Weekday Hikes

Its that time of year when Brookside Gardens should be filled with bombastic spring colors. Let's take an evening stroll to check them out. We will meet up near the restrooms at Wheaton Regional Park (go left at the roundabout). We will head northeast and enter the gardens, making a large loop to see all of the perimeter areas, but not necessarily examining every exhibit. From there, we will backtrack slightly and loop past Pine Lake and the carousel on the way back to the start. Total distance should be 2.5 miles or less, depending on how much meandering we do in the garden. Our start point is about 120' higher than the gardens, but it is just one big gradual slope that you will barely notice. [Follow our route on Alltrails here](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/wheaton-to-brookside-2mi-1b90cc9?u=i&sh=5s9wgt)

*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.* Distance: 3.5 miles Elevation change: about 100' Earth Day is Wednesday, April 22! How far have we come since the first Earth Day in 1970? Join us at the 500-acre Lake Accotink Park, a surprising retreat in the middle of suburban Fairfax County. We'll walk partly on and partly off the main trail and along the lake shore on natural surface trails (about 4 miles total). We'll walk by an active eagle nest that is visible from the trail, unless the leaves are out. We may see the eagles flying around the lake. We'll find a variety of native plants, including the native azalea. **We meet at the parking lot by the dam**, then hike on natural surface side trails that most park visitors don’t know about. I'm also a naturalist, so we will stop occasionally to look at spring wildflowers. Some of the terrain is hillier than the main trail around the lake, with an elevation change of about 100 feet from lowest to highest, with many short but steep hills that make for a good workout for a suburban location. The route has small rocks, roots, and a couple of small stream crossings and is not suitable for people with difficulty walking. Pace is about 2 mph average with occasional short stops for checking out nature and discussing Earth Day. Restroom: By the pavilion (about a 5-minute walk from hike start) No dogs, please Park Entry Fee: NONE [Park map](https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/sites/parks/files/Assets/documents/waterfront/lakeaccotink/lake-accotink-brochure-map.pdf) * NOTE: Alternate directions if you are coming to the Park from the direction of Tysons Corner on 495 (Beltway): You may enter the Park at an entrance on Heming Ave. From I-495, take Exit 54 East onto Braddock Road (east). From Braddock Road, turn right onto Heming Ave., then right into the parking lot for Lake Accotink Park. HOWEVER, you cannot drive from that parking lot to the hike starting place. The two parking lots are connected by a paved walkway through the Park. It's a short walk down the hill to the lake (passing restrooms at pavilion), and then follow road to the dam. Please allow 10 extra minutes once you park to find your way and to walk to the dam if you arrive that way.

For the Wednesday run, let's meet at 1750 Crystal Dr (Entrance by Morton's Steakhouse) before walking over to the Crystal City Water Park and run on the Mt. Vernon Trail alongside the scenic Potomac River. LOCATION: Meet at 1750 Crystal Dr (Entrance by Morton's Steakhouse). Link to location on map: http://i.imgur.com/3yN0lwN.jpg NOTES: Photos taken during the event may end up on Instagram, Meetup, Strava and similar platforms. Let's meet at 6:50 PM, leaving by 7:00 PM. We will do 50 minutes, so 25 minutes out and 25 minutes back. You're welcome to do more if you'd like. Just before the run we decide whether we'll go NORTH (DC) or SOUTH (Old Town) on the trail. Once we're done, we meet back up at the Crystal City Water Park area. After the run please feel free to hangout and socialize with the group or join us at National Landing Water Park for a beverage and/or food. https://g.co/kgs/AErMQZ All paces are welcome! We run by time, not speed so bring a watch to monitor your time and turn around at the halfway time point. If you need to run/walk, that's ok! We average anywhere between 7-13 minute/per mile pace. First Time? Start out slow to find someone around your pace. The different paces tend to automatically gather, so you won't be alone! Metro: Crystal City on Blue/Yellow lines, 2 blocks from metro exit. Parking: There is plenty of paid parking options (parking garages, street parking, or parking lots) in the area on Crystal Drive or Long Bridge Park. Post-Run: A lot of times we have a little social outing after the run. You can bring a change of clothes if you'd like (though most people just go as is). We'll finish up the run, meet back at the Water Park, pick up our wallets and walk to wherever we decided to go for a beverage and/or food. If you have a suggestion for a place to check out, let us know!

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.**

Join us for this fun, effective cardio workout that combines several different workout methods including aerobics, bodyweight strength training, and plyometrics! Enjoy a high-energy group environment as you improve your strength and cardiovascular endurance. Level: All. Ages 13 & up Fitness in the Parks is a FREE program that brings a variety of fitness opportunities to parks and natural areas across Prince George’s County, MD! We invite you to find the class that best suits your fitness goals and to come discover the benefits of exercising in nature. Register at *pgparksdirect.com*. No classes on federal holidays (Memorial Day 5/25). Classes may be canceled due to inclement weather or wet grounds. Call 301-927-0822 for weather-related cancellations. **Register Here:**[ pgparksdirect.com](https://mdpgparksweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/iteminfo.html?Module=AR&FMID=532319968) Activity Code: 17681-279C For fastest response to any questions, or for more information, please contact Health and Wellness directly at (301) 446-6800; TTY (301) 699-2544 or email [wellness@pgparks.com](wellness@pgparks.com)

With both Laura and Jeff out for a little while, and me still really just coming back, I'm going to take on the lead of the intermediate ride again. We will be rolling at an intermediate pace of around 8 mph and stopping more than the fast guys. Honestly this will be a little slower than the past few months of intermediate rides because they started rolling pretty fast themselves! **Waiver:** Mountain biking is a risky sport, By signing up for this meetup you are agreeing to our MVD Mountain Bikers waiver located here: [Link to MVD Waiver](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xZnTHPXQGY5UggdumfoksN3uwdocnadK/view), as well as you will need to sign the standard MORE waiver prior to leaving on the ride, as we will be legally riding in the park at night and this is a requirement. ***Required MORE Waiver to be signed, please go to this link: [https://x.gldn.io/3IV3G966Lob](https://x.gldn.io/3IV3G966Lob)*** Where/Directions: Woodstock Inn! What time: Meet between 5:45 and 6:00 at parking lot. Wheels rolling by 6:00. We will not wait past 6:00. Pace: Pace will be intermediate, approx. 7.5 to 8.5 mph. Appropriate for intermediate riders, but not for beginners. This will NOT be a hammer fest / drop ride. Attitude is laid-back and friendly, but please ensure you can handle the pace and length of this ride before committing. This is a no-drop ride, i.e., we wait up for everyone at intersections. Please note Ptap rides tend to be about 1 mph slower than Rosy, or Fairland, due terrain. Terrain: Ranges from Easy to Difficult. Most trails are in great shape, but plan on some mud spots. There are a few very steep climbs, rocks and technical sections, log overs (up to 10" logs, and 3' stacks), tight single track (12" wide in spots), and a stream crossing or two. A strong/advanced rider will be able to clean most sections, others will need to get off of their bikes in spots. This is a friendly ride, so we will wait up for everyone, just be advised that the terrain can be somewhat difficult in places. This is a video edit I made of a ride this year. We won't hit all of this terrain, but gives you a feel for Patapsco: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwi7H68iljI&t=664s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwi7H68iljI&t=664s) Distance: Ranges depending on time of year (around 12 miles mid winter/dark, to about 19 during mid summer / long days). Exact route will change depending on group dynamics, trail conditions, daylight, etc. I will typically have route planned in my head at the beginning of the ride, but will modify as needed to get us back at a reasonable time. Distance will grow/shrink with the daylight. Duration: I shoot to have us back around 8:30, so around 2 1/2 hours. This can change with mechanical issues, and group dynamics though. As this is a weekday ride, the stops will be just long enough for the last rider to catch their breath. Bring: Helmet (required), water (as much as you can carry), spare tube/patch kit, pump/CO2, multi-tool, I.D., emergency contact info where it can be easily located on your person, and a good attitude, as this ride is as much about camaraderie as it is about riding. Take a look at your bike and make sure it is in good working condition (Ptap will take its toll on the bike). Bring a light, as you will need it with the days starting off shorter, and the eventual start in the dark. There are ton of acceptable lights under $20 on Amazon right now. Just look for a T6 Cree LED Bike light, with minimally 1000 lumens. Weather: Shine Only (there will undoubtedly be some mud, but no ride if it’s raining or the trails are too muddy). Protect our trails and don’t ride them when they’re fragile. There may be days where I make a last minute call, so watch our MVD Mountainbikers meetup event, our Facebook group, as well as the Patapsco After Dark Facebook page, as I will cancel and cross post on all three. Ride Organizer(s): Craig P, 4four3-5zero9-zero8one1; skibum616 at yahoo dot com

**Join us for the APP mid-week training ride at Anacostia Park.** **This is a structured paceline workout designed to build fitness and group riding skills.** **📍 Meet: Anacostia Park – Skating Pavilion** **🕖 Roll Out: Wednesdays at 7:00 AM** **Ride Format** **• Starts around 18 mph** **• Speed increases every 4-mile loop** **• Ride as many laps as you can hold** **Bring lights, good energy, and be ready to roll at 7:00 sharp.** **See you at the park 🚴‍♂️**

We will hike at Sky Meadows State Park, 5.2 miles with an elevation gain of 1000’. The pace for this hike is suitable for beginners and families, at 1.4-1.9 mph, with slower options available as needed. Parts of the trail are rocky and uphill; we will stop often. The hike is referred to as a lollipop. We will meet at the Visitor Center parking lot and hike to the Boston Mill Road Trail. We will take the North Ridge Trail to the Appalachian Trail and then the Ambassador White House Trail. We will return on the North Ridge Trail and Boston Mill Road Trail. **DIRECTIONS AND PARKING:** Physical Address: 11012 Edmonds Ln., Delaplane, VA 20144 The park is less than two miles south of Paris, VA via U.S. Route 50 to Route 17 South, or seven miles north of I-66, Exit 23 on Route 17 North. The park’s main entrance is on Rt. 710/Edmonds Lane. Park in the lot at the visitor center. Sue's vehicle is a white Toyota Corolla. **RESTROOM**: Onsite at the visitor center. **THINGS TO BRING:** You will need a Virginia State Park Pass or pay a $10 fee to access the park. Dress in layers, bring water, snacks, a first aid kit, hiking poles, and pack extra socks. Hiking Guides: [https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/patc-mentoring-hike-sky-meadows-d06f64a](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/patc-mentoring-hike-sky-meadows-d06f64a) [https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/document/data/trail-guide-skymeadows.pdf](https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/document/data/trail-guide-skymeadows.pdf) **Notes:** * Participants are required to sign a PATC HIKE SIGNUP SHEET AND LIABILITY form. * RSVP to register for this hike. If your plans change, update your RSVP. * To find out more about PATC, [click here](https://www.patc.net/). * Consider becoming a member of PATC. To join, [click here](https://www.patc.net/membership). Please check the night before for any updates. A hike will be cancelled due to weather conditions and Virginia Department of Transportation travel alerts. Attendance will be limited at the discretion of our hike leaders. Preference will be given to PATC members. PATC rules do not permit children under the age of 18 to participate in a hike without a parent or guardian present. Please leave your canine companions at home. Thanks!

Let’s go for a hike at Scott’s Run.. bring your lunch.. we will find a nice area for lunch and chat time.. We are in this together, it will be a fun time!

Join us for an invigorating hike to Fairfax County's Earth Day Festival! We'll explore the scenic Buttermilk Creek Trail in Reston, enjoying a roughly 3/4-mile trek to Lake Fairfax Park, where the festival is being held. Once at the festival, you can immerse yourself in the festivities at your own pace or venture onto more Lake Fairfax trails. Don't miss this opportunity for outdoor fun and environmental celebration! You'll save a $10 parking fee by walking to the festival, rather than parking there! **Enjoy:** * Outdoor Discovery Activities * Interactive Nature Exhibits * Earth Friendly Vendors * Food Trucks * Craft Beer Garden * Local Bands and Live Entertainment * Free Giveaways * Furry Farm Friends Learn more about the festival here: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/earth-day-festival (We'll meet, and park, in the Uplands Recreation Area parking lot. You can walk back to your vehicle at your own pace.)

Hi ladies. Let's hike the Edward Thomas, Spring Creek, and a little multi-purpose trail - approximately 4 miles. Please bring a water bottle as needed and appropriate shoes. Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area.

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.

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!

Hi ladies. Let's hike the Edward Thomas, Spring Creek, and a little multi-purpose trail - approximately 4 miles so please wear your shoe of choice. Please bring a water bottle as needed and appropriate shoes. Meet in the Maple Grove Picnic area.