About us
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 was 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
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Seneca Regional Park Potomac Heritage Trail (Rating: C)
Seneca Regional Park, 101 Seneca Rd, Great Falls, VA, USYou 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 is an enjoyable ~ 7.3 mile hike with ~780 feet of elevation gain.
We'll start by hiking through a full growth hardwood forest of Elm, Ash Trees, and Tulip Poplars, the tallest deciduous tree in North America. We'll then connect to the Potomac Heritage Trail with its wildflowers and massive Sycamore trees. The hike is a loop. Part of the hike will be along the Patowmack Channel created by a series of islands in the river.We'll take our break on a sandy beach.
Thanks to Bob G for the photo.We hike at a pace of 2.3 to 2.5 mph while moving. You must have experience with hikes of this length and elevation gain.
Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicyhttps://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolic
Leader: Steve Frith cell 703-629-0174
Park Entry Fee: $0.00
Map for hike:
https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=15.0/-77.3190/39.0474&pubLink=obOQ48o079O4P48KYoJBIMa9&trackId=b81b5829-efdf-4bad-bb66-9e9de4a74efd
22 attendees
DC Autumn Delights: A River Cruise (& Hike) (Rating: D FUN)
Columbia Island Marina, Columbia Island Marina, Washington, DC, USA, Washington, DC, USYou 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.
6.5 mile loop hike with 217 feet elevation gain
Description:
Autumn is a particularly lovely time to be in Washington DC. What more lovely a way to enjoy the change of seasons than on a Sightseeing Potomac River Cruise on the Nightgale with Capital River Cruises along the Potomac?Capital River Cruises is giving us a
CASH ONLY FLAT RATE of $20 per person.
Thank you for paying me in CASH ONLY before the hike. I will then settle our contract with the Captain.We will be doing the Sightseeing Cruise to enjoy the Most Spectacular Views of Washington, DC from the Potomac River.
Cruises are approximately 45 minutes with historical narration. Refreshments, Snacks and Restrooms on board.
As we will be on the Noon Cruise, plan on Eating your Lunch on board, so pack yourself a great treat!After the Hike and before heading back, we will stop at the Gelateria Dolce Vita on the Georgetown Waterfront for a little sweet treat after lunch.
Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 mph while moving
What to Bring: Adequate hydration, also snack/lunch, and sturdy hiking/walking shoes and a hat. Recommend Layers just in case.
Restrooms are available both at the Columbia Island Marina and on board the Nightingale.
Dogs: are not welcome on this hike. NVHC Dog Policy.
Weather : weather for this location can be found HERE.
WHERE WILL WE MEET:
We will meet in the parking lot of the Columbia Island Marina, Lady Byrd Johnson Park, GW Parkway, Arlington, VA.GPS Coordinates: 38.876415, -77.049614. LINK TO MAP
We will proceed along the Mount Vernon Trail and cross the Key Bridge - destination will be Georgetown Waterfront park-- to be ready in time for our Noon Cruise.
We will head back along the river past the Lincoln Memorial to the 14th Street bridge and finish back at Columbia Island Marina.
Post Hike Fellowship: Island Time Bar & Grill in the Marina
Any questions feel free to message me here or text me with your name to at 703 533 9231 Dawn K
36 attendees
Rt 522/Front Royal to Compton Peak (Rating: A+)
Centreville Park & Ride Lot, 14700 Lee Highway, Centreville, VA, US## Details
REQUIRED: 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 is a fast paced A+ hike and is ONLY suitable for those who have recent experience hiking this distance, elevation gain and speed. If you have NEVER been on one of our A+ hikes and/or I don't know you, please message your hike leader with a recent A+ hike you have done or a hike leader who can vouch for you within 24 hours of RSVPing. Otherwise, you will be moved to “Not Going”. ***
This is a 13 mile out-and-back hike that has an elevation gain of 3,000 feet. From Rt. 522 in Front Royal we’ll follow the AT up to and across Skyline Drive to Compton Peak, where there are two features: A great view and an interesting rock formation.
For those wishing to carpool, the suggested carpool location is at the Centreville Park and Ride, 14700 Lee Highway, Centreville, VA. The driving time from there to the trailhead is approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes with no stop. Please arrive at the Park and Ride so carpools can leave at 6:30 AM sharp. HIKE LEADER WILL BE MEETING EVERYONE AT THE TRAILHEAD at 7:40AM. Carpool Fee: $8.00
PLEASE NOTE: 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.
Need to know details:
- Parking lot coordinates: 38.87820018235782, -78.15048712824446
- Park entry fee: $0 – this hike starts outside the park
- Trailhead meetup time: NLT 7:40. Hike starts: 7:45 A.M SHARP
- Pace: 2.8 - 3mph when moving. We will take short breaks at intersections and a regular lunch break.
- Distance: 13ish miles
- Elevation: About 3,000 feet
- Bring: Lunch/snacks, adequate hydration, electrolytes, rain gear/sunglasses/hat depending on the forecast; basic first aid kit, sunscreen, tick spray and a great attitude.
- Dogs ON A LEASH are allowed in accordance with NVHC policy.
- No complainers allowed! :-)
Route Map: Hike Map
Questions? Message or text Chris (703) 568-63471 attendee
Kennedy Peak (Rating: A)
Centreville Park & Ride Lot, 14700 Lee Highway, Centreville, VA, USYou 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 is a 9.1 mile hike with about 1800 feet of elevation gain. Starting on the Stephens Trail we will hike about 4.6 miles gently up and down, and then ascend steeply to the Massanutten Trail. Turning south, we hike the ridge to the intersection of the Kennedy Peak trail. Go up steeply for ¼ mi on the rocky Massanutten Sandstone to an old fire tower with 360 degree views. Lunch will be at the tower. After lunch, we will descend the Kennedy Peak trail, turn left on the Massanutten Trail and follow it back to the cars.
Pace: ~2.5 mph
Maps:
Pdf Map
https://www.icloud.com/iclouddrive/0131koQFk4Mw06Ba7VGuX5xRQ#Kennedy_PeakKennedy Peak Loop, Virginia - 713 Reviews, Map | AllTrails
Dogs: Dogs are allowed per the NVHC guidelines.
https://nvhc.com/2020/hikeinfo/policies/Carpools: Meet at the Centreville Park and Ride at 7:15am. Suggested carpool fee is $8. The leader will be at the carpool location. GPS Coordinates: 38.836038, -77.455371, https://goo.gl/maps/hc3LRG7Hsy2wMJs18
Driving time from Centreville to the trailhead is about 90 minutes.Meet at the trailhead at 9am, GPS Coordinates: 38.72860048165256, -78.51541043871293, https://goo.gl/maps/JNm19Qa2V3mUjuge9
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.
Entry Fees: none
Leader: Alex Kennedy
1 (703) 310-865928 attendees
Past events
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