Outdoor Adventures

Please join Juanatán for his first hike of the year. This easy journey of 7 miles along Gallows Road and the W&OD Trail is a great way to ease back into hiking after the holiday season. We will meet at the Dunn Loring Metro Station at 11:00 AM, which is where we will begin and end our hike. ## **Trail Facts** * **Difficulty Level:** Easy * **Length:** 7.0 Miles * **Duration:** 4-5 hrs (Including our mid-hike meal.) * **Elevation Gain:** 190 Feet * **Permits:** None. * **Parking:** Dunn Loring Metro Station (38.881420295263695, -77.23054005314158) (Garage parking is free on weekends.) * **Dogs:** Not allowed. (The restaurant stop is built into the hike.) * **Trailhead Coordinates:** 38.88278986565736, -77.22841745233727 * **AllTrails Map**: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-5227c8e?u=i&sh=kucj8c **Trail Details:** Our route will take us from an urban landscape to a ¨green¨ corridor and back. While there won't be much greenery at this time of the year, we may see some birds and mammals along our route. **Itinerary:** 11:00 AM: Meet at the trailhead. 11:15 AM: Depart the trailhead. 12:30 PM: Arrive at Caboose Brewing. 2:00 PM: Start return trip. 3:15 PM: Arrive at trailhead. *(Setting the end time to 4:00 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://maps.app.goo.gl/6LLSkiWQqqbBiycJ7)**

Help us celebrate the **Sierra Club’s Potomac Region Outings** **(SCPRO)** and usher in a new year of outdoor activities by joining us at this (indoor) winter potluck party. The party is open to all—outings participants (past, current, or future) and leaders (past, current, or future), as well family, friends, and curious onlookers—so feel free to invite others. Special guests are our long-term leaders whom we recognize with sincere appreciation for their volunteer service to the Club. They have helped introduce thousands of people to the outdoors and then helped them enjoy it for many more years! Photo albums of other SCPRO [socials](https://sites.google.com/view/wandering-soles/special-events/scpro-socials). **FOOD & DRINKS** You are invited to bring food (prepared or bought by you) to share—a main dish, side dish or salad, or appetizer. The food you bring should reflect your family's heritage so that we end up with international fare. (Don't forget serving utensils.) Please DO NOT bring desserts, chips, nuts, dips, and other snacks. If you can’t, don’t want to, or forget to make a dish, don’t let that stop you from coming as there is sure to be more than enough food! We will provide fruit snacks, dessert, water/soft drinks, and plastic/paper ware. To save a little bit of the world, please bring your own washable plates, cups, and eating utensils. A $5 cash voluntary donation per person to cover the cost of the event is welcomed, but not required. **WHEN & WHERE** Sunday, January 25, 2026, 5:30-8 pm, Bethesda Club Room, White Flint Station Condos, 11800 Old Georgetown Road, North Bethesda, MD ([GoogleMaps](http://goo.gl/yZLGhb)). The entrance is at the NE corner of the Chapman Avenue and Old Georgetown Road "T" junction (see photos below), and the room is on your right just after entering. **Metro:** The location is one block north of, or 0.4 miles from, the Red Line’s North Bethesda Metro station, 5679 Marinelli Rd ([GoogleMaps](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/39.0474399,-77.1125592/39.0500145,-77.110907/@39.0486043,-77.1132003,555m/am=t/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m2!4m1!3e2?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTExMC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D)). **Parking:** Street meter parking is free on weekends (see photo below). There is a Metro parking garage (5627 Marinelli Rd, but entrance on Citadel Ave.; [GoogleMaps](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/39.0479932,-77.1094668/11800+Old+Georgetown+Road,+Rockville,+MD/@39.0491272,-77.1127684,1111m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m9!4m8!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x89b7cc2f1db815fd:0x8a0308c08227de73!2m2!1d-77.1108517!2d39.0502507!3e2?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTExMC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D)) that is also free on weekends, and a commercial garage at Pike & Rose (11580 Old Georgetown Rd; [GoogleMaps](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/39.0489289,-77.1180482/39.0500176,-77.1109542/@39.0489563,-77.115838,931m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!4m1!3e2?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTExMC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D)). Each garage is about 0.3 miles away. **SIERRA CLUB** You may join the Sierra Club by clicking the "JOIN" button at the top of the Virginia Chapter’s [website](http://www.sierraclub.org/virginia). Membership is not required for participation. **INFO?** If you have questions about the event, contact Mike (Mike.Darzi@Gmail.com).

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 6.5 mile hike with 1000’ elevation gain to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia and is perfect for those that want to experience Maryland Heights without having to do a long hike. We will begin at the Harpers Ferry Train Station parking lot. We will hike the AT and then along the Shenandoah River and then at Appalachian Trail across the Potomac River on the footbridge. Taking a left we go briefly along the C&O Canal before taking the ***steep*** trails up to Maryland Heights for lunch. We hike at a pace of 2.0-2.5 mph when moving. [Rating: C](https://nvhc.com/hikeinfo/ratings/) (Upper level C hike, almost a B) Leader: Ed Brimberg 703-944-9920 (C) Park Entry Fee: $20 or free with National Park pass. Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) Carpools: Arrive at the Dulles Town Center Park and Ride at 7:45am, carpools leav at 8:00am GPS Coordinates: 39.034079, -77.430102, [https://goo.gl/maps/Drvzn7wmu76vnmgR6](https://goo.gl/maps/Drvzn7wmu76vnmgR6) . Suggested carpool fee is $4. ***The leader will be at the carpool location.*** Driving time to the trailhead from the carpool location \~1 hour. If you are going to the trailhead, meet at the Harpers Ferry Train Station at 9:00am, hike starts at 9:15am. A national park pass (leave on car dashboard) or $20 payment upon arrival using a **smartphone and a credit or debit card** via a QR code system. GPS coordinates: 39.324540, -77.731047 [https://goo.gl/maps/yLmDLB9cx44Bkr4z7](https://goo.gl/maps/yLmDLB9cx44Bkr4z7) 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. AllTrails Map: [https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-4165db0?u=i&sh=7cs7ov](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-4165db0?u=i&sh=7cs7ov) ***You must be experienced in hikes of this distance and elevation gain.***

During his second trip of the year, Juanatán will take you to Maryland Heights, but during the winter season. This journey of 8.6 miles through Harpers Ferry National Park will allow you to experience this famous trail and overlook in a different light. We will meet at the Vienna South Metro Station at 8:00 AM and carpool to the trailhead. Drive time is about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Please post a comment if you are willing to drive. Carpooling saves the environment and makes friends! ## **Trail Facts** * **Difficulty Level:** Strenuous * **Length:** 8.6 Miles * **Duration:** 6-6.5 hrs (Including our meal on the way back.) * **Elevation Gain:** 1,762 Feet * **Permits:** Have a National Park Pass or pay the $20 entrance fee. * **Parking:** Vienna South Metro Station (Search for ¨NOVA Trailblazers Carpooling Location¨ on Google Maps.) (Parking is free on weekends.) * **Dogs:** Not allowed. (The restaurant stop is built into the hike.) * **Trailhead Coordinates:** 39.31617004156396, -77.75620539129638 * **AllTrails Map**: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-011e405?u=i&sh=kucj8c **Trail Details:** After reaching the trailhead we will follow a trail down to Lower Town Harpers Ferry, passing some historial structures along our way. After passing through town we will go over a bridge, spend some time on the towpath, and then begin the steep ascent to Maryland Heights. After admiring the wintry view we will mostly come back the way we came, making a small diversion to grab a bite to eat at The Rabbit Hole before walking back to the Visitor Center parking lot. Since this hike is scheduled for February, it will likely be cold, so please wear layers and bring adequate fuel and hydration. In addition, the trails could be slippery, so the use of traction devices (microspikes, crampons, or similar) is **REQUIRED** if the expected trail conditions warrant it. If everyone is tired after the hike there is the option to take the shuttle back to the Visitor Center. The last shuttle for the day will leave at 5:30 PM. **Itinerary:** 8:00 AM: Meet at the Vienna South Metro Station. 8:15 AM: Depart for the trailhead. 9:30 AM: Arrive and begin hike. 1:30 PM: Arrive at The Rabbit Hole. 3:00 PM: Finish walking back to the trailhead. 4:00 PM: Reach the trailhead and drive home. 5:30 PM: Arrive at the Vienna South Metro Station. *(Setting the end time to 6:00 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://mountainmamacabins.com/blog/harpers-ferry-winter/)**