Sierra Club Potomac Region Outings (SCPRO)

Join photographers Liz Guertin & Phyllis Kimmel on a slow-paced photo walk through the flowers at Brookside Gardens, Montgomery County's award-winning 50-acre public display garden. With the end of April, we see the transition from tulips to azaleas, cherries to redbuds, magnolias to dogwoods. The gardens should be popping with color and light. All cameras welcome! Bring your phone or fancy mirrorless. Liz & Phyllis will happily offer ideas on composition, technique, apps, lenses, and any questions you may have. If there's been something you've been wanting to learn or try, bring ideas and we'll attempt to practice it. Meet at 9:00am in front of the main Visitor Center.

Calling all Civil War history buffs! This is your opportunity to visit a little-known site that witnessed two battles (1862 & 63). We’ll explore a parcel not normally open to the public that’s owned by the American Battlefield Trust. Guided by a historian from Historic Preservation Division, Prince William Department of Parks & Recreation, we’ll walk about 1.5 miles on informal trails through meadows and wood to view Broad Run from a 75-foot-high bluff and see two beaver lodges. There may be a few wettish spots. Long pants tucked in socks are recommended as a precaution against ticks. Dress for the weather and bring at least a pint of water; sun protection also recommended.
Meet 9:45AM at 11059 Bristow Road, Bristow, VA 20136 (entering the gate to an open field opposite Valley View Drive) to sign in. There are no restroom facilities, so please “take care of business” before arrival. This is a joint event with the Greater Prince William Trails Coalition.
After the initial walk, there will be an option for an additional 2.5-mile hike through Bristoe Station Battlefield Heritage Park, which is about 1.3 miles north. The trails in this park are flat and dotted with information plaques about the two battles fought here. Though there are no restroom facilities in the park, there are numerous eateries nearby.
These events are free, but each person must sign a liability waiver in order to participate.

Owen's Creek area is a favorite west side destination of Catoctin Mtn. Park, known for its beautiful forests and running creek and less visitors! We will hike from the Owen's Creek Picnic area through the campground onto the Deerfield Nature loop, which ascends and connects to an arm of the Catoctin National Recreation Trail (commonly referred to as the Catoctin Trail). We will follow the Catoctin Trail out to the Adirondack shelters (our lunch and turn around location), circling back on CNRT and returning to the Owen's Creek Picnic Area. The natural trail varies from rocky to smooth and is often leaf covered. We will cover approximately 7 miles and 1,200 ft. elevation at a 2 -2.5mph pace. Please be confident in your hiking abilities for both elevation, speed and varied terrain. This is not a beginners hike.

Sierra Club appreciates a $2 donation to help cover Club costs.

Please bring plenty of water, food for lunch / snacks, appropriate layers of clothing for the weather, sturdy hiking shoes or boots, bug spray, sunblock, hiking poles if you use them.

Please allow enough time to check in and sign the liability release form before we take off at 9:30. This is a bit of a drive but well worth the trip!

Hike will cancel for steady rain. Please check comments of this event for updates.