What we’re about
We love the Great Outdoors and explore it through many different hikes, backpacking tours and skiing events.
Join us on the trails in the mountains, the forests and the woods. Breathe deeply of the fresh air and feel nature's healing powers. With easy banter, camaraderie, some socializing over food and drink, all in our world will be ok.
We value fellowship and camaraderie, practice good hiking etiquette by taking breaks as necessary, and have one guide in front with a "sweeper" in the back in order to leave no hiker alone. We are very supportive of each other, focus on trail safety and practice Leave No Trace ethics.
Prospective members must confirm they have read the BMHC Etiquette before being accepted into the club.
Blue Mountain Hiking Club Organizers are not professional guides. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking alone. With your RSVP you agree with the following.
DISCLAIMER/Liability Waiver: The Blue Mountain Hiking Club (BMHC) and its Leaders and Organizers/Participants do not take responsibility for any harm, bodily injury, accidents, or damage to personal property. By clicking “Attend” you are confirming that you understand that all outdoor activity such as hiking, backpacking, and trekking have an associated danger, and you will not hold any hike leader/organizer, participant, BMHC member, or any group associated pet responsible for any hazard to your well being. You are fully responsible for yourself and any person under the age of eighteen you bring with you on any hike or event.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Grand Canyon Rafting & Hiking, June 2025Needs location
This trip is being organized by Bill Rakow. See the trip description at this link: Grand Canyon Rafting & Hiking, June 2025
10 spaces remain. The outfitter, Hatch, is offering a 10% DISCOUNT if you sign up by Jan 15, 2025.Please direct all questions to Bill. 703-626-6630(C) or billrakow@gmail.com
- Little Devil Stairs and Piney BranchTrailhead Parking on Keyser Run Road, Washington, VA, Washington, VA
This is a 7.9 miles strenuous hike with several water crossings. Expect to get your feet wet given the amount of rain we have had.
Hike is limited to 8 with everybody starting on the wait list.
Details:- Distance: 7.9 miles
- Elevation gain: >2,000ft
- Pace: 2-2.5 mph
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Start time: 8:30 a.m.
- Hike map: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/little-devils-stairs-and-piney-branch-loop
- Trailhead parking: Keyser Run
What to bring
Make sure your emergency contact information is in your pack. Bring hiking poles, food, water (at least 2 lt), electrolytes, sunscreen, insect repellent. Dress for the weather, including hat and rain gear as needed.
Rehydration
TBD likely Black Twig in Sperryville
Weather
If the weather forecast changes to poor or severe weather, the hike will be postponed.Disclaimer
Blue Mountain Hiking Club Organizers are not professional guides. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking alone. With your RSVP you agree with the following Disclaimer / Liability Waiver.
- North Marshall Mountain Double-BackNeeds location
Moderate. 6.5 miles. 1300' elevation.
Trailhead 38.80719, -78.18097
The hike John set up for us is a moderate 6.5 mile trek with most of the 1300’ elevation in the first half. The parking lot is at MM 11.5 across from the Jenkins Gap overlook.
It’s a straight out and back to North Mt Marshall along the AT. Some parts of the trail are grassy so you may want to bring along tick/insect spray. There is a small lookout at the top where we will break for snacks.
Distance: 6.5 miles
Elevation gain: 1300 feet
Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles/hour
Difficulty: moderate
Start time: 9:00 am
Trailhead parking: MM 11.5 Skyline Drive. GPS. 38.80719, -78.18097
Make sure your emergency contact information is in your pack. Bring hiking poles, water/hydration, snacks, and sturdy hiking shoes. There are no stream crossings.
Leader: Jay McCaffrey 571-643-3185
Meet at the parking lot 15 minutes early to allow time for sign- in and a headcount.
Disclaimer: Blue Mountain Hiking Club (BMHC) and its Leaders and Organizers/Participants do not take responsibility for any harm, bodily injury, accidents, or damage to personal property. By clicking “Attend” you are confirming that you understand that all activity such as hiking, backpacking, and trekking have an associated danger, and you will not hold any hike leader/organizer, participant, or BMHC member responsible for any hazard to your well being. You are fully responsible for yourself and any person under the age of 18 you bring with you on any hike or event.
- Stony Man Mountain from Pinnacles Picnic AreaPinnacles Picnic Area Road, Virginia, VA
Join me for a strenuous hike (8.9 miles with 2,000 feet of elevation gain) along the Appalachian Trail (AT) and nearby trails in the central district of Shenandoah National Park.
The hike begins at the Pinnacles Picnic Area, which is located at milepost 36.7 on Skyline Drive. From the picnic area, we'll follow the AT southbound for about 2.7 miles to the Passamaquoddy Trail. We'll then take the Passamaquoddy Trail and the Furnace Spring Trail to the Stony Man Parking Area. From the Stony Man Parking Area we'll head northbound along the AT until it intersects with the Stony Man Trail, which we'll follow to Stony Man Lookout for our lunch break about 5 miles into our hike.
After our lunch break enjoying the views from Stony Man Lookout, we will descend to the AT and then hike northbound along the AT back to the Pinnacles Picnic Area. The total round-trip distance is almost 9 miles, and the elevation gain is about 2,000 feet. It is important to be aware of the elevation gain and to be prepared for some strenuous sections of the trail.
Here are details for this event:
- Distance: 8.9 miles
- Elevation gain: 2,000 feet
- Pace: ~2.5 miles/hour
- Difficulty: Strenuous (hiking difficulty scale)
- Start time: 9:30 a.m.
- Duration: 4.5 hours
- Hike map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/stony-man-mountain-from-pinnacles-picnic-area-250b164
- Trailhead parking: Pinnacles Picnic Area (Skyline Drive mile 36.7)
- Parking coordinates: 38.623523, -78.343585
What to bring
Make sure your emergency contact information is in your pack. Bring backpack, hiking poles, food, water, sunscreen, insect repellent. Dress for the weather, including hat, gloves, layers, and rain gear as needed.
Dogs
No dogs are allowed on this hike as pets are prohibited on the Stony Man Trail.
Park entrance / parking fees
You are required to pay an entrance fee or present your "America the Beautiful" park pass in order to access Shenandoah National Park.
Rehydration
The Black Twig Diner & Bar, 12018 Lee Hwy, Sperryville, VA 22740
Weather
Here's a National Weather Service URL you can use to check the 7-day weather forecast at the trailhead (Pinnacles Picnic Area).
https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=38.623523&lon=-78.343585
In case of poor or severe weather, this hike will be postponed.
Disclaimer
Blue Mountain Hiking Club Organizers are not professional guides. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking alone. With your RSVP you agree with the following Disclaimer / Liability Waiver.
