What we’re about
Washington Women Outdoors (WWO) is a non-profit organization founded in the Fall of 1977 and recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) in the Spring of 1979, that is run almost entirely by volunteers. We engage in outdoor activities in the Washington, DC area where women share skills, experience, strengths, and support to enhance and expand each woman's world. We welcome women of diverse ages, races, and lifestyles. WWO provides instruction by women for women. Activities are available for all skill levels to inspire the beginner and to challenge the more advanced.
WWO members are independent women who seek adventure in the outdoors. We have a passion for hiking, biking, rock climbing, caving, backpacking, kayaking, cross country skiing, horseback riding, hang gliding, and anything that tests our strength and broadens our horizons. We enjoy meeting new people who want to travel with us to beautiful places in the wilderness. If you are open to learning new things in a supportive environment and enjoy sharing the outdoors with other women, we invite you to join us.
WWO is different than typical Meetup groups. We scout our hiking and biking trips. Each trip is led by two leaders. One leader stays at the front of the group and the second leader is the sweep. Each participant is encouraged to participate at her own pace, and the sweep is there to ensure that no one is left behind. We want each participant to go at their own pace so that they enjoy their experience and come back to the outdoors.
Please visit our website: https://washingtonwomenoutdoors.org/ for more information and to register for events.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Manassas Gap Shelter AT Beginner Backpacking TripNeeds location
Looking for a fun and approachable way to experience backpacking? Join us for a two-day, one-night adventure on the Appalachian Trail, perfect for beginners who want to challenge themselves while enjoying the beauty of nature. This moderate 5-mile (round trip) hike begins just north of Shenandoah National Park, where the trail passes under I-66 and ventures into the G. Richard Thompson Wildlife Management Area before reaching our overnight stop at the Manassas Gap Shelter.
The route is beginner-friendly but offers a rewarding challenge with a steady climb at the start, gaining over 1,000 feet in elevation. Along the way, we’ll take a break at Barringer Point Lookout, where a wooden bench provides the perfect spot to enjoy the view. Whether you're new to backpacking or looking for a relaxed overnight trip, this is a great opportunity to build confidence, learn new skills, and connect with a supportive group of fellow hikers.
If you're ready to lace up your boots, carry a pack, and spend a night under the stars, this trip is for you!
Miles: 5.0 (round trip)
Rating: Level #5 (View Hiking Rating Scale)
$20 members; $30 non-members
Register for this event on our website here.
All trip details including equipment list, meetup spot, and driving directions will be provided by email the week prior to the trip.
NOTE: No further trip details will be provided on Meetup.
There is limited space for this event.
Register early on our website to reserve your spot! If you're not ready to register for this event but would like more information, please email: backpack@washingtonwomenoutdoors.org.
Find out about WWO Member benefits here: https://washingtonwomenoutdoors.org/membership-fees/.
- Difficult Run-Great Falls Park, VA HikeGreat Falls Park, McLean, VA
5 miles, Level 2, suitable for advanced beginners. Woodland trails to rocky ridge tops for scenic views of the Potomac River and Great Falls.
$0 premium member; $7 basic member; $10 non-memberWhat to expect:
We'll hike alongside Difficult Run as it flows to the Potomac River. The trail can be rocky, possibly muddy in sections, and involve a few stream crossings as we make our way towards the river. It will become narrow at times as we hike up to the ridge. Very little tree foliage provides wonderful views of the river and surrounding area. Further into the park we'll stop at the overlooks (may involve some rock scrambling) and take in the river as it falls over a series of steep, jagged rocks through Mather Gorge. We can see what remains of the historic Patowmack Canal and explore Matildaville ruins. A town that flourished for nearly 30 years from 1790 through the 1820s. Bathrooms will be open but the the Visitor Center is under construction and closed.
As with all WWO hikes, there will be a leader and a sweep, and no one will be left behind.- Register for this ride on our website at this link: WWO - Difficult Run to Great Falls, VA
- Upon completion of registration and the waiver, trip information will be forwarded by email. If you do not see confirmation email from Washington Women Outdoors in your in-box, immediately check your spam folder.
No further trip details will be provided on Meetup.
There is limited space on this event. Register early on our website to reserve your spot!
Although this ride is FREE for Premium Members, please register!
Find out about WWO Member benefits at this link:
https://washingtonwomenoutdoors.org/MembershipIf you're not ready to register for this event and would like more information, please email:
hike@washingtonwomenoutdoors.org - Western MoCo Agriculture Reserve Bicycle RideRiley's Lock, Seneca Creek, Poolesville, Md, Poolesville , MD
35 miles, 2000 feet elevation. Scenic rural roads with several challenging climbs. For Intermediate and Advanced riders.
Members $0; Non-members $15.
Register here: Western MoCo Agriculture Reserve Bicycle RideLeaving from Riley’s Lock, we will explore the western reaches of the Montgomery County Agriculture Reserve along low-traffic roads, passing working farms, cornfields and woodlands. The ride begins with two climbs that will get your heart pumping with a few more challenging hills for good measure before we end. But it’s well worth the effort! This ride is suitable for intermediate riders (who like hills) and advanced riders.
After the ride, we invite you to join us in collecting trash along Riley's Lock Road, the "Rustic Road" that WWO has adopted as part of the County's program to preserve historic and scenic roadways and keep them litter free.
- You must register and pay for this event on our website at this link: Western MoCo Agriculture Bicycle Ride. Although this ride is FREE for Members, please register! Register early on our website to reserve your spot!
- No further trip details will be provided on Meetup. Upon completion of registration and the waiver, trip information will be forwarded by email. If you do not see confirmation email from Washington Women Outdoors in your in-box, immediately check your spam folder.
If you're not ready to register for this event and would like more information, please email: bike@washingtonwomenoutdoors.org
Find out about WWO Member benefits at this link: WWO Membership Information
- Mason Neck State Park (Virginia)Mason Neck State Park, Lorton, VA
Register for this hike on our website at this link: WWO - Mason Neck Virginia State Park
$7 members; $10 non-membersThis hike is suitable for beginners and intermediate hikers.
Miles: 5.3
Rating: Level 3 (Hiking Rating Scales)Mason Neck is a diverse ecosystem of wetlands, forest, open water, ponds, and fields making it ideal for environmental study and wildlife observation. This park has an area of 1,814 acres is home to bald eagles, great blue herons, ospreys, and many other types of wildlife including deer, snakes, and turtles. Hopefully, we can spy some of these beautiful birds as we walk along the beach or out to marsh to a bird blind.
Although this hike is FREE for Premium Members, please register!
Find out about WWO Member benefits at this link:
Become a WWO MemberUpon completion of registration and the waiver, trip information will be forwarded by email. If you do not see confirmation email from Washington Women Outdoors in your in-box, immediately check your spam folder.
No further trip details will be provided on Meetup.
There is limited space on this event. Register early on our website to reserve your spot!If you're not ready to register for this event and would like more information, please email: hike@washingtonwomenoutdoors.org
