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Sierra Club Potomac Region Outings (SCPRO) cover photo

Sierra Club Potomac Region Outings (SCPRO)

Washington, DC, US

12,804 members · Public group

Organized by Vicky and 39 others

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What we’re about

SCPRO is a special activities section of the Sierra Club Virginia Chapter that organizes hikes and other events for the general public on behalf of the Sierra Club's Washington, DC chapter and the close-in groups of the Maryland and Virginia Chapters. No Sierra Club membership is necessary to participate. We welcome all people on a variety of outdoor adventures, nature walks, conservation outings, and exploration of our natural and regional history.
Sierra Club Virginia Chapter Events Calendar

Upcoming events (4+)

Sat, Apr 19, 2025, 8:15 AM EDTPt of Rocks/Brunswick >< Harpers Ferry (ODH training hike 15)
Needs location
There will be two concurrent hikes (see below for meeting places & times) along the C&O Canal towpath with multiple options for distances of 14 to 36 miles. Whatever distance you do, the hike will afford you some of the most beautiful views of the Potomac River (the approach to Harpers Ferry), let you observe wildlife and wildflowers, and let you explore (a little bit) historic Harpers Ferry. Here are some photo albums of previous versions of this hike.

Long hikers will start at Point of Rocks and hike to Harpers Ferry and back (28 miles; 5.8 blisters), with the option of going up to 4 miles past the start before returning (for up to 36 miles total; 7.4 blisters). Short hikers will start at Brunswick and hike to Harpers Ferry and back (14 miles; 3 blisters), with the option of going to Point of Rocks (21 miles total; 4.4 blisters). You may want to download hike notes and map or use the photos below for the hike.

LEADER: Mike Darzi (Mike.Darzi@Gmail.com); BIKE PATROL: Sylvia Woods

WHAT TO BRING:
Bring food and drink, or $$ to buy at Harpers Ferry. You’ll proceed at your own pace and you may stop (or not) anytime to eat. This hike occurs rain or shine, cold or warm, so dress appropriately. However, in case of hazardous weather, please check here for last-minute changes before leaving for the hike.

WHEN & WHERE:
Long hikers will meet in the parking lot along the towpath at Point of Rocks by 8:15am (https://rb.gy/zhdob8; cross the tracks and the wooden canal bridge). Short hikers will meet in the parking lot near the towpath under the MD 17 bridge in Brunswick by 10 am (https://rb.gy/pxito7; from S Maple Av, cross the train station's parking lot and the tracks, then turn right and go to the end). If you need a ride, contact Mike or post a comment.

ONE DAY HIKE:
Although open to all, this training hike is part of a series of Saturday training hikes leading up to the One Day Hike (ODH)—100 or 50 km along the C&O Canal—on May 3, 2025. See SCPRO’s Meetup page for other training hikes as they are posted. If you would like to support the ODH, see volunteering opportunities and/or contact Mike Darzi (Mike.Darzi@Gmail.com). For official updates regarding training hikes, registration, and other information, join the ODH email list by sending a blank email to OneDayHike+Subscribe@Groups.io.

SCPRO DONATION:
A voluntary donation of $2 or more per event is appreciated. You may donate in cash at the event or via PayPal to ECommerce@SierraPotomac.org using "For friends and family” as payment type.

You may join the Sierra Club by clicking "JOIN" on the Virginia Chapter's website.
32 attendees+27
Sat, Apr 19, 2025, 10:00 AM EDTThe ABCs of Camping for Beginners
Seneca Creek State Park, Gaithersburg, MD
Join us for a co-sponsored event with Outdoor Afro to learn about the basics of summer camping in this four-hour class. We'll cover the best in tents, sleeping, cooking, water, safety, and the best places to go camping. This class is for beginners or those who have been camping with others but want to try it on their own. Please feel free to bring your own gear (like that tent you bought but never set up) and we'll be happy to offer guidance. Location: Seneca Creek State Park, Fawn Picnic Shelter. Dress for the weather. We have a picnic shelter in case it rains, but we will be outside the entire time. There is a $3/person entry fee for Maryland residents / $5 per person entry fee for non-residents. This is a joint offering between Sierra Club & Outdoor Afro (Sierra Club asks for an optional $2 donation). Bring lunch, snacks, water, and notetaking tools, and again, feel free to bring optional camping gear. Leader: Liz Guertin (eguertin@yahoo.com) (SC) / Taunya English (OA). Contact Liz with questions.
9 attendees+4
Tue, Apr 22, 2025, 10:00 AM EDTEarth Day Hike On The C&O Canal, Maryland
Point of Rocks, Point of Rocks, MD
Celebrate Earth Day along the Potomac River with a Sierra Club PRO hike along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal in scenic Frederick County, Maryland. Started by Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson on April 22, 1970, Earth Day has grown over the past half century as a world wide celebration and commitment to protecting the Earth's priceless environment. Come out and see how a once totally industrialized transportation corridor has been restored into a beautiful national park. The hike begins at Point of Rocks and follows the C&O Canal upriver below Catoctin Mountain and across the Catoctin Creek Aqueduct and our turn around point at Catoctin Creek. Hiking distance: 7 miles over the totally flat towpath. Bring a day pack, hiking boots, lunch, trail snacks, and two quarts of water. Meet at 10:AM at the western end of the Point of Rocks Train Station Parking Lot in Point of Rocks, Maryland.
Leader: Glenn Gillis 571-217-4477
24 attendees+19
Sun, Apr 27, 2025, 9:00 AM EDTADMO Woodley Park Loop
Pitango in Adams Morgan, Washington, DC
Join us for a brisk-paced (2.5-3 mph) 6.5-mile loop beginning and ending at Pitango (1841 Columbia Rd NW) in Adams Morgan. We'll walk through the neighborhood streets of Adams Morgan and Woodley Park, Dumbarton Oaks Park, the National Cathedral grounds and garden, and Tregaron Conservancy. We'll be on a mixture of sidewalks and trails. We'll have a restroom/snack break halfway through the hike.

Bring plenty of water and some snacks, and be sure to wear sturdy, comfortable footwear. Brunch in ADMO after the hike is an option.

We'll be asking for a $2 voluntary contribution to help support SCPRO's website, first aid training, and other costs.

DISTANCE: 6.5 miles

ELEVATION GAIN: 400 feet

PACE: Our average moving pace will be between 2.5 and 3 miles per hour.

DOGS: Dogs on a leash are welcome.

Pitango is halfway between Dupont Circle (North/Q street exit) and Woodley Park (.7 miles). Bus routes 42, 43, 90 and 96 are all within a few blocks. There is metered and free street parking in the surrounding neighborhood (meters are free on Sundays!). But please arrive early so you have enough time to find parking or allow for metro delays.
15 attendees+10

Past events (1539)

Sat, Apr 12, 2025, 10:00 AM EDTSky Meadows State Park
This event has passed
16 attendees+11

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