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
6
- $33.00
Hike: Bearfence Mountain, SNP, VA
17th Street Northwest & K Street Northwest, Washington, DC, USToday's hike goes over Bearfence Mountain, which involves a rock scramble but offers wonderful views at the summit. There is an option of bypassing the rocks if desired. All hikers will begin with the AT from the Pocosin Fire Road intersection. Moderate hikers stay on the AT the entire distance, crossing Bearfence Mountain with its spectacular 360 degree views. (Hikers can choose to scramble over Bear Fence’s huge boulders or take a trail around the scramble.) Continuing north on the AT, they ascend Hazel Mountain and end the hike at Milam Gap. Long hikers follow the route of the moderate hikers past Bearfence Mountain, then take a loop Laurel Prong, Cat Knob, Jones Mountain, and Fork Mountain Trails to Camp Rapidan. From there they return to Milam Gap on the AT via the Mill Prong Trail. Est.: 11.5 miles, 2600' elevation and 8 miles, 1700' elevation. PATC Map 10. Fare: $33 plus park fee or pass. Note: there are usually sufficient park passes to cover all passengers.
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-19, FLU, & RSV PRECAUTIONS
Anyone experiencing symptoms of upper respiratory illness should not attend the event.
MORE DETAILS -- SEE THE FAQS ON OUR WEBSITE40 attendees - $33.00
Hike: Big Schloss and Mill Mountain, GWNF, VA
17th Street Northwest & K Street Northwest, Washington, DC, USSign up link (please remember to fill in your required RSVP info):
Hike: Big Schloss and Mill Mountain, GWNF, VA, Sun, Aug 2, 2026, 8:00 AM | Meetup
(Bus hike) Big Schloss and Mill Mountain, GWNF, VA. The peak of Big Schloss gets its name from the rocky outcropping at its top, which resembles a castle ("schloss" is German for "castle"). Its views of the Trout Run Valley are unparalleled. All hikers walk past Woodstock Reservoir from route 749. Long hikers then follow Little Stony Creek Trail, the Tuscarora, and then Mill Mountain Trails. About one mile past Big Schloss Cutoff Trail, they turn left to go to Big Schloss (optional) and then return to Mill Mountain Trail and go left to Wolf Gap Recreation Area. Moderate hikers go left at FR 92 and then right on Big Schloss Cutoff Trail. At the junction with Mill Mountain Trail, moderate hikers go left and follow the path of the long hikers. Est. (without side trip to the top of Big Schloss): 12 miles, 2000' elevation and 7.5 miles, 1200' elevation. Taking the Big Schloss option adds about 1/2 mile and about 200 feet of elevation to the total. PATC Map F. 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 (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
5 attendees - $33.00
Hike: Gifford Pinchot State Park, York County, PA
17th Street Northwest & K Street Northwest, Washington, DC, USThis is a relatively flat, mostly wooded, hike around a large lake in Gifford Pinchot State Park. Starting at the Quaker Race Parking Area, moderate hikers do a counterclockwise hike around the lake using the Lakeside Trail. Hikers can add 1-3 miles by adding on the Quaker Race or Pinchot Loops through remote, hillier sections of the park. Long hikers start at the Squire Gratz Road entrance to the Park and take the Mason Dixon Trail clockwise around the lake, joining the Lakeside Trail for the last three miles. Maps: Mason-Dixon Map 5 and Pinchot State Park Map. Est.: 12 miles, 1500' elevation and 9 miles, 1000' elevation. Easy option available. Fare: $33. Swimming fee extra.
**Please note change to MD pickup point due to construction at GrosvenorMD Boarding 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.
- Twinbrook Metro Kiss & Ride
- https://tinyurl.com/mrytnwcy
1600 Chapman Avenue, North Bethesda, MD 20852
Meet there by 8:15 a.m. Plenty of free parking available on Sundays.
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-19, FLU, RSV PRECAUTIONS
Anyone experiencing symptoms of upper respiratory illness should not attend the event.
MORE DETAILS -- SEE THE FAQS ON OUR WEBSITE3 attendees - $33.00
Hike: Third and Fourth Mountains, Massanutten Mtns., 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/315563052
This hike takes us to one of our relatively rare trips to the southern half of the Massanuttens today. Starting in the Shenandoah Valley on the west side of the range, we trek south from Fridley Gap on the Massanutten South Trail to a spectacular overlook. After ogling its view, those desiring a shorter option retrace their steps. All other hikers continue on the Massanutten South Trail. Long hikers will add a third peak to their hike with an out and back to Second Mtn. All hikers will go north on a fire road to the Fridley Gap Trail, and then left to follow the trail over the ridge of Third Mtn. Hikers can cool their feet in wading pools by the side of the trail on the way back. Est.: 11.5 miles, 3200' and 8.5 miles, 2400'. PATC Map H. 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 (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 WEBSITEHike:
1 attendee
Past events
166
