Weekday Hikes

Come along to explore approx. 5 miles of trails that zig, zag, and zoom through Patuxent River Park as we head to southern Prince George's County. The Patuxent river borders one side of the park so we will have river and wetland views that occasionally put us on boardwalks. Most of our trails will be inland. We'll still enjoy the not-crowded, beautiful forest landscape and a few scenic overlooks. We will be on parts of the purple, blue, and brown trails. [Trail Map](https://www.pgparks.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/PRP-Trail-Map-2023.jpg). We will meet at the Visitor's Center. From there, we'll take the purple loop to the blue loop which will be most of our hike. The last 1/2 mile will be on the brown loop which will give us river views. Since we're stopped at the Visitor's Center, we'll also have time to check out the Osprey displays inside, the tower overlooking the river, and the Patuxent Rural Life Museums. We'll decide as a group if we want to stop for lunch at lookout 12 or at the end of the hike by the Living History Museum. Bring water, lunch, snacks, sturdy footwear, and $5 for the Adventuring trip fee plus about $3 if carpooling. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Largo Metro station to form carpools. If you are driving yourself, plan to meet at the Visitor's Center by 10:15am. After our hike, we may make an optional stop for foid or a drink at Top of the Hill/Babes Boys Tavern in Upper Marlboro. \*\*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.

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!

Trailhead Hike &Wildflower Hike: Although we normally view the well-known bluebells at Bull Run Regional Park at this time of year, the bluebells of Broad Run are much more abundant and the trails are less crowded. Many other varieties of wildflowers can be viewed along this surprising enclave south of Gainesville and west of Manassas, VA. This hike includes a tour of the monastery grounds which contain well maintained gardens and numerous other statuary and amenities. Hikers will begin at the Benedictine Monastery public parking lot, visit the gardens, labyrinth, silos of peace, and the sisters' and children's cemetery. The hike will proceed over the old farm rubble/culvert bridge turning RIGHT on the paved riparian wetlands trail back to the trailhead structure. While admiring a profusion of bluebells, all trekkers will hike the loop behind Victory Lakes neighborhood back to the trailhead structure (\~1.7 mi.) then proceed under the Linton Hill Rd. overpass. The bottom land past Linton Hall Rd. will expose you to the best flower experience! Hikers will continue to Sudley Manor Rd. After a short (0.1 mi.) dogleg left, hikers will cross the busy road (Warning: Look Both Ways!!!) and proceed along the west side of Broad Run, past the gated Dumbarton community. At the bridge intersection proceed straight to the power lines doubling back past the Dunbarton Clubhouse back to the bridge intersection. At the bridge, cross RIGHT and proceed thru the Virginia Cedar forest completing a partial loop between Broad Run and Rocky Branch. Hikers will turn RIGHT along the east bank of Broad Run for an out-and-back to the end of the forest path then turn past to the bridge to Sudley Manor Rd. and carefully cross (look both ways!!!). Long/Moderate/Optional: Continue straight along the west bank to the park benches at the end. Most of the bluebells are at the end of this spur. One can stop and turn around at any point along the way. Hike back to Sudley Manor Rd., then turn RIGHT a short distance (0.1 mi.) on the hike & bike trail. Turn RIGHT to the Broad Run Trailhead structure and track downstream along the river's east side back under Linton Hall Rd. At the riparian wetlands bridge, STOP. Turn LEFT along the riparian wetlands stream on the south-east side of the monastery until spotting the gated Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto on the LEFT. Visit the grotto, then proceed along the traffic circle back to the public parking area and the end of the hike. You are welcome to enjoy the monastery gardens at the end of the hike. And please enjoy the Waderbirds social, refreshments, and snacks! Park map. Est.: \~12.2 mi. (Long & Moderate), 10.0 mi. to 11.5 mi. (Options), \~6.0 mi. to 8.5 mi. (Easy, self-led), <300 ft. elevation. Hike fee: $5. Trailhead meetup: St. Benedict Monastery 9535 Linton Hall Road, Bristow, VA Public Parking Lot: (38°45'14.8"N 77°33'56.3"W)(Traffic circle, 3rd rt., & follow sign toward gardens) Start time: 9:00 AM 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 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)

Humpback Rocks is one of the most scenic views on the AT in Virginia. Let's combine it with a hike up Dobie Mountain for a moderate loop. ## **Trail Facts** * **Difficulty Level: Moderate** * **Length:** 7.7 Miles * **Duration:** 4-5 hrs * **Elevation Gain:** 1,745 Feet * **Permits:** None * **Meeting Location**: Vienna Metro Station​ South * **Parking Location:** Humpbacks Rocks Visitor Center * **Meeting Time**: 8:00 AM​ * **Driving Time**: Approximately 2.5 hr * **Dogs:** Allowed (with caution - small scrambles) * **Trailhead Coordinates:** 37.968461, -78.896603 * **AllTrails Map**: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/humpback-rocks-and-dobbie-mountain **CARPOOL:** If you need a ride or can offer one, please coordinate in the event comments. Be a friend to the environment, save money, and make friends. **Trail Details:** Humpback Rocks is an extremely popular section of the AT for good reason - the 360-degree summit views of the George Washington National Forest are stunning. Glass Hollow Overlook views are also impressive, and may still have the remnants of a plane crash from years ago. We will meet at Vienna Metro at 8AM and carpool to the trailhead. Drive time is about 2 hour and 30 mins. For drivers - Note that trailhead parking is limited, so we may need to park at the Humpback Rocks Visitor Center that is about 0.2 miles from the trailhead. Once at the trailhead, we will follow the trail counter-clockwise, first making a steep climb up to Humpback Rocks. After enjoying the view, we will follow the AT to the Glass Hollow Overlook to enjoy another view and look for plane crash remnants. Finally, we will turn off of the AT on the the Jack Albright Loop trail and finish the hike with a modest climb up Dobie Mountain. Make sure to bring water and snacks. Dogs are allowed on this trail. **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!

Below is the alltrails link to the hike: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/maryland/capital-crescent-trail We will only be doing 3 miles overall in this hike, out and back. Parking and Metro Access: Park in the garage near 7150 Woodmont Ave, Bethesda, MD 20815. Or park on the streets----- street-parking is free on Sundays. For metro: just get down at Bethesda metro station. We will meet at the trailhead next to the Ourisman Honda, check out the photo section of this event for a visual of the location. Bring plenty of water, whatever you need for your hike, and your awesome authentic self. Keep it easygoing. RELEASE OF LIABILITY & ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT: By being a member of this Group, RSVPing to any Activity, or participating in any Activity, You accept and agree to the terms and conditions described below: 1. You acknowledge that hiking in nature carries the risk of potential harm to yourself, including the risk of injuries such as broken bones or muscle/tendon injuries, illness, disability, or death. 2. You agree that You will at all times be responsible for Yourself and Your own safety. 3. You release and hold harmless with respect to all injury, disability, death, or loss of property, whether caused by negligence or otherwise, this group's leadership and members for the hikes that you participate in. 4. You acknowledge and agree that this Group is merely a collection of friends or potential friends who enjoy doing activities, and that in no event does any Organizer or Other Member assume any responsibility or liability for You. 5\. You agree not to sue and to release\, discharge\, waive and hold harmless all organizers and other members from and against all liabilities\, claims\, demands\, losses\, damages\, suits and proceedings\, for negligence\, carelessness or any other cause which you may have or that hereafter may accrue arising\, resulting from or related to your membership in this group or participation in any activity\.

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.

Come take a mindful and sensory meander along Big Hunting Creek in Catoctin Mt. Park, Thurmont, MD with the forest & water as our guides. This is a nature connection experience. Pace of this 3.74 mile round trip hike along the white & orange blazes toward the Lewis Property will be unhurried along dirt and rocky trails that move between the tree canopy and creek's edge. There are some small hills to navigate with no more than 500 ft elevation but still require aerobic capability. We will have time to be social while also experiencing social silence, gentle forest invitations and a short nature meditation by the creek. **Bring**: water, snacks, bug repellant, sunblock, something to sit on, good walking footwear & appropriate clothing for the weather. **Fee**: There is no fee for this hike, but SCPRO appreciates a voluntary $2 per person donation to support the costs of Sierra Club's many volunteer-led activities. Please bring cash or donate at **www.sierraclub.org** where you can also join our national club or state chapters. **Participants limited to 20.**

## 🏁 The WAR Sunday Skate: The Mount Vernon Expedition Ready to trade the city heat for some river breeze? This Sunday, we’re leaving the construction at Freedom Plaza behind and heading south for a classic run down the Potomac. With **Ian** leading the charge, we’re hitting the Mount Vernon Trail for a day of smooth pavement and scenic views. ### 📍 Meeting Details * **WHERE:** The corner of **14th and E St NW** (Entrance to the WWI Memorial, right across from the Willard Hotel). * **MEET:** 10:00 AM for lace-ups and intros. * **ROLL:** 10:10 AM sharp. Don't be the one chasing the pack! ### 🗺️ The Route We’ll kick off from Pershing Park, slicing through the city via 15th Street to the Jefferson Memorial. From there, we’ll cross the George Mason Memorial Bridge and catch our breath (and maybe a plane landing) at **Gravelly Point** before locking into the Mount Vernon Trail all the way to Alexandria. *** ### ⚡ Choose Your Adventure We have two tiers today depending on how much "burn" you want in your Sunday: **1\. The Intermediate Cruise \(17 Miles\)** Perfect for a solid weekend workout. We’ll roll through Alexandria via Union Street to our main break at **Jones Point Park**. After catching some shade, we’ll head back to Pershing Park the way we came. * **Map:** [https://onthegomap.com/s/dnmpb4h6](https://onthegomap.com/s/dnmpb4h6) **2\. The Advanced Long\-Haul \(36 Miles\)** Looking to pad your Strava stats? At Jones Point Park, the advanced group will break off to complete the full round trip to Mount Vernon and back. Expect a high-mileage day! * **Map:** [https://onthegomap.com/s/ld0bfopf](https://onthegomap.com/s/ld0bfopf) *** ### ⚠️ Important Note **Freedom Plaza is currently closed for renovations!** Make sure you head to the **WWI Memorial entrance** at 14th and E so you don't miss us. **See you on eight wheels!**

**Bluebells at Riverbend Park, Great Falls and Difficult Run a Mod. 10.5 Mile Hike** This is a two-park hike spanning 10.5 miles, beginning at Riverbend Park and winding through the uplands toward Great Falls. The trail follows the gorge and continues onto the floodplain, offering a variety of landscapes, stunning vistas, and about 800 feet of elevation change along the way. The hike winds its way back to Riverbend and its spring display of bluebells. Just 15 miles from downtown Washington, the Great Falls area stands out as premier natural escape from the city. Riverbend Park features over 400 acres of forest, meadows, and ponds. In the spring, these meadows and riverbanks come alive with blooming Virginia bluebells, creating a vibrant carpet of soft blue and pink hues. Bluebells are especially abundant along the Potomac’s floodplain, drawing hikers and nature lovers to this annual spectacle. Here, Potomac River abruptly plunges nearly 80 feet through a series of rapids, carving a narrow, mile-long gorge with sheer walls. Protected by National Park Service lands on both riverbanks, the hike rewards you with breathtaking views of nature's power—accented by a wonderful display of bluebells lining the water’s edge. NOTE: It is important to arrive by 8:45 or earlier as the parking lot fills quickly at this time of year. **Time to Meet**: Please meet at 8:45 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 9:00 **Contact Information**: Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leaders is Christa (410-610-6254) and Tim (202-744-0289). Call or text as needed. **Directions to Trailhead**: It is best to use the GPS coordinates. They will take you directly to the parking lot. The GPS Coordinates are 39.017916, -77.246091 The street address to the park is 8700 Potomac Hills Street, Great Falls, VA 22066. We meet at the visitor’s center. **Details** Rating: Moderate Distance: 10.5 miles Elevation Gain: Approximately 800 feet Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour Facilities: Bathrooms both at trailhead and Great Falls Fees: no fees **Cancellation**: 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. **Weather**: The weather for this location can be found [here.](https://weather.com/weather/today/l/364d3859a63a971c3f6e12df21a16dac0e2edb52dedff598122b3f4ba7349ada) **Notes:** -Please note, you must sign up at by 9:00 PM the day before the hike. -Please do not show up unregistered. -Please keep this a fragrance free event. -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).

Walk 3 miles circle followed by brunch.

This is the day after the official park sponsored Bluebells festival, so hopefully not too crowded! Please join us (Patricia and Jennifer) at 10:30 am on Sunday, April 12, at [Riverbend Park](https://www.fxva.com/listing/riverbend-park/246/), 8700 Potomac Hills Street, Great Falls, Virginia. If you'd like a ride from the East Falls Church metro station please message Patricia, thank you! We built in some time to linger after the hike if folks want to BYOL and enjoy a picnic together. Note that if it's a gorgeous day, the parking lot could be full. In that case we will pivot to a different hiking plan. Please be sure we have your cell number to coordinate in that case! We will hike either up or down the river as agreed on by the group, for about 1 hour / 3 miles total. Difficulty is easy/moderate (a few places where we need to walk on rocks and up and down small hills). If rain is falling or there are high winds, we will postpone -- again, please include your cell number when you sign up so we can reach you. Bring: Layers, water bottle, sturdy hiking shoes that can handle some rocks and muddy areas. Note: if you want to invite other female guests over 50 (or thereabouts), that would be welcome, let us know! Hope you'll join us!

**Details** **You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf and then answer the question you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike.** **Read the Liability Disclaimer:** [https://www.nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://www.nvhc.com/signin.pdf) \*\*\*PLEASE BE SURE TO ACCEPT THE WAIVER\*\*\* The Northern Virginia Hiking Club has an annual member appreciation event as well as an annual hike leader appreciation event. This is neither one of those. Join us for a Club social where we can all gather and get to know one another. The Club does not subsidize or cover any costs for the socials; all participants are responsible for their own expenses. Every attempt will be made to rotate venues around the DMV to make it more accessible, depending on where you live. This time we will be at **Sudhouse DC**, located near the U Street/African-Amer Civil War Memorial/Cardozo metro station in Washington, DC. **PARKING** is available at parking garages located at 14th and U Streets ([https://maps.app.goo.gl/uPjaDb5zA14GKvEm8](https://maps.app.goo.gl/uPjaDb5zA14GKvEm8) and [https://maps.app.goo.gl/j3kFczLVViBhX1xQ6](https://maps.app.goo.gl/j3kFczLVViBhX1xQ6)) Street parking is available, as well. **FOOD** — They have a variety of options, seen here: [https://sudhousedc.com/food824.pdf](https://sudhousedc.com/food824.pdf) **DOGS**: From the venue —> Dogs are welcome on the main floor/mezzanine only. **INDIVIDUAL TABS** — everyone will be able to maintain their own tabs. Hope to see you there!

Let’s walk the gardens and enjoy what has spring has on display.

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.

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.

This trail is a meandering path through the woods. There will be some overlooks and a couple stops at the creek as well as time along a waterway. It will not be a fast paced hike. There is some elevation change and uneven terrain. I will be using poles just to be safe! Will aim to get in about three miles. Optional lunch after if there is an interest.