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
- $37.00
Hike: Hike: AT Mary's Rock, Pinnacles, and Stonyman, SNP, VA
17th Street Northwest & K Street Northwest, Washington, DC, USSign up link (please remember to fill in your required RSVP info):
https://www.meetup.com/wanderbirds-hiking-club/events/316696648/?slug=wanderbirds-hiking-club&eventId=316696648Both hikes are challenging ones, especially the Long. Both long and moderate hikes will travel on the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering three impressive views (Mary's Rock, Pinnacles, and Stony Man Cliffs).
Both Long and Moderate hikers will ascend the Meadow Springs Trail to the Appalachian Trail (AT). Both groups will do an out and back on the AT North/South enjoying a spectacular brief view from Mary's Rock. Then hikers will proceed back down on the AT South and continue enjoying numerous beautiful views going from Pinnacles to Corbin cutoff.
Long hikers will leave the AT and descend Corbin Cutoff trail to the Corbin Cabin then bear right to ascend on the Nicholson hollow trail, cross skyline drive and rejoin the AT and moderate hikers and the AT a little before the Stonyman Overlook parking area at Hughes River Gap. All hikers will continue south on the AT to the cliff view on Stonyman. At which point they will retace their path (north) on AT to the view and then retrace their path (north) to the Stonyman Overlook parking area at Hughes River Gap Metrics: Long 11.7 miles/ 3300 ft; Moderate 9 miles /2400 ft; Easier 7.8 miles/2100ft (skipping Mary's Rock); Easiest 4.6 miles / 1150 ft (starting at Jewell Hollow Parking area). PATC Map 10. Fare: $37 due to the jump in diesel prices plus park passes (usually not required as other folks will have sufficient passes for the entire bus).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 (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
42 attendees - $37.00
Hike: Big Devils Stairs, SNP, VA
17th Street Northwest & K Street Northwest, Washington, DC, USHosted by Shelley & JJJ
Sign up link (please remember to fill in your required RSVP info):
https://www.meetup.com/wanderbirds-hiking-club/events/316859480/?slug=wanderbirds-hiking-club&eventId=315356862Details
(Bus hike) (REMEMBER TO SET CLOCKS BACK ONE HOUR) Big Devils Stairs provides views of one of the most imposing river gorges in Shenandoah National Park. Moderate hikers start at Jenkins Gap, walk for 300 feet south on Skyline Drive and turn left down the Mount Marshall Fire Road (which becomes Mount Marshall Trail), turn right (south) on the Bluff Trail (with frequent views to the west) and left on the Big Devil’s Stairs. Hikers descend the Stairs (frequent views east) to the first overlook, then climb back up and turn left onto the Bluff Trail to Gravel Springs Gap. They then follow Skyline Drive for 1/3 mile to the Range View Overlook. Long hikers follow the moderate path but arrive at Jenkins Gap by first hiking 3.5 miles north on the AT from the North Marshall parking area. Est. 13 miles, 2000' elevation and 9.5 miles, 1700' elevation. PATC Map 9. Fare: $37 due to diesel price increases plus park pass (usually not a problem due to the number of pass holders attending).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 (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
3 attendees - $37.00
Hike: Camp Rapidan-Big Rock Falls, SNP, VA
17th Street Northwest & K Street Northwest, Washington, DC, USHike sign-up follows. Don't forget to fill in your name, mobile number, and boarding location:
https://www.meetup.com/wanderbirds-hiking-club/events/317095682/?eventOrigin=group_events_list(Bus hike) Both hikes combine opportunities to tour the rustic former Presidential retreat of Camp Hoover (now Camp Rapidan). Moderate hikers will start at Milam Gap, go south on AT turning left down the Laurel Prong Trail to Camp Rapidan, and then ascend to Milam Gap via Mill Prong with a swimming opportunity at Big Rock Falls. Long hikers start at Fishers Gap, go south on the AT, turn left onto Laurel Prong, and follow the moderate hike. Est.: 11.5 miles, 2150' elevation and 7.5 miles, 1500' elevation. PATC Map 10. Fare $37 due to diesel prices plus park fee or pass if there aren't enough pass holders to cover the entire bus ridership.
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 (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.
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
2 attendees - $37.00
Gunpowder Falls State Park, Hereford, MD
17th Street Northwest & K Street Northwest, Washington, DC, USSign up link (please remember to fill in your required RSVP info):
https://www.meetup.com/wanderbirds-hiking-club/events/317100209/?slug=wanderbirds-hiking-club&eventId=316681090(Bus hike) Enjoy the scenery along a picturesque stream in this nearby MD state park. All hikers will start and finish at the parking lot on Bunker Hill Rd. They will take the Gunpowder South Trail, ascend on Panther Branch Trail and descend back. Then they will cross the river via Big Falls Rd. bridge and follow Gunpowder North Trail, Gunpowder Fall South Trail, and Highland Trail to the parking lot. Moderate hikers will follow the path of the long hikers but will shortcut the hike by crossing the river on Masemore Rd. Est.: 13 miles, 2000' elevation and 10 miles, 1300' elevation. Shorter option available. Park Map. Hike fee: $37 due to diesel price increases.
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.
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
2 attendees
Past events
176
