NOVA Trailblazers - 20s - 40s Backpacking and Hiking

The time has come for the long awaited gourmet backpacking trip - just before Thanksgiving. Bring your cooking A-game.

Backpacking need not always be characterized by food deprivation and uninspired freeze dried meals. This trip will be your opportunity to unleash your culinary impulses in a celebration of backcountry gastronomy.

We will hike a leisurely route along Seneca Creek, stopping occasionally to check out waterfalls and share the fanciest appetizers that can be carried into the backcountry. Everyone is encouraged to bring hors d'oeuvres to share with the group and any bewildered hikers that pass by. Come dinner time, we anticipate spectacular feats of culinary genius. Sharing is, of course, encouraged

## Trail Facts

• Difficulty: Easy
• Length: 10.1 Miles
• Duration: 2 Days
• Elevation Gain: 744 Feet
• Permits: None
• Parking: Seneca Creek Trailhead
• Dogs: Allowed (my dog, Argos, will attend)
• Trailhead Coordinates: 38.711855, -79.549943
• AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/west-virginia/seneca-creek-trail

Trip Details:
We will meet at The Vienna Metro station on Saturday morning at 8am and drive to the Seneca Creek Trailhead in WV. The drive is about 3.5 hours - I will drive and am happy to have up to 3 others carpool with me. My small black labrador will be in the back seat, FYI.

When we arrive at the trailhead, we will carry all of our heavy foodstuff and equipment an easy 5 miles down a mostly flat trail to our campsite. At the campsite, we will drop our gear fairly early to hangout and start cooking.

The campsite I have in mind sits near a waterfall that is right next to a cave of sorts - the "cave" is an area where the rocks provide shelter from wind and elements. Perfect for cooking!

The goal is to dazzle each other with feats of culinary prowess and ingenuity (awards will be given). The second day, we will return the route we came back to the cars.

On the way home, we can optionally stop at 2 Silos Brewing in Manassas (9925 Discovery Blvd, Manassas, VA 20109).

AWARDS
We will be "awarding" the following prizes. Winners will receive backcountry glory and the benefit of eating whatever food they brought.
• Best Hors d'oeuvres
• Tastiest Food
• Fanciest Food
• Most Ridiculous Food/Cooking Implement

Carpool: Post a comment if you need or are willing to offer a ride – be a friend to the environment, save money, and make friends.

GEAR LIST
Note: Make sure you pack layers, I expect night temps to be somewhat chilly.

Essential Items:

• FANCY food and cooking equipment
• Hors D'oeuvres or fancy homemade snacks
• Tent
• Sleeping pad​
• Sleeping bag suitable for expected temperatures​
• Backpack (appropriate for overnight backpacking)​
• Backpacking stove with fuel​
• Pot, cup, dish, and utensils​
• Water bottles or hydration system (3-liter capacity)​
• Bag or canister for securely storing food and other scented items
• Water filter or purification tablets​
• Headlamp with extra batteries​
• Rain gear
• Dry bags or pack cover​
• Warm clothing layers (non-cotton)
• Water shoes (we have several stream crossings)
• Trowel and toiletries for Leave No Trace compliance

Optional Items:

• Personal first aid kit​
• Map and compass or GPS device
• Power bank or external battery
• Trekking poles​
• Camp shoes
• Electrolyte supplements​
• Alcohol​
• Books, games, or other entertainment
• Gaiters​
• Sunscreen, lip balm, insect repellent​​

LIABILITY NOTICE:
Please remember that this group operates under the common adventurer model. We are a group of friends and volunteers organizing trips for fun and shared experience. Participants are expected to be familiar with best hiking practices and choose hikes that align with their physical abilities and experience. Organizers and members are not liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to persons or property arising from group activities. By attending this event, you agree to assume all risks associated with the activity.​

"Backpacking forces one, by necessity, to walk the balance line, the edge of the sword, between disciplined deprivation and hedonistic gratification: a tiring, sweat-soaking day ends with a plunge into a cool stream; an arduous, lung-bursting climb is followed by a magnificent panoramic sweeping view; and there is the continuous contrast between life on the trail and civilized pleasures–a warm meal, a hot shower, clean dry clothes. It is by walking this line between sacrifice and satisfaction that one finds fulfillment." –ROBERT BROWNE, The Appalachian Trail: History, Humanity, and Ecology, 1980

Im very excited to announce this beginner friendly backpacking trip along the Appalachian Trail! This is an out and back trip that will begin and end in Harpers Ferry. Whether you want to see if backpacking is for you, or are a seasoned professional looking for chill trip (or a great chance to test new gear) this trip is for you.

## Trail Facts

• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Length: 12.9 Miles
• Duration: 2 Days
• Elevation Gain: 1,440 Feet
• Bear Canisters: Not Required, bear box avaliable
• Permits and Parking: $20 per vehicle at Harper's Ferry Visitor Center, 171 Shoreline Dr, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425, unless someone in the vehicle has a National Parks Pass.
• Trailhead coordinates: 39.323286, -77.729628

All Trails Route
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/west-virginia/harpers-ferry-to-ed-garvey-shelter

I will also bring paper trail route print outs but this is a well marked trail so if you get lost, just follow the iconic white blazes.

Trail Details:
We will meet at The Vienna Metro station on Saturday morning at 10am and carpool ~1.5 hours to the Harpers Ferry Visitor Center, 171 Shoreline Dr, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425. ***Please note there is a $20 per vehicle charge to park there unless you have a National Parks Pass. If we have one person per vehicle with a National Parks Pass, we can avoid this cost.***
We start our hike crossing the bridge to a flat river walk, climb to the Weaverton Cliffs overlook, and then continue to hike (mostly flat) to the Ed Garvey shetler. There are tent spots, a fire pit, bear box, and a reliable water source. If it is too crowded at the shelter area, there are many flat spots nearby and stealth camping is allowed.

We will leave Sunday morning to hike back into town. We can grab yummy food and drinks in at the Rabbit Hole in Harpers Ferrybefore catching the shuttle back to the parking lot.

Gear list
Note: Make sure you pack layers, I expect night temps to be somewhat chilly.

Essential Items:

• Tent
• Sleeping pad​
• Sleeping bag suitable for expected temperatures​
• Backpack (appropriate for overnight backpacking)​
• Warm non-cotton clothing (including hat and socks)
• Food for two days - Dehdrated or non perishable (Saturday: snacks/dinner, Sunday: breakfast/snacks).
• Water bottles or hydration system (3-liter capacity)​
• Bag or canister for securely storing food and other scented items. There will be a large metal bear box avaliable to use.
• Water filter or purification tablets​
• Headlamp with extra batteries​
• Rain gear
• Dry bags or pack cover​ or a compactor trash bag to line your pack and keep things dry
• Trowel and toiletries for Leave No Trace compliance

Optional Items:

• Backpacking stove with fuel​
• Pot, cup, dish, and utensils​
• Hand warmers
• Leightweight camp chair
• Personal first aid kit​
• Map and compass or GPS device
• Power bank or external battery
• Trekking poles​
• Camp shoes
• Electrolyte supplements​
• Alcohol​
• Books, games, or other entertainment
• Gaiters​
• Sunscreen, lip balm, insect repellent​​

LIABILITY NOTICE:
Please remember that this group operates under the common adventurer model. We are a group of friends and volunteers organizing trips for fun and shared experience. Participants are expected to be familiar with best hiking practices and choose hikes that align with their physical abilities and experience. Organizers and members are not liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to persons or property arising from group activities. By attending this event, you agree to assume all risks associated with the activity.​

Crow's Nest Natural Area Preserve is part of a network of protected areas in Virginia that safeguard ecologically-significant sites. This 3,344-acre property features over 9 miles of trails, varied habitat types and wildlife, and waterfront views.

We will meet 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. Carpooling is highly recommended as this is a popular area and there are only 18 parking spots at the trailhead.

## Trail Facts

• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Length: 9.5 Miles
• Duration: 3-4 hrs
• Elevation Gain: 676 Feet
• Permits: None.
• Parking: Franconia-Springfield Metro Station
• Dogs: Must be leashed and under control at all times.
• Trailhead Coordinates: 38.36203259419795, -77.34262028384255
• AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/nova-trailblazers-crow-s-nest-natural-area-preserve-70b8fe0?u=i&sh=kucj8c

Trail Details:

Our route through Crow's Nest Natural Area Preserve will feature beautiful forest and wetland habitats and overlooks of Accokeek and Potomac Creeks. The park is home to bald eagles and other types of wildlife that we may see during our journey. If you have binoculars you may want to bring them so you can better take in the waterfront views. :)

On the way back, I plan to stop at Pancho Villa in Stafford, VA. The address is 155 Garrisonville Rd, Stafford, VA 22554.

LIABILITY NOTICE:
Please remember that this group operates under the common adventurer model. We are a group of friends and volunteers organizing trips for fun and shared experience. Participants are expected to be familiar with best hiking practices and choose hikes that align with their physical abilities and experience. Organizers and members are not liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to persons or property arising from group activities. By attending this event, you agree to assume all risks associated with the activity.​

Juanatán decided to try something different for his final NOVA Trailblazers event for 2025 -- a stay in a historic lockhouse! Swains Lockhouse, located by Lock 21 along the C&O Canal, is a modern lockhouse and as such has all the modern amenities such as heating, running water, a kitchen, and a shower. We'll also enjoy a relaxing stroll along the towpath during our stay.

Due to the location of the lockhouse, a carpooling location has not been established. A WhatsApp group will be created closer to the event and will be used to coordinate rides and other event logistics. We will plan to meet at the lockhouse at 11:00 AM on Saturday morning.

## Trail Facts

• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Length: 5.8 Miles
• Duration: 1.5-2.5 hrs
• Elevation Gain: 62 Feet
• Permits: Juanatán will provide overnight parking permits to drivers.
• Parking: Carpooling will be coordinated via WhatsApp.
• Dogs: Not allowed inside the lockhouse, sorry.
• Trailhead Coordinates: 39.03135759249345, -77.24349338880081
• AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/nova-trailblazers-swains-lock-to-olmsted-island-05c7ac9?u=i&sh=kucj8c

Trail Details:

After arriving at the lockhouse at 11:00 AM on Saturday morning we'll get settled and enjoy lunch before spending the afternoon hiking along the C&O Towpath. Our route will take us to Olmsted Island within Great Falls National Park with a nice overlook of the Mather Gorge. We'll then return to the lockhouse for dinner, a fire, and camaraderie before turning in for the night. The next day we'll enjoy breakfast and pack up, leaving no later than the checkout time of 10:00 AM.