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- River Bend Park - Potomac Heritage Trail (Rating: B)River Bend Nature Center, Great Falls, 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 spring and the bluebells should be in bloom along the Potomac. Join me for a 7.8 mile hike along the Potomac River, with 1200’ elevation gain. We will begin at the River Bend Nature Center on Jeffery Road and hike to the Potomac Heritage Trail (PHT) and follow the Potomac up river.
Hike Difficulty Rating: B (Moderately difficult)
https://nvhc.com/hikeinfo/ratings/Leader: Harvey Haines
Meet at 9:00am at the parking lot in front of the Nature Center. This is not the usual parking lot in Riverbend. Instead continue on Jeffery Road past the normal park entrance until the road bends right and then left and ends in a parking lot. GPS Coordinates: 39.0220, -77.2507
Fee: $3
Because this event originates at Riverbend Park please bring $3 to contribute to a $30 group fee for events held at the park. I will have a bucket for contributions and cannot guarantee change so please bring small bills. https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend/hours (any extra will be donated to the park)Maps for the hike:
https://www.icloud.com/iclouddrive/0HUAtKhXPvx2_p9Svd8OCAZ9Q#River_Bend_Park_-_Potomac_Heritage_Trail
GaiaGPS map:
https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=13.8/-77.2578/39.0290&pubLink=fqDM6B3xCVxc3kTBimld0a4G&trackId=0893e039-f597-4317-9e22-c728a3b00801 - Burke Lake (Rating: D)Burke Lake 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.
So windy last time that we didn't get to see much activity at the heron rookery. Let's try again!
BASICS: This hike is almost 5 miles with essentially no elevation change. Pace will be about 2.6 miles an hour when moving. Good hike for a beginner. Please arrive a few minutes early to allow time to sign-in. We will leave promptly at 9:30 a.m.
DETAILS: There are restrooms if you continue into the parking lot where we meet, towards the lake, by the marina. Bring water and something to eat. We will probably stop half way. Good time for a snack. Sneakers or hiking shoes.
DIRECTIONS: We will meet at the parking lot near the Marina. Enter the park at the Burke Lake Park Entrance on Ox Road (Route 123). If using a GPS to find the park, just key in "Burke Lake Park." More directions are below. After entering the park, go straight following the road as it curves right and goes into the marina parking lot. This will be the first parking lot (not counting some parking along the side of the road) that you come to. We congregate at the area soon after entering the parking lot. (GPS Coordinates: 38°45'36.2"N 77°18'09.0"W )
DOG POLICY: No dogs on this hike.
Looking forward,
Dotty Smith 703-439-8670
Marty Rine 571-344-5141PLEASE NOTE START TIME OF 9:30 a.m.
FEE:
Admission to Burke Lake Park is FREE for Fairfax County residents at all times. There is no charge for out-of-county residents on weekdays, except for a few holidays during the warmer months. On the weekends from April to October and those couple of holidays, there is $12.00 a car fee for those from outside of Fairfax County.More Directions:
From I-95 Take exit #160 (Route 123 North). The sign will say Woodbridge, Occoquan, and Lake Ridge. Follow 123 North (Ox Road) for 7.5 miles to the park entrance on the right. (If you see the golf course, then you have gone too far. The golf course entrance is the next right off Route 123; this is beyond the park entrance. Good place to turn around, if need be.)
From the Beltway (495) Take the Braddock Road West exit (Exit 54, VA-620) and travel approximately 2 miles. Turn left onto Burke Lake Road (at Kings Park Shopping Center). Follow Burke Lake Road for 5 miles. Turn left onto Route 123 South (Ox Road). The golf course entrance is the first left off Route 123. The park entrance is the second left off Route 123.
From Route 66 Take the Fairfax County Parkway, Exit 55A (Route 286 South towards Springfield). Continue on the Fairfax County Parkway for approximately 5 miles. Take a right onto Burke Lake Road. At the next light, turn left onto Ox Road (Route 123). The golf course entrance is the first left off Ox Road. The park entrance is the second left off Ox Road.
- Shenandoah River State Park Hike & Bluebell Festival (Rating: B) FUN!New Stable Way, 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.
9 miles with 922 feet of elevation gain.
Shenandoah River State Park Bluebell Festival
Description: A very scenic hike in the forest of Shenandoah River State Park and along the shore of the South Fork of the Shenandoah River. In addition to the meandering river frontage, the park offers scenic views of Massanutten Mountain to the west and Shenandoah National Park to the east.
We will combine several trails in the Park to make a nice loop. We will visit a couple of nice overlooks, one of which we stop at for lunch.We will enjoy the Bluebells which should be blooming nicely and check out the Bluebell Festival celebration at the end of the hike!
https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/event?id=2024-11-04-15-28-14-229412-wjn
The pace will be about 2.5 mph. The elevation gain on this hike is pretty much spread out over the course of the hike. You should be experienced at this distance and elevation gain.
There are restrooms at the overflow parking area (where we start) as well as at the Visitor Center.
Bring: adequate water/hydration (at least 2 liters), also snacks/lunch, and insect repellent, sun screen. The route is mostly level with some rolling hills and there are no stream crossings. Some sections may get muddy after heavy rains. I recommend sturdy hiking shoes there are areas of the trail with tree roots.
Fee: $10.00 park entrance fee (no fee for state park pass holders) or use your REI purchase receipt parking coupon from a participating Virginia REI.
Provide your REI receipt to the contact station ranger or insert it in a self-pay envelope and hang the tab on your rearview mirror.
Dogs:
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicyCARPOOLING: For those who are looking to carpool, meet at University Blvd - Gainesville Park and Ride and plan to leave at 7:20am to arrive at the trailhead in time to get signed in and start hiking at 8:30am. I'm starting the hike a little early to accommodate getting parking ahead of the festival start.
A new Sheetz has opened in the Park & Ride, this would be a good meeting point. New Stable Way, directly across from the Sheetz store.
GPS 38.801119, -77.589532Neither the Club nor the hike leader is 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. Suggested carpool fee: $4.00 per rider. Driving time from Gainesville Park & Ride to Shenandoah River State Park is about 50 minutes.
NOTE: The times listed for the hike include starting and finishing at Gainesville Park & Ride.
If you are going directly to the trailhead at Shenandoah River State Park the times will be 8:30am-12:30pm.Meet at the trailhead parking lot 15 minutes early to allow everyone to be signed in and get ready to hike at 8:30am. The gate at the contact station opens at 8:00am.
Shenandoah River State Park Info:
https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/shenandoah-riverShenandoah River State Park address is:
350 Daughter of Stars Dr., Bentonville, VADirections to Shenandoah River State Park.
Trailhead GPS coordinates 38.86284, -78.30555
From Northern Virginia, take I-66 West to exit 13 (Linden). Turn left off the ramp. Go one block to a stoplight where you'll take a right onto Rt. 55 West. At the fifth stoplight, turn left onto 340 South. Drive eight miles; the park's entrance is on the right. About 50 minutes drive time from Gainesville Park & Ride.Any questions, please message meus here or text/call @ 202-528-0456
- AT Shuttle Hike - Harpers Ferry to Gathland State Park (Rating: A)Gathland State Park, Brownsville, 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.
Join me on a 10.0 mile shuttle hike northbound along the AT with about 1,550 feet of elevation gain between Harpers Ferry and Gathland State Park. This is the fourth 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)
Here are details for this hike:
- Distance: 10.0 mi
- Elevation gain: 1,550 ft
- Pace: ~2.5 miles/hour when moving
- Duration: 5.5 hours
- Hike map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/at-harpers-ferry-to-gathland-state-park-2ba2520
- Trailhead A parking: Harpers Ferry Station (GPS 39.32468, -77.73112)
- Trailhead B parking: Gathland State Park Parking Lot (GPS 39.40467, -77.64030)
- Time to meet at Trailhead B parking: 8:30 a.m.
- Driving time / distance between trailheads: ~20 minutes / ~11 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.
