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- Sky Meadows State Park Loop (Rating: B)Centreville Park & Ride, Centreville, 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.
7 miles with 1,400 feet elevation gain.
Sky Meadows State Park is rich in history, the park has rolling pastures and woodlands, scenic vistas and is also a working farm. The park also has access to the Appalachian Trail, which will be part of our hike.
Starting from Sky Meadows State Park visitors center parking area, we will combine several trails including the South Ridge and North Ridge Trails, the Old Trail, a portion of the Appalachian Trail and the Ambassador Whitehouse Trail. There are some nice scenic overlooks including the Paris, VA overlook where we will take a break before returning back down to the visitor center.
Most of the elevation gain is at the beginning when we ascend South Ridge and a portion of North Ridge to the AT.
The pace will be about 2.0 to 2.5 mph.
Bring water/hydration, snacks, and sturdy hiking shoes since there are some rocky areas and tree roots. There are no stream crossings.
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Leader: Gail Markulin (703) 402-5902 (C)
Carpools: Meet at the Centreville Park and Ride at 8:00 am. Suggested carpool fee is $4. The leader will be at the carpool location. GPS Coordinates: 38.836038, -77.455371, https://goo.gl/maps/hc3LRG7Hsy2wMJs18
Driving time from carpool location is ~ 45 minutes.
Neither the Club nor the hike leaders are responsible for coordinating transportation to/from the trailhead. Hikers are not guaranteed to get a ride to the trailhead from the carpool location. Carpooling is organized by the participants and they participate at their own risk.
Trail Head Meeting Instructions: We are meeting at the parking lot closest to the Visitor Center. GPS coordinates 38.9917, -77.9661
Meet at the trailhead parking lot 15 minutes early to allow everyone to be signed in and get ready to hike at 9am. Park opens at 8am. Restrooms are available adjacent to the visitors center.
Fee: $10.00 park entrance fee (no fee for Virginia State Park Pass holders) or use your REI purchase receipt parking coupon.
Provide your REI receipt to the contact station ranger or insert it in a self-pay envelope at the contact station. Use the self-pay envelope to pay the entrance fee if no one is at the contact station is not open and hang the tear-off tab on your rear view mirror.
AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/virginia/sky-meadows-loop--2?mobileMap=false&ref=sidebar-static-map
You must be experienced in hikes of this distance and elevation gain.
- Hike & Kayak at Fountainhead (Rating: Fun)Fountainhead Regional Park, Fairfax Station, 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.
It's a good time to cool off on the water with rising temps this week. Join me for a short 3 mile out & back hike on the Bull Run Occoquan Trail, followed by a one hour paddle on the Occoquan River. Fountainhead Regional Park rentals are available at the following rates: $18 single per hour, $23 double per hour or $23 paddle board per hour. There's a 25% senior discount for 55+. I verified this with the staff as it's listed on the website, although some new hires may not be aware of this. The small group size is due to a limited number of rentals and small staff. There are only two staff members on duty weekdays, one taking payment at the rental office and the other on the dock pulling off kayaks. There is no option to reserve in advance. I plan to lead it again later this summer.
Feel free to bring your own kayak or stand-up paddle board. There is a small launch fee of $7, or you can use your annual NOVA Parks Launch Pass. Water shoes/water sandals (no flip flops) are recommended. I also recommend a dry bag for your valuables. They do not have lockers.
*Please sign up only if you are interested in both the hike and paddle (and if you aren't already committed to another hike), as space is limited.MEET: 8:15 am at Fountainhead Regional Park. We'll get everyone signed in and start hiking promptly at 8:30am.
HIKE PACE: 2.5-3mph
PADDLE: The Marina is a short drive from the trailhead. I plan to finish our hike and be at the marina before 10am so we can all get on the water by 10:30. It will take awhile to rent and launch 10+ boats. Please have a credit card and ID.
LEADER: Kris Needham (618) 623-2484
PARK ENTRY FEE: $0
RESTROOMS: There are portable restrooms at the trailhead, and full restroom at the marina.
No dogs please - Leopold’s Preserve (Rating: D)Leopold’s Preserve, Broad Run, VA
16290 Thoroughfare Rd.
Broad Run, VA
You must read the following https://nvhc.com/CovidDocument.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 5.5 miles, with about 150 feet of elevation gain. Leopold’s Preserve is a private, 380-acre nature preserve protected by a conservation easement held by the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust (NVCT). NVCT is a land trust dedicated to preserving and protecting natural and historic properties in Northern Virginia.
If we are very lucky, we may meet the Preserve Manager Nick to tell us a bit about the recent improvements to the preserve.
For those interested we will have an additional half mile afterwards to cross the street and see what waterfowl are in the pond.
Optional Starbucks coffee break afterwards.
No Dogs on this hike.
As you will see in the attached map, the hike is basically a loop, with a shorter loop about halfway through the hike for a stop at one of the cemeteries. We will hike at a pace of 2.5 – 3.0 mph while moving. Note this is faster than 2.0 mph.
Parking and Trail Head Coordinates:
GPS: 38.81624966174774, -77.6746526899102
Directions: Exit I-66 onto Route 15 south in Haymarket (Exit 40). From Route 15, turn right (west) onto John Marshall Highway (Rt. 55). From Route 55, turn left onto Thoroughfare Road (SR 682). Continue a short distance and the paved road turns to gravel. Cross the railroad tracks and in just a few hundred yards you will see the parking areas located to the left (Parking Lot East) and right (Parking Lot West).
We will meet in the East Lot. There is one porta-potty.Leaders:
Joanne Arnold 571-213-0216 (c)Rating: D
Meet at 8:45 at the east parking lot.
Parking Fee: $0.00
Park Entry Fee: $0.00AllTrail Map of hike: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1deJwjhvEnfdCjj7Y5VQS2UOLifVl0NA2/view?usp=sharing
- Little Devils Stairs, Sugarloaf & Piney Branch Loop (Rating: A)Centreville Park & Ride, Centreville, 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.
Hike Description: The hike follows Little Devils Stairs Trail as it traverses through a canyon with twists and turns and numerous stream crossings as we climb steeply to the top. We emerge from the canyon and our ascent continues on Pole Link Bridge Trail to the intersection with Sugarloaf Trail. We ascend to the AT and turn left, enjoying the viewpoint above Hogback overlook as we make our way to the intersection with Piney Branch. We descend on Piney Branch making our way along and across the stream a handful of times before making our way to Hull School Trail. Turning left on Hull School we make our way up to the intersection with Keyser Run Rd where the Bolen cemetery is located. We then follow Keyser Run Fire Rd the last mile back to our cars.
Distance: 11.5 Miles and 2,800' Elevation
Average Moving Pace: 2.8mphAllTrails Hike Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/little-devil-sugarloaf-piney-branch-daea32a?u=i&sh=rr7xq6
Trailhead: Little Devils Stairs Trailhead, meet at 8:45am
589 Keyser Run Rd. Washington, VA (SNP)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/emzopr1twVLc837m7
Parking is very limited at trailhead, carpooling encouragedCarpools: Centreville Park & Ride, meet at 7:20am. Carpools will depart at 7:30 a.m. Suggested carpool fee is $7.
GPS Coordinates: 38.836038, -77.455371. https://goo.gl/maps/hc3LRG7Hsy2wMJs18
Driving time to trailhead from carpool location: 1 hr 15 minutes.Neither the Club nor the hike leaders are responsible for coordinating transportation to/from the trailhead. Hikers are not guaranteed to get a ride to the trailhead from the carpool location. Carpooling is organized by the participants and they participate at their own risk.
Leader: Maryellen Trevisan 202-730-5314
No dogs pleasePark Entry Fee: $0
You must be experienced in hikes of this distance and elevation gain.
