What we’re about
Established - May 2024
http://novatrailblazers.com/
Trying to find hike-minded people? Look no further.
This group is for hiking and backpacking enthusiasts in their 20s to 40s, though we do accept people of all ages. Our group is largely informal, with events mostly consisting of backpacking trips with day hikes as schedules permit. New members are always welcome regardless of skill level.
If you think you might be interested but aren't quite sure, feel free to attend one of our occasional informal meetings/happy hours to meet some organizers and find out what we have scheduled.
INHERENT RISK: Organizers carefully plan events and check public sources for weather and safety. Conditions may change or reports may contain errors. Inherent natural hazards are associated with backcountry travel. Organizers do not accept any liability for accidents/injuries in connection with the activities published herein or on linked sites.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Day Hike - Manassas National Battlefield Park (12 Miles) + Glory Days GrillVienna Metro South Kiss & Ride Parking, Vienna, VA
Manassas National Battlefield Park is a 5,000-acre property located near Manassas, VA. It contains over 40 miles of hiking trails that allow visitors to see the sites of key Civil War battles. The trails also pass through natural areas including fields, forests, and riparian buffers.
We will meet at the Vienna South Metro Station at 9:00 AM and carpool to the trailhead. Drive time is about 20 minutes. Please post a comment below if you are willing to drive. Carpooling saves the environment and makes friends.
## Trail Facts
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Length: 12 Miles
- Duration: 4-5 hrs
- Elevation Gain: 656 Feet
- Permits: None
- Parking: Vienna South Metro Station
- Dogs: Allowed
- Trailhead Coordinates: 38.8128032717796, -77.5219203201101
- AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-february-17-2025-b597460?u=i&sh=kucj8c
Trail Details:
Our route through Manassas National Battlefield Park will mostly follow the First and Second Manassas Trails, which pass through areas where key Civil War battles were fought. We will see many interesting landmarks, including Stone Bridge, Pittsylvania Cemetery, and Stone House. Depending on time and interest, we can stop by the Visitor Center before or after the hike to chat with the friendly staff and check out the exhibits. If you'd like to learn more about Manassas National Battlefield Park and its history, please visit: https://www.nps.gov/mana/index.htm
There is a restroom available underneath the Henry Hill Visitor Center, where we will park, for you to use both before and after the hike.
On the way back, I plan to stop at Glory Days Grill. The address is 13850 Braddock Rd, Centreville, VA 20121.
LIABILITY NOTICE:
Please remember that this group is an informal group of friends and volunteers initiating trips under the common adventurer model (http://www.ronwatters.com/CADefine.htm) We do expect our members to be familiar with the best practices of hiking – this is not a group for first-time hikers and is NOT a group for those seeking hiking instruction.We're also not experts or professionals, nor are we trained hike leaders, nor do we scout out hikes. We plan hikes for fun. You are responsible for your own welfare and safety at all events. Be sure to choose to attend hikes only within your own physical abilities and hiking knowledge; take maps, suitable clothing, provisions (at least two liters of water plus any food or medical supplies you might require), and equipment, and act responsibly and safely at all times. If you ever believe you may be lost, follow the advice of the US Forest Service. https://www.fs.fed.us/visit/know-before-you-go/if-you-get-lost
Organizers and members shall not be liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to persons or property, direct or consequential, arising from any aspect this group’s activities. By attending this event, you represent that you agree to personally assume any and all risks associated with the Activity. You further agree to hold group organizers harmless from any and all claims, loss or damage to personal property, liabilities and costs, including attorney’s fees, as a result of my participation in this Activity, including travel to and from the Activity or any events incidental to this Activity.
FEATURED IMAGE SOURCE: https://www.visitpwc.com/listing/prince-william-forest-park/261/
- Day Hike - House Mountain (10.7 Miles) + Woodstock BrewhouseVienna Metro South Kiss & Ride Parking, Vienna, VA
Time for another leg burner with some great views! House Mountain is a combo of two out-and-back trails with three amazing views.
We will meet at Vienna Metro at 8AM and carpool to the trailhead. Drive time is about 2 hour and 45 mins - Please post a comment below if you are willing to drive. Carpooling saves the environment and makes friends.
## Trail Facts
- Difficulty Level: Strenuous
- Length: 10.7 Miles
- Duration: 6-7 hrs
- Elevation Gain: 3,219 Feet
- Permits: None
- Parking: Vienna Metro Station South
- Dogs: Allowed
- Trailhead Coordinates: 37.811247, -79.530908
- AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/house-mountain-trail-cdfa4c4?u=i&sh=rak641
- Drive: 2 hrs 45 mins
Trail Details:
The cominbed hike to the top of Big House Mountain and Little House Mountain is among the most challenging hikes in Virginia - but the views are worth it. This hike includes three spectacular panoramic views. With the drive and trail difficulty - this hike will take most of the day. Please try to be at the meetup location on time.
We will start at the designated parking area for House Mountain Reserve on Saddle Ridge Road and walk up the gravel road past several private homes. Once we reach the gate, we will continue onto the primative trail which can be overgrown at times (watch for ticks). We will start with Big House Mountain trail, stopping at Table Rock and the Big House Overlook (after about 4 miles).
Afterwards, we will retrace our steps to the saddle and take a left to the Little House Mountain overlook (6.8mi). After taking in the views, we will return the way we came to the cars. Expect several small rock scrambles and a decent number of hills.
As usual, let's plan to stop for food/drinks afterwards - this time at Woodstock Brewhouse (123 E Court St, Woodstock, VA 22664).
LIABILITY NOTICE:
Please remember that this group is an informal group of friends and volunteers initiating trips under the common adventurer model (http://www.ronwatters.com/CADefine.htm) We do expect our members to be familiar with the best practices of hiking – this is not a group for first-time hikers and is NOT a group for those seeking hiking instruction.
We're also not experts or professionals, nor are we trained hike leaders, nor do we scout out hikes. We plan hikes for fun. You are responsible for your own welfare and safety at all events. Be sure to choose to attend hikes only within your own physical abilities and hiking knowledge; take maps, suitable clothing, provisions (at least two liters of water plus any food or medical supplies you might require), and equipment, and act responsibly and safely at all times. If you ever believe you may be lost, follow the advice of the US Forest Service. https://www.fs.fed.us/visit/know-before-you-go/if-you-get-lost
Organizers and members shall not be liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to persons or property, direct or consequential, arising from any aspect this group’s activities. By attending this event, you represent that you agree to personally assume any and all risks associated with the Activity. You further agree to hold group organizers harmless from any and all claims, loss or damage to personal property, liabilities and costs, including attorney’s fees, as a result of my participation in this Activity, including travel to and from the Activity or any events incidental to this Activity. - Day Hike - Prince William Forest Park (14.5 Miles) + Uncle Julio's4808 Franconia-Springfield Pkwy, Springfield, VA
Prince William Forest Park is a 15,000-acre national park near Triangle, VA that was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the Great Depression. The park includes 37 miles of hiking trails that showcase the natural beauty and historical significance of the property.
We will meet on the sidewalk between the parking garage and the bus lane at the Franconia-Springfield Metro Station at 8:00 AM and carpool to the trailhead. Drive time is about 45 minutes. Please post a comment below if you are willing to drive. Carpooling saves the environment and makes friends.
## Trail Facts
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Length: 14.5 Miles
- Duration: 5-6 hrs
- Elevation Gain: 892 Feet
- Permits: See Trail Details section for options and costs.
- Parking: Franconia-Springfield Metro Station (Free garage parking is available if you aren't driving to the trailhead.)
- Dogs: Allowed
- Trailhead Coordinates: 38.58274238659777, -77.37356633836147
- AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-december-20-2024-72cad9e?u=i&sh=kucj8c
Trail Details:
Our route through Prince William Forest Park will take us over gentle, rolling hills as we pass through mature forests, walk along creeks and lakes, and view the site of an old pyrite mine. We will also look out for wildlife, including any signs of the beavers that inhabit the property. To learn more about natural resources in the park, please visit: https://www.nps.gov/prwi/learn/nature/index.htm
If you end up driving, the trailhead coordinates will take you to the Turkey Run Ridge Campground Parking Lot, which is about 8 minutes into the park after you pass through the entrance station. There are restrooms available for you to use both before and after the hike.
Since this is a national park you will be required to pay an entrance fee. Your options include:
- Buying a park-agnostic "America The Beautiful" pass (or carpooling with someone who already has one :)).
- Purchasing a park-specific Prince William Forest Annual Pass ($35).
- Paying a one-time $20 entrance fee with a credit/debit card (cash NOT accepted).
On the way back, I plan to stop at Uncle Julio's in Woodbridge, VA. The address is 14900 Potomac Town Pl Unit 150, Woodbridge, VA 22191.
LIABILITY NOTICE:
Please remember that this group is an informal group of friends and volunteers initiating trips under the common adventurer model (http://www.ronwatters.com/CADefine.htm) We do expect our members to be familiar with the best practices of hiking – this is not a group for first-time hikers and is NOT a group for those seeking hiking instruction.We're also not experts or professionals, nor are we trained hike leaders, nor do we scout out hikes. We plan hikes for fun. You are responsible for your own welfare and safety at all events. Be sure to choose to attend hikes only within your own physical abilities and hiking knowledge; take maps, suitable clothing, provisions (at least two liters of water plus any food or medical supplies you might require), and equipment, and act responsibly and safely at all times. If you ever believe you may be lost, follow the advice of the US Forest Service. https://www.fs.fed.us/visit/know-before-you-go/if-you-get-lost
Organizers and members shall not be liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to persons or property, direct or consequential, arising from any aspect this group’s activities. By attending this event, you represent that you agree to personally assume any and all risks associated with the Activity. You further agree to hold group organizers harmless from any and all claims, loss or damage to personal property, liabilities and costs, including attorney’s fees, as a result of my participation in this Activity, including travel to and from the Activity or any events incidental to this Activity.
FEATURED IMAGE SOURCE: https://www.visitpwc.com/listing/prince-william-forest-park/261/
- Day Hike - Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve (7.5 Miles) + Quattro GoombasVienna Metro South Kiss & Ride Parking, Vienna, VA
Banshee Reeks, designated as a Virginia State Treasure in 2016, is a 695-acre nature preserve located near Leesburg, VA. Protected under a permanent conservation easement, the property's 20 miles of hiking trails allow visitors to observe the diversity of flora and fauna that call the preserve home.
We will meet at the Vienna South Metro Station at 9:00 AM and carpool to the trailhead. Drive time is about 45 minutes. Please post a comment below if you are willing to drive. Carpooling saves the environment and makes friends.
## Trail Facts
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Length: 7.5 Miles
- Duration: 3-4 hrs
- Elevation Gain: 466 Feet
- Permits: None
- Parking: Vienna South Metro Station
- Dogs: Must be leashed and under control at all times.
- Trailhead Coordinates: 39.028277603032315, -77.5997077224149
- AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-february-16-2025-f4f691a?u=i&sh=kucj8c
Trail Details:
Our route through Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve will showcase varied habitat types, including meadows, forests, and wetlands. We will pass by Goose Creek, a State Scenic River, two small ponds, and a few of the structures that were used when this property was a farm. Depending on time and interest, we can stop by the Visitor Center before or after the hike to chat with the friendly staff and check out the exhibits. If you'd like to learn more about Banshee Reeks and its history, please visit: https://bansheereeksnp.org/
If you end up driving, the trailhead coordinates will take you to the main parking lot, which is about 5 minutes into the preserve after you pass through the entrance gate. If for some reason that lot is full then you can park in the overflow lot, which you will pass on your drive in. There is a restroom available inside the Visitor Center for you to use both before and after the hike.
On the way back, I plan to stop at Quattro Goombas Winery and Craft Brewery in Aldie, VA. The address is 22860 James Monroe Hwy, Aldie, VA 20105.
LIABILITY NOTICE:
Please remember that this group is an informal group of friends and volunteers initiating trips under the common adventurer model (http://www.ronwatters.com/CADefine.htm) We do expect our members to be familiar with the best practices of hiking – this is not a group for first-time hikers and is NOT a group for those seeking hiking instruction.We're also not experts or professionals, nor are we trained hike leaders, nor do we scout out hikes. We plan hikes for fun. You are responsible for your own welfare and safety at all events. Be sure to choose to attend hikes only within your own physical abilities and hiking knowledge; take maps, suitable clothing, provisions (at least two liters of water plus any food or medical supplies you might require), and equipment, and act responsibly and safely at all times. If you ever believe you may be lost, follow the advice of the US Forest Service. https://www.fs.fed.us/visit/know-before-you-go/if-you-get-lost
Organizers and members shall not be liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to persons or property, direct or consequential, arising from any aspect this group’s activities. By attending this event, you represent that you agree to personally assume any and all risks associated with the Activity. You further agree to hold group organizers harmless from any and all claims, loss or damage to personal property, liabilities and costs, including attorney’s fees, as a result of my participation in this Activity, including travel to and from the Activity or any events incidental to this Activity.
FEATURED IMAGE SOURCE: https://www.angelinamlopez.com/blog/2014/11/4/banshee-reeks-nature-preserve
