” If it rained the day before, there could be 2-4” water, causing splashes. 3. The bridges: Be prepared to slow down as you approach bridges and pass under via narrow riverside paths. 4. The trail offers river views and a shady tree canopy. We’ll bike .25 miles on a neighborhood street to the NW Branch trail head, which starts in a lush forest. Then we either walk or bike down a .25-mile river-rock trail to the Anacostia River level. Once there, we'll bike a paved trail along the river southbound towards Bladensburg. We'll stop to regroup a couple of times and to enjoy the river views. The trail pavement is smooth except for some tree root bumps. We'll stop at mile 7 to see if anyone wants to keep going down to Bladensburg Waterfront Park where we'll stop for another break before returning the same way. **TYPE OF BIKE:** Any bike will do. We rode it on our road bikes but we wished we had thicker tires for biking down the gravel trail segment. Ensure it is the correct frame size for your height so you can get maximum output. Participants are responsible for ensuring their bike tires, brakes, and chain are in good condition and they have a spare inner tube on hand. Organizers can try to help but aren't responsible for everyone's bike conditions. **SKILL LEVEL:** Beginner riders can enjoy this mostly flat and straight trail but there are few caveats; you need to be able to bike or walk your bike down the gravel segment described above. And then you need to be able to walk your bike up that gravel segment to the street level once you return. (It took us 10 minutes last time). Also, you need to feel comfortable with biking through small water runoff streams and getting splashed and/or wet shoes. **PACE:** It’s up to you. HOWEVER: The event organizers have fit legs (avg. 10-16 mph). We make stops at tricky points on the trail and /or to regroup every 2-4 miles. Since paved trails can sometimes be crowded, we don’t have expectations of being able to go very fast. Plus, they usually have a speed limit of 15mph. · If you prefer a **faster pace** than the lead riders, you can make stops to wait for them to catch up. · If you’re **not sure what your avg. speed** is, be prepared to use a nav app to ride solo in case you don’t catch up to us at our stops. **DISTANCE OPTIONS** Participants can choose to return at any point. These are just suggestions. Option A: From the parking lot to East West Hwy traffic light is 4.5 miles one way. Option B: From the parking lot to mile 0 is \~7.25 miles one way. Option C: From the parking lot to Bladensburg Waterfront Park is about 8.7 miles. (The organizers will probably be biking this option). Total 17.6 miles, +/- 373 ft. Option D: Continue on one of the adjoining trails to add more miles. **BATHROOMS (in order of appearance)** There is a Throne bathroom at Hyattsville local park, which we bike through. Bathrooms up Rhode Island Ave at Vigilante Coffee and other retail establishments. (Take a detour). Bathrooms at Bladensburg Waterfront Park **BIKE RENTALS** Unknown **BIKE REPAIR** Hyattsville Arrow Bicycle on Rhode Island Ave (not far from mile 7 exit) **FOOD & DRINK INFO** Franklin’s and Vigilante Coffee (not far from mile 7 exit) **OPTION TO SOCIALIZE AFTERWARDS** Participants are welcome to make suggestions **RECOMMENDATIONS** **Bring:** Water bottles, snacks, biking gloves, bike bell, bike lock, helmet visor, sunglasses, bike tube, pump, patch, first aid kit, mobile phone with nav app installed (e.g. Google maps, we use RidewithGPS). If you get leg cramps during or after a ride, take electrolytes before and during your ride (or add salt and magnesium to your water). A change of clothes for your ride home or a car seat cover to absorb sweat. Clothing: Wear biking gloves and durable clothing so that if you do fall, your skin is protected. Avoid wearing all black, all grey, all dark brown, or all dark blue, which blends in with pavement, especially while riding through a shady segment. Consider wearing something lighter to help others notice you. **REQUIREMENTS** **Participants must wear tightly secured helmets when on their bike.** **Be proactive to avoid a fall/crash and minimize injury:** · Keep a distance between yourself and other bikers. If the biker ahead of you suddenly stops, you should be able to avoid hitting them. · Don’t make stops on the trail. Pull over to the side and use hand gestures to let people know you’re slowing down to make a stop. · Yelling out “Passing on your left” and/or ringing a bike bell as you approach people ahead of you, so they don’t inadvertently move in your line of travel. · Slowing down to wait, rather than speeding up when trying to pass people at the same time walkers/bikers are approaching you from the opposite direction. · Avoid potholes and debris and slow down when approaching bumps · When approaching road crossings and iffy situations, triple-check before crossing and don’t let yourself be distracted by talking, etc. · Ensure your helmet is tightly secured so that it won’t move if you hit the ground. **MEETUP POLICIES** Participants should understand that biking is an inherently dangerous activity, and an accident could happen at any time. **Participation is at your own risk**. An RSVP of “Yes” to an event is your digital signature acknowledging that you have read, understood, and agree with Meetup’s and MD Rail Trail Biking’s policies, esp. section 6 “Release” and section 8.2 ” Limitation of Liability,” found at [https://www.meetup.com/terms/](https://www.meetup.com/terms/)

Let's go for a hike at Lake Accotink Park! ❶ **What we'll do:** * Starting from the railroad trestle at the foot of the dam, we'll walk clockwise around the lake. The total distance is 4 miles and should take about an a hour and a half, so we should finish before noon. The trail is a mix of fine gravel and paved paths, with a short stretch on sidewalks halfway through the walk. There may be some patches of snow and ice and snow left from Winter Storm Fern. There are some inclines here and there, but overall it's pretty flat. * Google map: [http://tinyurl.com/zk8qo6n](http://tinyurl.com/zk8qo6n) ❷ **How to get there:** From I-95, take Old Keene Mill Road west. (If you are coming from Franconia, note that Franconia Road becomes Old Keene Mill Road in Springfield.) Turn right on Hanover Avenue and drive north about a mile. Turn left onto Highland Street and drive west about a quarter of a mile to a slight right turn onto Accotink Park Road. Follow Accotink Park Road and watch for the entrance to the park on the left; then follow the road through the woods to the parking lot by the railroad trestle at the foot of the dam. See [https://goo.gl/maps/UodjwqQx1MH2](https://goo.gl/maps/UodjwqQx1MH2) ❸ **What to bring:** Water, comfy shoes with some tread on them, and your furry friend if desired (leashes please). ❹ **Weather:** The forecast is partly cloudy and a high of 86F, with light W winds and a 10% chance of showers. Updates: [https://tinyurl.com/y6o9tgqq](https://tinyurl.com/y6o9tgqq) ❺ **Advisory:** 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. ❻ **Administrative stuff:** There are public restrooms and drinking fountains near the park marina. ❼ **Notes:** * Lake Accotink Park, 7500 Accotink Park Rd, Springfield, VA 22150, 703-569-3464. [http://tinyurl.com/d928nn9](http://tinyurl.com/d928nn9) * Park trails: [https://tinyurl.com/y7mn8h3r](https://tinyurl.com/y7mn8h3r)

This is a small but pretty park with a 1.7-mile loop. We will walk it 2 times. It goes along a ridge and has moderate elevation changes.

Hi ladies. We will meet in front of the Nature Center and head to the two Observation decks. We will then hike Hickory Ridge, Ripple Rock, Overlook and Sugarbush trails to get approximately four miles total distance. We will walk approximately a 18 minute mile pace. Please wear appropriate hiking shoes.

[The Board Walks](http://www.theboardwalks.com/) are for curious people who love deep conversations. If that sounds like you, **bring a thoughtful topic** and join us for a 5-mile walk (10,000+ steps!). **HOW IT WORKS** **Step 1: Bring a topic** Before you arrive, think of **one** topic you want to explore. A question. A thought that's been on your mind. An obsession you want to geek out on. This is your ticket to the event. **Step 2: Circle up & share** We gather in a circle. Your friendly walk host gives a speech to set the tone. Everyone shares: your name, what you're grateful for, and your topic. That's it. 60 seconds. **Step 3: Walk, talk & float** We walk 5 miles. You naturally drift into conversation with 2-3 people at a time, pulled by topics that spark your curiosity. When you're ready to move on, just say: "I'm going to float!" **Step 4: Feel more alive** Two hours flies by. You're back where you started — but you feel different. More alive. More energized. More connected to yourself and others. That's why regulars join 20+ times. *For more details, read our [Orientation Guide.](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation)* **HOW TO BRING A GREAT TOPIC** A great topic = something you're genuinely curious about. Recent topics include: * "What are you passionate about right now?" * "What makes a good friend?" * "What's a belief you used to hold that you've completely changed?" * "How do you want to be remembered?" * "What would you do if money wasn't a factor?" Think of your topic like the dish you're bringing to our conversational potluck. If everyone brings an A+ dish (i.e. energizing, uplifting, expansive), we'll all walk away feeling lighter and brighter. **WHAT TO EXPECT** This isn't a fitness event with casual chitchat. It's a walking think tank where we explore life's big questions together, beyond small talk. *If you're looking for light banter or a standard networking event, this probably isn't the right fit.* But if you crave depth, genuine connection, and conversations that make you feel alive? You'll love it here. **FAQ** * Wear casual athletic attire and sneakers. It's a long walk! * We have multiple first-timers at each event. We work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive, clique-free space. * We welcome people of **all** ages, backgrounds, and industries who align with the [intention](https://www.theboardwalks.com/ground-rules) of this space. * Rain or shine, we've been out here nearly every week since July 2022. If the event is cancelled, we'll let you know. * Dogs, babies in strollers, parents, and friends are welcome — please text/email them the event link so they can RSVP and prepare a topic! **LOGISTICS** * If you'll arrive over 10 minutes late, we suggest skipping the event. It's hard to find us once we start walking, and your host can't answer messages during the event. * This walk is designed for everyone to *move together at the same steady pace* (about 20 min/mile). This format works best when the whole group moves in unison. If you have mobility limitations, we kindly encourage you to find an event better suited to your needs. * Read our [Orientation Guide](https://www.theboardwalks.com/orientation) for full details. * If you enjoy the event, send **[this](http://www.theboardwalks.com/)** to a friend or sign up for our **[newsletter](https://theboardwalks.beehiiv.com/)**. We're in multiple cities with more on the way. 🤠👋 **IF YOU WANT TO GO DEEPER...** [The Board](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board) is the next step: a high-trust collective for renaissance people devoted to creating, connecting, and building lives that light us up. * This is a global HQ for people who crave big talk, deep connection, and dream collaborations with people across industries. If the walks feel like a spark... The Board is the fire. Apply [here](https://stan.store/ellebeecher/p/the-board).

**Hike the Scioto Audubon trail. All paved and flat!** **Plan on 3-4 miles. Hike at your own pace, no one left behind.** **Lunch after at Nocterra for those who wish.**