What we’re about
THE CLUB www.nvhc.com
The Northern Virginia Hiking Club (NVHC) offers a range of hikes of various difficulty levels in Virginia, Maryland, DC, and beyond. The club also offers other outdoor events occasionally. NVHC members reflect the rich diversity of the Washington DC Metro area. Annual membership fee is $5. Guests are welcome and enjoy a month’s free participation in the club events. NVHC is a nonprofit organization and donates funds to local parks and trail maintenance organizations from time to time. The selection of the parks and organizations is based on club usage - it is our way of giving back. Monies vary each time - $7,200 were donated in 2023.
Members are required to accept the liability disclaimer by typing “Accept” in the fields presented when they join the club.
DIFFICULTY RATINGS
NVHC hikes are assigned difficulty ratings. A combination of linear distance and elevation gain is used to determine the rating, with 400 feet of elevation gain considered to be equivalent of 1 mile of linear distance. With the “miles” derived from elevation gain added to the linear distance, following are the ratings:
A+= Very Difficult (19 miles or more)
A = Difficult (13 miles or more, but less than 19 miles)
B = Moderately Difficult (10 miles or more, but less than 13 miles)
C = Moderate (7 miles or more, but less than 10 miles)
D = Easy (Less than 7 miles)
For example, a nine-mile hike with 1,000 feet of climbing would be rated B (9 + 2.5 = 11.5).
Elevation loss is not measured in this system. Also, the difficulty rating is separate from the pace of the hike, which is determined by the leader, and is usually specified in the individual hike descriptions.
RSVP ETIQUETTE
Often there are limits on the number of participants on NVHC events, set by our leaders. This creates wait lists on Meetup. If you find yourself in this situation, we request that you keep in mind the interest of the leaders and your fellow hikers, and follow the guidelines below:
- If you RSVP’d “yes” for a hike, change your RSVP to “no” as soon as you decide not to go, so that someone else can go.
- If you RSVP’d “yes” to overlapping events on the same day, decide on one as soon as possible, and change your RSVP to “no” for all others.
- If you are on a wait list and decide not to go, remove yourself from the list.
DOGS ON HIKES
Dogs are welcome on NVHC hikes at the discretion of the hike leader. Several restrictions apply including advance notification to the leader, dogs being well behaved, and their being kept on a six foot leash. See dog policy located at [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy] for details.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Nicholson Hollow to Corbin Cabin (Rating: B)Old Rag Parking (Ranger Station), Etlan, VA
You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike.
The Nicholson Hollow Trail is an ~8 mile out and back hike with ~1400 feet of elevation gain. The hiking pace will be between 2.0 – 2.5 MPH while moving.
The trail is well maintained and follows the Hughes River for the entire hike ending at Corbin Cabin https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corbin_Cabin where we can have lunch at the cabin or near the river. There are 4 stream crossings in each direction in which you step from one big rock to another. Crossings are easy unless there has been lots of rain.
Park Entrance fee: $30/car. A Senior Pass or other National Park Pass will cover the park entrance fee.
Parking is at the Old Rag Parking Upper Lot at GPS coordinates 38.5718, -78.2941. This is the smaller of the two Old Rag Parking lots for horse trailers and RVs and furthest from the Ranger Station where you'll need to pay your park entry fee or show your park pass.
Hike Difficulty Rating: B (Moderately difficult)
https://nvhc.com/hikeinfo/ratings/Map of the trail and parking can be found at:
pdf map
https://www.icloud.com/iclouddrive/02f6o85N70LS7SJnubqvPHFPA#Nicholson_Hollow_to_Corbin_CabinDogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. Please note that dogs may find it difficult to traverse some of the stream crossings.
https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy - Marys Rock and Cave Falls (Rating: A+)Gainesville Park and Ride Lot - University Boulevard , Gainesville, VA
You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike.
This hike is ~13 miles’ circuit with an elevation gain of ~ 3350 ft., featuring Cave Falls and Mary’s Rock Vista. The hike starts from Buck Ridge trailhead parking area on route US-211.
Parking is limited near the trailhead, recommend carpool and try to be on time. In case if we run out of space in the main parking lot (coordinate location), we may need to park couple of cars in next parking lot which is few hundred meters ahead. Also there are some small parking spots available on both sides of 211, within few hundred meters from the trail starting point. If you have to park in any of these spots please make sure to park safely & properly to avoid any issues and walk carefully. If you plan to meet at Gainesville Park and Ride, be there NLT 06.45 AM to sort out carpool.
Safety is paramount for all of us. This circuit is steep on descend at places and may be slippery and wet so please bring hiking poles and wear proper hiking shoes to enjoy the trails safely. The water crossing(s) may be slippery and we may take short detour or walk in water so please be prepared. Please bring minimum 2 liters of water.
This hike is suitable for experienced, fit hikers who did similar distance/elevation in past few months. This circuit has uphill/downhill climbs so please be prepared. If you have ANY question about your ability to complete this hike, please contact me.
Need to know details:
Distance: 13 miles (approximately)
Elevation gain: 3350 feet (approximately)
Pace: 2-2.5 mph (Average)
Terrain: Steep/Staircase/Water Crossings
Park entry fee: None
Carpool Fee: $5
Trailhead Coordinates: 38.658276, -78.281928
Directions from Gainesville Park and Ride:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/4iQtgbsvoKvKKKQN8
Trailhead meet up time: 8:00 a.m. We aim to start the hike at 8.10 a.m.
Dogs permitted in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy: https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicyBring: Adequate water, food/snacks, hat, layers, basic first aid kit, map, rain gear (depending), hiking poles, hiking shoe (It’s steep trail on descend) sunscreen, bug spray, water shoe (for water crossing, if you want), additional pair of socks and your big happy smile 😊.
Quiz: At lunch stop we can have 3 quizzes related to this hike. First correct answer gets the prize 😊
Thanks: To the teams, individuals and volunteers who contributes to keep the trails safe, beautiful and updates the portals to keep the trail data up to date which helps fellow hikers.
Any questions? Message or text me! Looking forward to this awesome hike.
Saran
(848) 248-0555 - AT Shuttle Hike - Snickers Gap to Keys Gap (Rating: A+)Keys Gap Parking Area, Purcellville, WV
You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike.
Join me on a 14.2 mile shuttle hike northbound along the AT with about 2,650 feet of elevation gain between Snickers Gap and Keys Gap. This is the sixth in a series of AT shuttle hikes that I plan to host through the coming spring season.
Previous hikes in this series have been:
- Sat - 03/15/2025 - Ensign Cowall to Pen Mar (Rating: A)
- Sat - 03/22/2025 - Ensign Cowall to US40 (Rating: B)
- Sat - 03/29/2025 - US40 to Gathland State Park (Rating: A)
- Sat - 04/05/2025 - Harpers Ferry to Gathland State Park (Rating: A)
- Sat - 04/12/2025 - Keys Gap to Harpers Ferry (Rating: A)
Here are details for this hike:
- Distance: 14.2 mi
- Elevation gain: 2,650 ft
- Pace: ~2.5 miles/hour when moving
- Duration: 7.5 hours
- Hike map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/at-snickers-gap-to-keys-gap-4800064
- Trailhead A parking: Snickers Gap Parking Area (GPS 39.11564, -77.84674)
- Trailhead B parking: Keys Gap Parking Area (GPS 39.26166, -77.76236)
- Time to meet at Trailhead B parking: 8:30 a.m.
- Driving time / distance between trailheads: ~25 minutes / ~15 miles
- Time to start hike from Trailhead A parking: 9:00 a.m.
- Leader(s): Chris Bosch 703-216-7801
Carpools
As this is a shuttle hike, the usual NVHC Park & Ride carpool locations will not be used. Hikers should initially arrive at the Trailhead B parking area with room in their vehicles for additional passengers. After getting everyone signed in, we will consolidate hikers into at most half of our available vehicles and carpool to the Trailhead A parking area. After hiking from Trailhead A back to Trailhead B, we will need drivers of vehicles initially left at Trailhead B to take the the other drivers back to their vehicles left at Trailhead A before the hike.
What to bring
Bring a backpack, water, snacks/lunch, sunscreen, insect repellent, hiking poles if you like. Wear comfortable shoes or boots that are suitable for hiking. Dress for the weather including hat and rain gear as needed.
Dogs
Due to this being a shuttle hike, no dogs are permitted on this hike.
Park entrance / parking fees
None.
Weather
Here's a link you can use to check the National Weather Service 7-day forecast at the trailhead from which we start the hike.
In case of poor or severe weather, this hike will be postponed.
- C&O Canal National Historic Park, Great Falls, MD- Fee Free Day (Rating: B)C&O Canal - Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center, Potomac, MD
You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike.
10 miles with 500 feet elevation gain.
Fee Free Day!
Join us in celebrating First day of National Park Week for a nice hike along the scenic Potomac River and adjoining forests of C&O Canal National Historical Park, Great Falls, Maryland.
Description:
We'll start our hike traveling south and connect to the Ford Mine Trail. Once completing that trail, we will then reconnect to the towpath and head to the Potomac Overlook on Olmsted Island for some great views of the falls and cascading water. After reconnecting on the towpath for a short distance, we will connect to the Gold Mine loop trail in the forest and Gold Mine Overlook and return to our cars. There are a couple of short hills while in the forest but they are small, otherwise the route is mostly level. There are a few small stream crossings on Ford Mine trail that are easily crossed. We may include the River Trail which runs along the shore of the Potomac, depending on the water level conditions. Participants will have the option to do as much of the hike as they desire.The pace will be about 2.5 mph.
Bring:
Adequate water/hydration, snacks/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes since there are some rocky areas and tree roots in the forest. Restrooms are open near the Tavern visitor center. May want to also bring some insect repellent.Meet:
We will meet on the sidewalk in front of the old refreshment snack bar on the right side of the parking lot before you get to the restrooms and Tavern visitor center. The snack bar is currently closed but it is under the tree canopy. Look for me by the fence anxiously awaiting your arrival.
Please plan on being there at 8:45am so we can get everyone signed in and start the hike on time.Dogs are welcome. Dog Policy https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Please note that dogs are not allowed on the Olmsted Island boardwalk, so if you bring your dog, you will have to wait for us at the entrance to Olmsted IslandPark Fee: Park Fees waived on First day of National Park Week.
If you haven't hiked with me before, please provide your name, contact number and emergency contact number. You can text me the info of direct message me on Meetup. Do not pose in comments.
Map of Hiking Trails at Great Falls, Maryland:
https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/upload/Great-Falls-Hiking-Map.pdfDirections to Park:
https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/greatfallstavernvisitorcenter.htm
GPS: 39.00223, -77.24697Any questions, please message me on Meetup or text/call @202-528-0456. If you text me, please include your name.
