What weāre 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 monthās free participation in the club events. NVHC is a nonprofit organization and donatesĀ fundsĀ to local parks and trail maintenance organizations from time to time.Ā The selection of the parks and organizations is based on club usage - it is our way of giving back. Monies vary each time -Ā $7,200 were donated in 2023.
Members are required to accept the liability disclaimer by typing āAcceptā 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 āmilesā 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)Ā
B = Moderately Difficult (10 miles or more, but less than 13 miles)Ā
C = Moderate (7 miles or more, but less than 10 miles)Ā
D = Easy (Less than 7 miles)Ā
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 RSVPād āyesā for a hike, change your RSVP to ānoā as soon as you decide not to go, so that someone else can go.
- If you RSVPād āyesā to overlapping events on the same day, decide on one as soon as possible, and change your RSVP to ānoā 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- Harpers Ferry - Maryland Heights (Rating: B)Parking Lot Lower Town Train Station, Harpers Ferry, 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.
Our hike will take in the historic Harpers Ferry, the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers, and the scenic overlook from Maryland Heights. With about 7.2 miles and 1,800 feet of elevation gain, this will be a moderately strenuous hike and will take about 4 hours.
Bring water, snacks, hiking poles if you are accustomed to using them, and wear hiking shoes/boots.
We will hike at a 2 to 2.5 mph pace, so please make sure you are comfortable with this pace before signing up.
Route: From the Harpers Ferry Amtrak/MARC station parking lot, we will start with a short loop through the town taking in the view from Jefferson Rock on the Appalachian Trail, before passing through Harper Cemetery. After making our way back down through the town, we will cross the Potomac River, and continue along the C&O Canal for a half mile before we begin the long climb to the remnants of the stone fort on top of the ridge. With most of the elevation completed, we will descend to the overlook, where we will stop for lunch.
DOGS: Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. Contact Hike Leader via private Meetup Direct Messages if you wish to bring your dog.
Rating: B
Leader: David L 202-599-6366
We hike at 9:00 AM. Plan to arrive at the trailhead at 8:45 AM to sign in.
Trailhead/Parking:
We'll meet in the parking lot at the Amtrak/MARC station. Coordinates: 39.324228, -77.730978
There are restrooms inside the train station.Trail Map: AllTrails: Harpers Ferry - Maryland Heights
Park fees: $20 (cash only) per vehicle or park pass. You will need to fill out an envelope with money and/or pass info. All vehicles must display a park entrance pass or receipt where it is clearly visible through the windshield. https://www.nps.gov/hafe/planyourvisit/fees.htm
**** You must be experienced in hikes of this distance and elevation gain. ****
- Panorama to Byrds Nest 4 (Rating: A)Marys Rock Summit Trailhead, Virginia, 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.
Join us for a hike starting at the lower Panorama parking area off RT211 and heading north on the AT to Byrds Nest 4. Note: We will be hiking through some of the recently burned areas. After lunch at the shelter we will head back via the Rocky Branch Tr to the AT and then south back to the cars.
Need to Know Information:
*Hike Starts: 9:00 AM (Please arrive a 15 minutes early to sign in)
*Distance: 9.8 miles
*Elevation: 1,995 feet elevation gain
*Pace: Moderate Pace of 2.0-2.5 mph when moving.
You must be experienced in hikes of this distance, pace and elevation gain.
*TRAILHEAD Location: Lower Panorama parking area. You do not need to enter Shenandoah Nat Park. 38.65999,-78.32144 https://maps.app.goo.gl/dwNhcacf1KSgjbzE8
*CARPOOLING: For those who are looking to carpool, feel free to use the comment section to organize.Neither the Club nor the hike leaders are responsible for coordinating transportation to/from the trailhead. Carpooling is organized by the participants and they participate at their own risk.
*Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicyhttps://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolic
Leaders: Becky M. 703-229-9699 and David C. 571-643-3897 and Sadie Mae, our mascot (dog) š - Catoctin Mountain (Rating: B)Catoctin Mountain Park Visitor Center, Thurmont, 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.
The we will meet at the Visitor center for an 8Ā½ mile loop with ~1700 feet of elevation gain. The hiking pace will be between 2.0 ā 2.5 MPH while moving.
Park Entrance fee: free
Parking is at the NPS Visitors Center off of Foxville Rd, 14707 Park Central Rd, Thurmont, MD (GPS: 39.6338, -77.4496). Take Catocin Hollow Rd from US 15 to get there as utility work has closed Foxville Rd between the visitors center and US15.
It is about an hour drive from Carderock Parking Lot A. Feel free to organize carpools in the comment section below.
Map of the trail and parking can be found at:
NPS map
[)Pdf map with driving directions
https://www.icloud.com/iclouddrive/0bcsRle2I9P0JnlaoPP14mmtQ#Catoctin_MountainDogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy.
https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy - Big Schloss loop (Rating: A)Needs location
Details
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 in the GWNF is approximately 12.2 miles long and has an elevation gain of 2,400 feet give or take. The view from the rocky Big Schloss peak provides a beautiful view of the surrounding valley. Hikers must be physically fit and able to maintain an overall pace up to 2.5 miles/hour when moving.
This hike is at the upper end of the "A" range. If you have not recently done an "A" hike or at least two "B" hikes, this hike is not for you. Please message the leader if you have any concerns about your ability to complete this hike.
Basics:
Distance: 12.3 miles
Elevation Gain: ~2400'
Rating: A (due to distance and elevation gain).
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy.
Carpool details:
Meeting place: Centreville Park and Ride
Meeting place coordinates: 38.835996, -77.455574
Meeting time: 7:15 am for a 7:30 am departure
Driving time to trailhead: 1 hour 30 minutes
Carpooling is highly encouraged because parking is limited at the trailhead.
Suggested carpool fee (Riders pay drivers): $10
Directions from Centreville to the trailhead: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JpLNvGrRPdoQtpiX6
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 participation is at your own risk.
Trailhead details:
Location: Little Stony Creek Trailhead parking, GWNF
Trailhead coordinates: 38.937840, -78.646306
Meeting time at trailhead: 9:00 am
Please let the group know (in the chat) if you plan to meet us at the trailhead and not at the Centerville Park and Ride.
Map of the hike (and more details): https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/west-virginia/big-schloss-loop
Hike starting time: 9:15 am
Please bring lunch, snack, 2 quarts of water, hat, bug spray, first aid kit, and proper footwear. Hiking poles advised. The trails will be wet and muddy in sections.
Craig 502-528-6991
