Trailhead

Classic Half Massanutten to run on the same weekend as the full. We'll setup a car shuttle on Friday night and camp near Waterfall mountain. Then Waterfall to Little Fort Campground near Woodstock Gap on Saturday (21m), and then back to the Signal Knob Parking lot (15m). All mileages are -ish. We'll need some cars to make the shuttle work. We'll meet on Friday at 7:30 PM at Vienna for carpooling since I want to avoid driving the beltway at rush hour. Probably 8:45 PM or so at Signal Knob Parking lot for the car shuttle. The trailhead on the south side is labeled "Massanutten Trailhead" in Google maps and it's located near Waterfall mountain. The parking lot on the south side is small vs the Signal Knob parking lot is pretty large. It's TBD if Chrisman Hollow Rd will be open. If not, we'll park just of US-211 again like last year. Due to the mileage, you should have already be at the member rank for the club. E.g., have done a LM trip with the club in good style. If you're new to the club, there might or might not be a mini-Massanutten the same weekend. By RSVPing to this trip or any other DCUL trip, you agree to these guidelines and to DCUL's waiver liability terms (https://dculbackpacking.com/about/liability-waiver/)

📚 Do you love reading, but wish you had a structure and a community to share your insights with? Join our small circle of curious minds (just 4 members per gathering) as we come together for an hour of focused reading—in the calm setting of a library or the cozy atmosphere of a café. Here’s how it works: First part: Quiet reading on your own—bring a book you’re exploring, whether it’s philosophy, history, psychology, literature, or anything meaningful to you. Second part: We regroup and each person shares key takeaways, insights, or questions sparked by their reading. This sparks a structured yet free-flowing conversation around ideas, perspectives, and personal reflections. Why join? Add structure to your reading habit. Discover new books, authors, and ideas through others’ choices. Build real connections by sharing and listening deeply. Socialize around something meaningful instead of small talk.

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

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, [https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf) and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike. This is an 7.5-mile hike with 600 feet of elevation gain through the woodlands of Reston and Oakton. On the hike we'll pass horse paddocks and may even see a group of curious goats. This is one of my favorite sections of the Cross County Trail and probably the least traveled. Thanks to Tom Underwood for the photo. We'll start at the Walker Nature Center and pick up the Cross County Trail (CCT) for an out and back of the northern half of CCT Section . Our turn will be at Gabrielson Garden Park, **Park on Glade Road so the Nature Center parking lot can be kept open for the Center's pre-school activities and drop-offs.** We hike at a pace of approximately 2.5 mph while moving. Y**ou must be experienced with hikes of this length and elevation gain.** Dogs are welcome on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicyhttps://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolic](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) Leader: Steve Frith cell 703-629-0174 Park Entry Fee: $0.00 Map for hike: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/gabrielson-garden-goats-horse-steve-frith-4cc5400?u=i&sh=iypgzx

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 me on this lovely 8.5 mile hike at Sugarloaf Mountain near Dickerson, Maryland with 1572 feet of elevation gain. We will meet in the parking lot at 8:45 am and start hiking at 9:00. This hike has plenty of ups and downs, with a long climb late-ish in the hike, and then a final climb to the summit before we return to our cars. The climb to the summit is quite steep and rocky. However, you can choose to skip this section and follow the well-marked White trail back to the parking lot. We will hike at a moderate pace of 2.5-2.7 miles per hour and stop at all intersections. Although there are no serious water crossings, there may be small streams to get across. We will enjoy a brief lunch or snack at White Rocks, about 4.5 miles into the hike. We will park at the East View Parking Lot, take the White Trail down the mountain, the Yellow Trail back up, connect to the Blue Trail to enjoy the White Rocks overlook, then go up and over the Purple Trail, back to Blue, back to White, up Red to the summit, then Orange back to the parking lot--not quite a full rainbow hike, but close! There are two porta potties available near the parking area, as well as one at the base of the mountain. There is a suggested donation of $5, and I encourage hikers to contribute. Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy. If you plan to bring a dog on this hike, please contact me about the dog’s prior hiking experience in winter conditions on rocky trails. Leader: Becky Reickel 301-471-3641 Carpools: Meet at the Centreville Park and Ride at 7:30 a.m. Suggested carpool fee is $5.00 per rider. The leader will not be at the carpool location and will meet the group at the trailhead. Anyone intending to carpool should post a message to the group to be sure someone else will be there. GPS coordinates for Centreville Park and Ride: 38.836080, -77.455327. https://goo.gl/maps/hc3LRG7Hsy2wMJs18 Trailhead: Meet at the Sugarloaf East View Parking lot at 8:45 am for our 9:00. start. GPS coordinates: 39.260338, -77.390338. https://goo.gl/maps/HyHoWHCFEJXrcDYB8 Park entry fee: Suggested Donation is $5 Rating: A Map for the hike: 01302025 Sugarloaf Color Hike on AllTrails https://api-v5.alltrails.com/explore/recording/activity-january-30-2025-5807a68-3?p=-1&sh=zg5qvz&utm_medium=map_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality

**NOTICE: The park is open until 8:15 PM for Sunset Closing** https://www.novaparks.com/parks/meadowlark-botanical-gardens/events/sunset-in-the-gardens-815pm-closing Fees: $5 for ages 6-17 & ages 55+, $9 for ages 18-54, and free for ages 5 & under We will meet at the visitor center. Bring Water, Tripod, comfortable shoes, fully charged batteries, and empty cards There is no specific route in this park. Folks are free to wander around the trails in the park at their own pace. Check out Rob Trek's video from May 16, 2021: https://youtu.be/QwNR_TuxM4Y For dinner, after the field trip around 8:30 PM, we will head to Anita's New Mexico Style Restuarant, 521 Maple Ave E, Vienna, VA 22180 https://maps.app.goo.gl/3T7gw87tjvVuwDT96 Share only your very best, most interesting shots after the field trip, and keep it down to between 5 and 10 photos. Beauty, conservation, education, and discovery flourish throughout the year at this 95-acre complex of large ornamental display gardens and unique native plant collections. Walking trails, lakes, more than twenty varieties of cherry trees, irises, peonies, an extensive shade garden, native wildflowers, gazebos, birds, butterflies, seasonal blooms, and foliage create a sanctuary of beauty and nature. [https://www.nvrpa.org/park/meadowlark_botanical_gardens/](https://www.nvrpa.org/park/meadowlark_botanical_gardens/) By sending in an RSVP and joining this meetup event hosted by the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I am also agreeing to the terms of the following release and waiver of liability, which shall be binding on my heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns. In consideration of my (and my child’s) participation in the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I do hereby release, discharge, and hold harmless the Organizer, its members, officers, directors, employees, and the leader(s) of this event from any and all liability by reason of any damage, loss, expenses, or injury arising from my (and my child’s) participation in this event, including that caused solely or in part by the fault of any and all of the above-named parties.

[Updated 4/16] If you are joining now, you will most likely be on Waitlist as the hike filled up quickly. Please keep an eye on it as I've asked that everyone who needs to cancel do so no later than 12:00pm on Friday. **Please park tightly!** The parking lot at the trailhead isn't large and if we park tightly, we can help to get more cars in. Please also consider double parking cars from our group as we'll leave at the same time. If there isn't anything left, you will need to park across Route 7 and walk back which takes about 5 minutes. Please allow enough time! Join for an **early morning** hike to get the weekend started! Sunrise will be at 6:30am, so that will also be our start time. Please arrive 15 minutes early to sign the required PATC Waiver and stretch out. My hikes start on time, so please be punctual. WE HAVE 2 PATC HIKE LEADERS, SO WE ARE OPENING THIS UP TO 15 HIKERS. THIS IS A VERY LARGE GROUP, SO PLEASE ARRIVE BY 6:15 SO WE CAN BEGIN PROMPTLY AT 6:30. THE PARKING LOT IS VERY SMALL, SO JAM IN TIGHTLY. FEEL FREE TO BLOCK IN OTHER HIKERS FROM THIS GROUP SO WE CAN FIND SPACE FOR EVERYONE. IF YOU DON'T FIND A SPOT, DO NOT PARK ON THE ROAD AS YOU WILL BE TOWED! THE OVERFLOW LOT IS ACROSS ROUTE 7. There is a bit of climbing that is nicely rewarded with a great view at the top. This hike runs the final leg of the Appalachian Trail’s Roller Coaster and contains a few ups and downs. Some sections are rocky, so wear proper shoes. The hike will bring us to a fantastic overlook of the Southwest and Shenandoah Valley. * This is a **Moderate Hike** with 5.8 miles of hiking and 1,530ft of elevation gain. * Our pace will be around 2.25-2.50mph * Hike time will be about 3 hours **At the top, feel free to bring a thermos of coffee and breakfast snacks to enjoy the view with.** **Notes**: * RSVP to attend hike. If your plans change, update your RSVP by **noon** the day before so there is time to backfill your spot. * Anyone who "No-Shows" will be logged and moved to "Not Going" for future hikes. * The PATC requires each hiker to sign a liability waiver, which will be available at the trailhead * Please check Meetup the night before. I will cancel the hike due to dangerous conditions. * Attendance is limited at the discretion of our hike leaders. PATC rules do not permit children under 18 years to participate in a hike without a parent or guardian present. * Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Club volunteers maintain over 1000 miles of trails in Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia, including 240 miles of AT (and the section we will hike!). For more information about PATC, please visit [https://www.patc.net/](https://www.patc.net/) * **No dogs.** **Hike Route & Info**: * HikingUpward Description: [https://www.hikingupward.com/OVH/RavenRocks/](https://www.hikingupward.com/OVH/RavenRocks/) * All Trails Link: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/raven-rocks-via-appalachian-trail * PATC Map 7: AT in WV and [N.VA](https://n.va/) \- Potomac R & Harpers Ferry to VA 7 **Meeting Location/Parking:** 39.11665, -77.85239 * We will meet at the information sign at the Trailhead which is on Pine Grove Road (North side of Route 7). Please note there is very limited parking. If the lot is full, you will need to park at the large Commuter Lot, 39.11543, -77.84736, at the intersection of Route 7 and Blue Ridge Mountain Road and allow time to walk to the trailhead (15-minutes). * Please arrive **no later than** **6:20am** to allow time to sign the waiver and be hiking by 6:30am. **What to Bring:** * Plenty of Water, a snack for the view, hiking poles and sturdy footwear. **Questions:** Please ask!

We will hike the famous Fairfax County Cross County Trail (CCT). We’ll depart from the Lake Audubon pool area and follow the CCT trail north for three miles and back three miles for a total of 6 miles. The route features a pleasant mix of dirt, gravel, and paved surfaces, with a few gentle hills—none exceeding 200 feet. Along the way, we’ll also enjoy a one-mile stretch of the W&OD Trail. After the hike, we’ll head to Lake Anne Brew House, an award-winning spot known for its small-batch beers and beautiful views overlooking Lake Anne. Hike parking along Twin Branches and Glade Dr. A detailed map of the CCT is located here: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/trails/trail-buddy

During the month of April Juanatán will guide you on a short but beautiful hike at Riverbend Park. This journey of just under 4 miles will take you through varied habitat types with a chance of seeing bluebells in bloom. We will meet at the Vienna South Metro Station at 8:00 AM and carpool to the trailhead. Drive time is about 30 minutes. Please post a comment if you are willing to drive. Carpooling saves the environment and makes friends! ## **Trail Facts** * **Difficulty Level:** Easy * **Length:** 4 Miles * **Duration:** 3 hrs (Including plenty of time for taking pictures.) * **Elevation Gain:** 324 Feet * **Permits:** None. * **Parking:** Vienna South Metro Station (Search for ¨NOVA Trailblazers Carpooling Location¨ on Google Maps.) (Parking is free on weekends.) * **Dogs:** Allowed on a leash at the park. (But not inside the restaurant.) * **Trailhead Coordinates:** 39.01872734604616, -77.24625717031695 * **AllTrails Map**: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-91328d0?u=m&sh=kucj8c **Trail Details:** After using the restrooms we will follow the Potomac Heritage Trail along the river and enjoy the views, potentially seeing Virginia bluebells along the way. We will then pass by Carper's Pond and start following the Bootlegger Trail, which will take us through some wetlands and then a meadow. We will then start making our way back down to the river by following Madison's Escape Trail, Follow the Hollows Trail, and then the Bootlegger Trail once again. After that we will take the Potomac Heritage Trail along the river until we return to the Visitor Center. Afterwards I am planning to stop by Deli Italiano in Great Falls, VA. The address is 9911 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA 22066. **Itinerary:** 8:00 AM: Meet at the Vienna South Metro Station. 8:15 AM: Depart for the trailhead. 9:00 AM: Arrive and begin the hike. 12:00 PM: Finish the hike, drive to Deli Italiano, and eat. 1:30 PM: Depart for the carpooling location. 2:00 PM: Arrive at the Vienna South Metro Station. *(Setting the end time to 3:00 PM to allow time for the unexpected.)* **LIABILITY NOTICE:** Please remember that this group operates under the common adventurer model. We are a group of friends and volunteers organizing trips for fun and shared experience. Participants are expected to be familiar with best hiking practices and choose hikes that align with their physical abilities and experience. Organizers and members are not liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to persons or property arising from group activities. By attending this event, you agree to assume all risks associated with the activity.​ For more information on the common adventurer model, please see [Ron Watters' definition](https://www.ronwatters.com/CADefine.htm).​ If you believe you may be lost during the hike, follow the advice of the [US Forest Service](https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/if-you-get-lost).​ See you on the trail! **[Featured Image Source](https://www.funinfairfaxva.com/potomac-hike-bluebells-and-sycamores-at-riverbend-park/)**

**Ed and Gail's THIRD SUNDAY DANCE** With Guest Instructors Jeff Bragg and Rebecca Menon Sunday, April 19 4:00-5:00 Intermediate West Coast Swing with Jeff and Rebecca 5:00-7:00 Dance (West and East Coast Swing, Two-Step, Waltz, Cha Cha, Rumba, Hustle, and more) $15 cash, check, or Venmo No partner necessary! Plenty of friendly people.

*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 11 mile out and back hike in the Massanutten Mountains of the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests. We will start from Rte 211, near Luray on the Massanutten Connector Trail and then take the Massanutten Trail to Strickler Knob. The Strickler Knob trail is a unofficial trail (one mile each way) that requires some scrambling and just a little bit of climbing. Your reward will be breathtaking views of the surrounding valley. Elevation gain of 2000 feet. We'll be going at a 2.5-3 mph pace while moving. If you haven't done a hike like this before, please call or text so we can decide whether it's a good fit. If you'd like to meet at the trailhead, we'll leave from there at 9:30. Please text me or leave a Meetup message if that's your plan. Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy.](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy. "https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy.") Leader: Will Martyn (703-994-9098) Carpoolers Meet: Centreville Park & Ride Lot, at 8:00. Please arrive a few minutes early so we can get organized and leave at 8. Carpool Fee: $6.00 Park Entry Fee: $0.00 Map for hike: [http://files.meetup.com/1835201/Strickler%20Knob.pdf](http://files.meetup.com/1835201/Strickler%20Knob.pdf "http://files.meetup.com/1835201/Strickler%20Knob.pdf")

🌿 **James River State Park – 7 Mile Moderate Hike** 🥾 Join us for a scenic and energizing \~7-mile hike through **James River State Park**, one of Virginia’s hidden gems! This route combines river views, forest trails, and a rewarding overlook—perfect for anyone looking for a solid, moderate hike without extreme elevation. ### 📍 Where: James River State Park (meet at Visitor Center parking area) ### 🥾 The Plan: We’ll follow a loop combining the **Cabell Trail, Dixon Trail, and Tye River Overlook**: * 🌲 Peaceful forest hiking * 🌊 Occasional views of the James & Tye Rivers * ⛰️ A moderate climb up to the scenic overlook (our main reward!) ### 📏 Details: * Distance: \~6.5–7 miles * Difficulty: Moderate (some hills, steady pace) * Time: \~3 hours (with breaks) Whether you're looking to get some miles in, enjoy nature, or meet fellow hikers, this is a great way to spend a few hours outdoors. 👉 RSVP if you’re in—looking forward to hitting the trail! Meet at Visitor Center: 37.6306, -78.8127

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 hike runs at 8.90 miles and 380 feet elevation, just at the upper limit for a C hike. We will start at the Bike Lane Brewing &Café, at 11150 Sunset Hills, Reston VA 20190, **at 9.00 am.** From there we will follow the W&OD trail to Sunrise Valley Avenue. There we take a left and walk for half a mile through a residential area, then hitting the Difficult Run trail on Brittenford Drive. After about a mile, the Difficult Run trail merges with the Cross County Trail that brings us to Colvin Run Mill, where we will stop for our break. We may have a quick look at the tunnel to nowhere, to see if the works on the passway have started. After the break we will hike through Colvin Run Mill Park, all the time staying close to Colvin Run. The final part of the hike takes us through Lake Fairfax Park, and then ……. back to the Bike Lane Brewery, where we can rehydrate with noble liquids, maybe sitting outside. The weather forecast for Friday April 24 is promising. Most of the surface is easy going, but there are some rocky parts, especially towards the end. There are two river crossings, one on well-spaced concrete pillars and one on large and well-spaced boulders. Please make sure that you take enough supplies and that you are prepared for the weather: sunscreen or raincoat! **Pace:** 2½ mph when moving. **Leader:** Willem Janssen, cell 202-280-4397 **Rating:** C **Map:** https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-october-23-2024-e3958a8?u=i&sh=g8n9nn **Dogs** are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) **Trailhead:** We will start at the parking lot at 11150 Sunset Hills, Reston, VA 20190 **Coordinates:** 38.948128, -77.330420

Join us for a relaxed late-morning hike along the **Difficult Run Trail to Great Falls**! This is about a 4-mile out and back trail with a mix of wooded paths and beautiful river views. ### Details: * **Start Time:** 10:00 AM * **Distance:** 4 miles round trip * **Pace:** Easy to moderate (we’ll keep it relaxed and take breaks) * **Trail:** Difficult Run → Great Falls overlook We’ll wait about **10–15 minutes at the start** before heading out so no one feels rushed. ### What to Expect: * Scenic views along the water and at Great Falls * Time to pause, take pictures, and just enjoy being outside ### What to Bring: * Water (definitely bring some midday sun can be warm) * Comfortable walking/hiking shoes * Snacks if you want * Sunscreen / sunglasses ### Parking: We’ll meet at the **Difficult Run Trail parking area** Parking can fill up, so arriving a few minutes early is a good idea.

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. 7 miles with 1,400 feet elevation gain. Sky Meadows State Park is rich in history, the park has rolling pastures and woodlands, scenic vistas and is also a working farm. The park also has access to the Appalachian Trail, which will be part of our hike. Starting from Sky Meadows State Park visitors center parking area, we will combine several trails including the South Ridge and North Ridge Trails, the Old Trail, a portion of the Appalachian Trail and the Ambassador Whitehouse Trail. There are some nice scenic overlooks including the Paris, VA overlook where we will take a break before returning back down to the visitor center. Most of the elevation gain is at the beginning when we ascend South Ridge and a portion of North Ridge to the AT. The pace will be about 2.0 to 2.5 mph. Bring water/hydration, snacks, and sturdy hiking shoes since there are some rocky areas and tree roots. There are no stream crossings. Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) Leader: Gail Markulin (703) 402-5902 (C) **Carpools**: Meet at the Centreville Park and Ride at 8:00 am. Suggested carpool fee is $5. The leader will be at the carpool location. GPS Coordinates: 38.836038, -77.455371, [https://goo.gl/maps/hc3LRG7Hsy2wMJs18](https://goo.gl/maps/hc3LRG7Hsy2wMJs18) Driving time from carpool location is \~ 45 minutes. 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. **Trail Head Meeting Instructions:** We are meeting at the parking lot closest to the Visitor Center. GPS coordinates 38.9917, -77.9661 Meet at the trailhead parking lot 15 minutes early to allow everyone to be signed in and get ready to hike at 9am. Park opens at 8am. Restrooms are available adjacent to the visitors center. **Fee:** $10.00 park entrance fee (no fee for Virginia State Park Pass holders) or use your REI purchase receipt parking coupon. Provide your REI receipt to the contact station ranger or insert it in a self-pay envelope at the contact station. Use the self-pay envelope to pay the entrance fee if no one is at the contact station is not open and hang the tear-off tab on your rear view mirror. AllTrails Map: [https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/virginia/sky-meadows-loop--2?mobileMap=false&ref=sidebar-static-map](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/virginia/sky-meadows-loop--2?mobileMap=false&ref=sidebar-static-map) **You must be experienced in hikes of this distance and elevation gain.**

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. Celebrate springtime with a 10 mile hike with 700' of elevation gain showcasing two lakes, wildflowers and a botanical garden. We will begin at the South Lakes Village Shopping Center in Reston, and take Reston paths to the W&OD equestrian trail, which we will follow easterly until the intersection with the Meadowlark Connector Trail. That trail leads to Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, operated by NOVA Parks. We’ll walk for about a mile through the gardens to see flowering plants, the Korean Bell Garden and a koi pond. After a lunch break, we’ll backtrack but this time follow the W&OD paved path part of the way. From the W&OD to the South Lakes Village Shopping Center we’ll take a different route, looking for wildflowers as we hike through a stream valley and up and down hills on unpaved trails, including the Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail. If we’re lucky, wood poppies and wild azaleas will be in bloom along our route in Reston as they were at approximately the same time last year: The final segment will be on mostly asphalt paths along Reston’s lakes Audubon and Thoreau. Overall, about 60 percent of the hike will be on paved surfaces. We hike at a pace of between 2.5-3.0 mph when moving, but the loop through Meadowlark Botanical Gardens will be a stroll with stops. Restrooms are available at the South Lakes Village Shopping Center and at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, and there’s a porta potty along the W&OD Trail at roughly the halfway point between Reston and the gardens. No dogs permitted on this hike. Leader: Ed Brimberg 703-944-9920 (C) NVHC hiker Maurice will assist in guiding us through this route. [Rating: B](https://nvhc.com/hikeinfo/ratings/) Gardens Entry Fee: For groups of 10 or more, money to be collected by leader. Exact change appreciated. Under 60 - $6.00 60 or older: $3.00 AllTrails Map for hike: [https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/activity-april-14-2025-a14185b-3?u=i&sh=7cs7ov](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/activity-april-14-2025-a14185b-3?u=i&sh=7cs7ov) Map of Garden: [https://www.novaparks.com/sites/default/files/2025-03/MC-ML-ParkMap_FL_3.24.25.pdf](https://www.novaparks.com/sites/default/files/2025-03/MC-ML-ParkMap_FL_3.24.25.pdf)

**Backpacking 101** is the perfect introduction for beginners and a great refresher for those looking to brush up on their skills after time away from the trail. This hands-on course covers essential topics like selecting and using gear, improving safety and comfort on the trail, and practicing Leave No Trace principles to help protect our beautiful backcountry. Get ready to hit the trail with confidence—let’s make adventure happen! **Requirements** · Participants must 18 or older & a PATC Member · **Fee:** $100 · **Class Size:** Limited to 8 students. · **Waiver:** A signed waiver is required by PATC. **Topics Covered** * Dressing for Success – Clothing, layering, and footwear essentials * Gear Up! – Choosing the right pack, shelter, and sleep system * Backcountry Basics – Water purification & cooking on the trail * Home Sweet Campsite – Selecting and setting up your ideal spot * Leave No Trace – How to protect nature while enjoying it * Trail Hygiene – Sanitation and staying fresh in the wild * Plan & Navigate – Trip planning, maps, and finding your way **Class Structure** * Pre-Class Prep – Watch assigned YouTube videos for a head start * 2 Gear Demos & Discussions – Hands-on learning and Q&A sessions * Overnight Adventure – Put your skills to the test on a backpacking trip! **Classroom Sessions** Location: PATC Headquarters, Vienna, VA Online: There will not be an online option as this has not worked well previously. Time: 6:30pm - 8:30pm * Tuesday, April 7 * Tuesday, April 14 **Weekend Option #2:** This trip will be in GWNF and includes a **3.2 miles hike (each way)** with 1,200 foot elevation. I’d rate this as “easy" * Weekend Option #2: April 25-26 * Rain Date for Option #2: May 2-3