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
10
- $33.00
Hike: Harpers Ferry, Tri-State, VA, WV, MD
17th Street Northwest & K Street Northwest, Washington, DC, US(Bus hike) This hike has a taste of Virginia (5 mile ridge walk on the AT starting at Keys Gap), West Virginia (where hikers pass through the Harpers Ferry historic town) and Maryland (3 miles on the C&O Towpath). The moderate and long hikes are exactly the same, but the long hike also has a 1000 foot scamper up the historic Maryland Heights. Est.: 13.5 miles, 1900' ascent and 10 miles, 900' ascent. PATC Map 7. 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.
- 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: 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
49 attendees - $33.00
Hike: Trillium Hike, Thompson Wildlife Management Area, VA
17th Street Northwest & K Street Northwest, Washington, DC, US(Bus hike) Wildflower Hike II: Long hikers start at Manassas Gap, and follow the AT north past Manassas Gap Shelter and the junction with Verlin Smith Trail to continue on the AT to a point just south of the Whiskey Hollow Shelter. Here they turn right and follow Verlin Smith Trail around Lake Thompson and to parking area #4 and the waiting bus. Moderate hikers begin at parking area #4 and complete a circuit by joining the path of the long hikers. Est.: 12 miles, 1600' elevation and 9 miles, 1000' elevation. PATC Map 8. Fare: $33.
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 WEBSITE6 attendees - $33.00
Hike: Dickey Ridge, SNP, VA
17th Street Northwest & K Street Northwest, Washington, DC, US(Bus hike) Wildflower Hike III: This hike consists of an out-and-back along the Dickey Ridge Trail, starting from the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center. From there long hikers will go north to take the Fox Hollow Trail, while moderate hikers go south directly on the Dickey Ridge Trail. Long hikers will take the Snead Farm Loop Trail then go south on the Dickey Ridge Trail. All hikers will go down the spur trail to Lands Run to view a waterfall about a half mile from Skyline Drive, then all hikers backtrack on the Dickey Ridge Trail to return to the Visitor Center. There will be opportunities to see numerous wildflowers (including a large number of yellow lady slippers, if the timing is right) in the area at this time of year. Est. : 11.5 miles, 1800 ft. elevation and 8.5 miles, 1200 ft. elevation. PATC map 9. 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 WEBSITE4 attendees - $33.00
Hike: Elkwallow Circuit, VA
17th Street Northwest & K Street Northwest, Washington, DC, US(Bus hike) Today's hike will start anf end at Elkwallow wayside. Both hikes take the AT north from Elkwallow, descend the Piney Branch Trail, and go left on the Polebridge Link Trail. LEFT on Sugarloaf trail ascending back to AT. They will continue south on AT, turn right on Tuscarora Trail, and go to the junction with the Traces Nature Trail. Moderate hikers turn left on the Traces Nature Trail to the Elkwallow Trail, and return to Elkwallow. Long hikers will turn right on the Traces Nature Trail and complete an additional loop along the Matthews Arm, Weddlewood, and Heiskel Hollow Trails, and then turn onto the campground road to the Elkwallow Trail to return to Elkwallow. PATC Map 9. 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 WEBSITE4 attendees
Past events
155
