About us
“Not all who wander are lost.”
--J.R.R. Tolkien, “The Riddle of Strider”
For 90 years, the Wanderbirds Hiking Club has been leading adventurous souls into the mountains, forests and valleys of Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia and Pennsylvania every Sunday all year long. Our day hikes are suitable for hikers of every age, shape, size and hiking level, whether experienced or beginning.
Wanderbirds travel to our hikes by either Metro, carpool, or chartered bus, and sometimes simply meet at a trailhead. For every hike, we provide experienced hike leaders, red arrow trail markers and trail maps for a “moderate” (7-10 miles) and “long” (10-13 miles) hike, plus social time with post-hike refreshments. Most of the time, both easier and more challenging hikes can be arranged. Bus hikes start by picking up hikers near 17th & K Streets (Farragut Square) in downtown DC; a second stop varies between Vienna and Grosvenor metro stations, depending on the hike destination.
*** Find the complete quarter's hiking schedule by going to www.wanderbirds.org ***
Upcoming events
4
- $33.00
Hike: Appalachian Trail, Black Rock Cliffs, Annapolis Rocks, MD
17th Street Northwest & K Street Northwest, Washington, DC, US(Bus hike) This section of the AT accesses some of the most striking features of the Maryland section of the trail, including the *other* Washington Monument. Long hikers start at Wolfsville Rd. and end at the parking area for the monument, with options to go on spur trails for Black Rock Cliffs and Annapolis Rocks. Moderate hikers start at the I-70 parking area close to the bridge, first doing a there-and-back to Annapolis Rocks and then going south to the monument parking area. Easy option available. Est.: 12 miles, 1800' elevation and 8 miles, 1300' elevation. PATC Map 5. Fare: $33.
MD Hikes
- DC: Near 17th and K St. NW downtown (east side of Farragut Square). Bus leaves at 8 a.m. SHARP, so it's essential to arrive well before 8 am.
- Grosvenor-Strathmore - Google Maps Metro station at Tuckerman Lane off Rockville Pike in Bethesda (just north of the Beltway) Meet there by 8:15 a.m. Plenty of parking is available.
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 (30 min/mile) pace. New hikers are required to first complete a moderate hike with us.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 twelve noon on the Friday before the hike, a refund will not be issued (but a 'rain-check' may be possible).
Cancellations to Metro/carpool/trailhead hikes will not issue a financial refund, but hikers are implored to change their MeetUp RSVP to NO so that leaders do not wait for them at the trailhead.FLU, COVID-19, and RSV PRECAUTIONS
Anyone experiencing symptoms of upper respiratory illness should not attend the event.MORE DETAILS -- SEE THE FAQS ON OUR WEBSITE
41 attendees - $5.00
(Trailhead) Hike: Wheaton Regional Park, MD
Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallen Ave,, Wheaton, MD, US(Trailhead hike) Brookside Gardens is one of the hidden gems of the DC metro area. It is perhaps at its most colorful during the spring. Both hikes start at the Brookside Gardens Visitor Center and proceed through the Gardens to the Wheaton Park Nature Center. From there the moderate hikers take the Equestrian Loop Trail to the intersection of the Northwest Branch Trail. They will follow the west side of the Branch downstream to Route 29 (Colesville Rd.), turn left on the Road and then left onto the Rachel Carson Trail following the east bank of Northwest Branch upstream, joining the Wheaton Park Equestrian Trail and route back to the Brookside Nature Center. Long hikers follow the moderate route except at the Nature Center they take 3.5 miles of assorted wooded trails through Wheaton Park before joining the Northwest Branch Trail. Est.: 11 miles, <300' elevation and 8 miles, <300' elevation. Park map.
Start Time: 9 AM
Fare: $5
Note: Resulting in strictly enforced park 'no alcohol' rules, this year there will be an after hike picnic/pool party at co-leader Lars Larson's Silver Spring MD home 10 minutes drive from the Park. Complimentary hamburgers, veggie burgers, appropriate toppings, usual munchies, cola, and beer will be provided. What to bring? A bathing suit is recommended for a cool after hike dip. Also, there is plenty of room to park on nearby neighborhood streets.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
14 attendees - $33.00
Hike: Robertson Mountain, SNP, VA
17th Street Northwest & K Street Northwest, Washington, DC, US(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 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, 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 PRECAUTIONS
Anyone experiencing symptoms of upper respiratory illness should not attend the event.
MORE DETAILS -- SEE THE FAQS ON OUR WEBSITE7 attendees - $33.00
Hike:Mason Dixon Trail: Oakland Run / Peavine Island, PA
Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro Station Kiss & Ride, Strathmore, Grosvenor, North Bethesda, MD, US(Bus hike) Explore a portion of the 199-mile blue-blazed Mason-Dixon Trail, which connects the Appalachian Trail with the Brandywine Trail. Long hikers start at Peavine Island and moderate hikers at Holtwood Dam on the Susquehanna River. We’ll take the trail northbound on the west side of the river past Lock 12 and through scenic Oakland Run Gorge. Both hikes end at the Otter Creek Campground, at the parking area where Otter Creek flows into the Susquehanna River. Est. 11 miles, 1600' elevation and 7.5 miles, 1400' elevation. Mason Dixon Map 5. Fare: $33 plus park fee or pass. Note: It is imperative that your RSVP includes both your phone number and where you’re boarding to give the leaders an opportunity to call you if you’re running late.
MD Hikes
- DC: Near 17th and K St. NW downtown (east side of Farragut Square). Bus leaves at 8 a.m. SHARP, so it's essential to arrive well before 8.
- Grosvenor-Strathmore - Google Maps Metro station at Tuckerman Lane off Rockville Pike in Bethesda (just north of the Beltway) Meet there by 8:15 a.m. Plenty of parking is available.
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
Most 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 by
5 attendees
Past events
160
