Advanced Hiking Near Me

ODH Hike: Carderock >< Great Falls on C&O Canal (easy)

Enjoy a lovely autumn walk of up to about 8.5 mi (easy) from Carderock to the Great Falls Overlook and the Tavern, then back along this scenic stretch of the Potomac River on the C&O Canal towpath, choosing your own pace and distance. You determine the distance by your turnaround point. Bring water. The hike finishes just in time—and just in place—for an optional, yet hearty picnic. (See [next item](https://www.meetup.com/sierrapotomac/events/316560961/?slug=sierrapotomac&eventId=316560961) on the calendar.) Download a hike [info sheet](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tPgEYKnh2RNsVQsOfck5CGzft5hGqfaI/view) with map. **Photo albums of previous versions of this hike:** www.bit.ly/MWS-ODHHP. **A CELEBRATION:** This hike and picnic have become an annual tradition in celebration of the One Day Hike (ODH). They are free and OPEN TO ALL, and you may join us for either or both. ODH hikers and volunteers from past, present, and future years are invited, along with family and friends. Our special thanks go to all the volunteers that help make the ODH a success. **WHEN & WHERE:** We'll meet rain or shine at 9:15 am at the Carderock pavilion. From I-495 (Beltway), take Exit 41, Clara Barton Parkway west (Carderock), just north of the American Legion Bridge. After 0.6mi, take first exit (ramp on right). At top of ramp, turn left (Naval Surface Warfare Center is on the right), crossing over the parkway, and follow the short, curvy road (0.3mi) as it passes under the C&O Canal to its end. Turn left and park in the lot. The exact location is [here](https://www.google.com/maps/dir//38.971513,-77.1990369/@38.9707789,-77.1988545,16z?entry=ttu). **SIERRA CLUB:** You may join the Sierra Club by clicking "JOIN" on the Virginia Chapter's [website](http://www.sierraclub.org/virginia).

Manassas Battlefield & 2 Silos Brewing Co.

Plan to meet up in the visitors center parking lot. We will be hiking the Manassas Battlefields loop trail in a clockwise direction. Afterwards we'll head over to 2 Silos Brewing Co. 9925 Discovery Blvd, Manassas VA. 20109 for food and beverages. This hike is rated as a moderately difficult hike. A total distance of 5.2 mile. 50% is thru open fields and 50% is under canopy cover. Total PUDS or pointless ups and downs will be around 600 feet of elevation change. Here is the breakdown in flights of stair in a building to make it easier to understand. We will start by descending down 11 flights and then climb up 8 flights. down 8, up 8, down 3, up 3, down 4, up 10, down 9, and finish with a 8 story climb back to the visitor center. Proper high hydration is key for a successful hike as the open fields can be warm even in April.

Day Hike - Spy Rock via Crabtree Falls (14.1 Miles) + Box Office Brewery

***Caution - This hike is difficult due to length.*** Fall colors and waterfalls? Check. Crabtree Falls is the highest vertical-drop cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River. The falls feature a series of five major cascades and several smaller ones over its' total drop distance of 1200 feet. With the addition of Spy Rock, we should expect to see some breathtaking water features as well as some awesome views. We will meet at Vienna Metro at 8AM and carpool to the trailhead. Drive time is about 2 hour and 45 mins - Please post a comment below if you are willing to drive. Carpooling saves the environment and makes friends. ## Trail Facts ***Difficulty Level: Strenuous** ** *Length: **14.1 Miles *** Duration: **6-7 hrs ** *Elevation Gain: **3,369 Feet *** Permits: **Day Use Ticket: [https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/gwj/recarea/?recid=73667](https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/gwj/recarea/?recid=73667) ** *Parking: **Vienna Metro Station South *** Dogs: **Allowed ** *Trailhead Coordinates: **37.850748, -79.078603** *** AllTrails Map: [https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/spy-rock-via-crabtree-falls](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/spy-rock-via-crabtree-falls) **Trail Details:** This out-and-back hike is challenging, but the combo of Crabtree Falls and Spy Rock makes it one of my favorite hikes along the AT in Virginia. The beginning of the hike includes a spectacular set of falls and the payoff at the end includes 360-degree views of Nelson County. We will start at a day use area for Crabtree Falls, which is typically pretty busy. The climb starts out fairly steep, but the path is paved making it somewhat easier. At the top, we will turn left and continue up a steep gravel hill until we meet up with the AT. Afterwards, the trail mellows out, changing to meandering switchbacks and ends with one last steep section to the top. Dogs are allowed on this trail (please use a leash). On the way back, I plan to stop at a great little bar called Box Office Brewery in Strasburg VA, address is 177 E King St, Strasburg, VA 22657. With the drive, please note that this will take most of the day. It is highly recommended that you bring plenty of water as well as snacks and electrolytes (i.e. Gatorade). **DAY USE TICKETS: **Day use tickets are required. The tickets are only $3 per car, but you will need to bring cash (collected via envelope, honor system). For more info: [https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/gwj/recarea/?recid=73667](https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/gwj/recarea/?recid=73667) **LIABILITY NOTICE:** Please remember that this group operates under the common adventurer model. We are a group of friends and volunteers organizing trips for fun and shared experience. Participants are expected to be familiar with best hiking practices and choose hikes that align with their physical abilities and experience. Organizers and members are not liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to persons or property arising from group activities. By attending this event, you agree to assume all risks associated with the activity.​ For more information on the common adventurer model, please see Ron Watters' definition.​ If you believe you may be lost during the hike, follow the advice of the US Forest Service.​ See you on the trail!

Old Rag Mountain Fall Foliage Hike

Hike Lake Accotink from Wakefield Park, VA

Come along on a beginner friendly hike in Fairfax County, Virginia from Wakefield Park to beautiful Lake Accotink Park. Flora and fauna abound in the parks and along the wooded trails, where we might glimpse bald eagles, great blue herons, white-tailed deer, and wildflowers in bloom. This 6-mile hike is considered relatively easy, with 292 feet of elevation gain at a pace of 2.5 mph along the paved, dirt and gravel paths of the Gerald Connolly Cross County Trail and the Lake Accotink Trail. **Meet** at the entrance to Audrey Moore Recreation Center in Wakefield Park. The Rec Center parking lot is 0.5 miles from Braddock Rd, ***beyond the first set of parking lots at the baseball fields***. Plan to arrive at 9:45 a.m. to allow time to sign in and make introductions before starting the hike at 10:00. Well behaved, leashed dogs are welcome. From the Wakefield Park Recreation Center building we will hike to the Gerald Connolly Cross County Trail and continue south until we reach the Lake Accotink marina. We will stop there for a restroom break and a snack. Then we will continue on the Lake Accotink Trail below the dam, up an elevated pedestrian walkway, and follow a natural-surface trail along the lake for another 1.2 miles. We then turn onto Danbury Forest Drive, head 0.5 miles to the Cross County Trail, and follow it back to our cars at Wakefield Park. The moving pace will be 2.5 mph, with stops to regroup at several trail junctions. **Bring**: Hiking boots, layered clothing as appropriate for the weather, 1-2 quarts of water, trail snacks, hiking poles if you use them, insect repellent, sunscreen, and hat. Be mindful of both the weather and the predicted temperature changes throughout the day, and adjust the amount of water to bring along as appropriate. **Cost:** Sierra Club Potomac Region Outings requests a modest $2 donation per person to help defray expenses of our all-volunteer program. **Carpool**: Participants can post carpool requests/offers to arrange with other participants in the Meetup Comments section.

Moonlight Rendezvous: Mount Marshall Loop, Shenandoah National Park🌑| 13.5mi

New! Sugarloaf Mountain Hike and Sugarloaf Mountain and Winery

***NOTE: RECOMMENDED ONLY FOR EXPERIENCED HIKERS*** This is a new hike - a little further from where we normally hike but a different location and really beautiful. It is a challenging hike so please plan accordingly. Remember - we start on time - so please leave enough time to arrive on time! :-) **Sugarloaf Mountain Hike:** Blue Loop 5.4 miles **Elevation Gain:** 1,063 feet (about 80 building stories) **Rating:** Difficult, based on the frequent elevation changes & rocky terrain **Pace:** 25-30 minute miles depending on the terrain The hike follows the Blue Loop trail. We’ll stop at the White Rocks overlook for a break, snacks & pictures (this is about halfway and is very nice!) Hiking poles are recommended on this hike. Be sure to wear sturdy hiking boots or shoes Bring plenty of water & snacks. This is a challenging hike and being hydrated and having fuel for your body is a great idea! Leashed & friendly dogs are allowed on this hike (please cleanup after you pet) **Entrance Address**: 7901 Comus Road Dickerson, MD 20842 Voluntary (optional) donations of $5 provide needed funding for maintenance of the property & facilities (The donation box is at the entrance) After entering the park, please proceed until you see a parking lot on your right & a sign that reads West View - East View Turn left at that sign, drive through the east view parking lot until you come to a fork in the road Stay right at the fork (careful this is a narrow two-way road) After a short distance you’ll come to a circle, stay right & you’ll see a picnic shelter with porta-potties on your right, this is the West View parking lot Park here & we’ll meet by the picnic shelter **Restrooms** There are a couple of porta-potties located at the parking lot for your convenience. Be sure to plan accordingly, as these are the only restroom facilities available on this hike. **After the hike we’ll head to the Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard** [18125 Comus Rd, Dickerson, MD 20842](https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=f71cbf26ae99198622b7ba5f47ae7aad1a0b204a683794057a007958f4a2895dJmltdHM9MTc3NDkxNTIwMA&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=4&fclid=108cd8d6-7e8f-6b13-174d-ce097fb86ad8&u=a1L21hcHM_Jm1lcGk9MH5-RW1iZWRkZWR-QWRkcmVzc19MaW5rJnR5PTE4JnE9U3VnYXJsb2FmJTIwTW91bnRhaW4lMjBWaW5leWFyZCZzcz15cGlkLllOODhEOTZGM0FFQTNENjZDNCZwcG9pcz0zOS4yNTA5Njg5MzMxMDU0N18tNzcuMzc5NDkzNzEzMzc4OV9TdWdhcmxvYWYlMjBNb3VudGFpbiUyMFZpbmV5YXJkX1lOODhEOTZGM0FFQTNENjZDNH4mY3A9MzkuMjUwOTY5fi03Ny4zNzk0OTQmdj0yJnNWPTEmRk9STT1NUFNSUEw) There should be a food truck on premises. We tried it out - tasty! Feel free to bring your own food. Please remember that outside alcohol is not allowed

Catback, Duncan and Strickler Knob shuttle [10 miles, 2,200ft, strenuous] ⛰️ 🥾

Great Falls Loop from Angler's Inn - 5.7 miles

**This is a reschedule from the hike that was originally planned for Sept 23.** A moderate loop hike starting from the Angler's Inn parking lot. We will follow the Valley Trail to the Gold Mine Loop, and then follow the Gold Mine Spur and the Lock 19 Spur down to Lock 19. We'll cross over to the C&O Canal towpath and proceed to the Maryland-side Great Falls overlook. We'll then retrace our steps and follow the Overlook Trail to a nice overlook of the river downstream from the falls. We'll return to Angler's Inn via the Gold Mine Loop and the Woodland trail for a total distance of 5.7 miles and 500 feet of elevation. We will pick a spot to stop for lunch along the way. **AllTrails map:** [https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/anglers-to-great-falls-loop-4-7-miles-07df9cf?u=i&sh=pzrvpp](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/anglers-to-great-falls-loop-4-7-miles-07df9cf?u=i&sh=pzrvpp) **Pace:** average 2.0 -2.25 miles per hour **Meeting time**: Meet at 10:00 am for sign-ins and introductions. We will start walking at 10:15. **Meeting place**: Meet in the parking lot across MacArthur Blvd from Angler's Inn. Street address: 10790 Macarthur Blvd, Potomac, MD 20854. GPS Coordinates: 38.982223495027135, -77.22654141782806 Allow extra drive time for construction delays on Georgetown Pike and George Washington Parkway. **What to Bring:** Good hiking shoes, rain gear if warranted by the forecast, a hat for sun protection, at least 2 liters of water, and a lunch or snacks. Trekking poles are recommended - there are some rocky sections and a couple of steep spots. **Facilities:** There are restrooms at the meeting place, as well as at Lock 19 at the half-way point. **Pets:** Dogs are welcome as long as they are well-behaved. Park rules state that dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. Contact Information: Please use the Meetup Comments for routine comments and questions. **Hike leader is Peter:** 703-999-9435. However, there is NO cell service in the park, so hike leaders will not get last-minute messages. RSVP: Sign-up ends at 6:00 pm the night before. Please do not show up unregistered. If you can't make the hike, please cancel your RSVP by 6 pm the night before to allow others on the waiting list to join. To find out more about PATC, see [www.patc.net](http://www.patc.net) Consider becoming a member of PATC. To join, see [www.patc.net/membership](http://www.patc.net/membership)

Potomac Heritage- Goose Creek to Bles Park (Rating: C)

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, [https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](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 8.8 mile with 75 ft elevation out and back hike on the Potomac Heritage Trail in Loudoun County. On this hike we'll experience scenic Goose Creek as it flows into the expanse of the Potomac. There is also a lot of history as we hike along the ruins of the Goose Creek Canal ( see the background information below) and Selden Island which is privately owned and is known for it's prehistoric archaeological sites dating back to 1000BC. We will begin at Riverpoint Drive trailhead (Porta Potty is available) and follow Goose Creek and then the Potomac to our turnaround at Bles Park where there are restrooms. **Background History**: In 1849, construction began on a system of locks and dams to render the Goose Creek navigable up to three large mills in the Loudoun Valley. By 1845, the [Goose Creek and Little River Navigation Company](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Goose_Creek_and_Little_River_Navigation_Company&action=edit&redlink=1) canal system had been completed on Goose Creek to Ball's (Evergreen) Mill, 12 miles (19 km) upstream from the mouth. Though the lower portion of the canal saw significant usage, only one boat was ever known to have traveled the whole stretch, and by 1857 the canal was put out of business by the completion of the [Alexandria, Loudoun and Hampshire Railroad](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_and_Old_Dominion_Railroad) to Leesburg. Most of the locks and dams were destroyed by the [Union Army](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Union_Army) during the [Civil War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Civil_War). We hike at a pace of \~ 2.5 mph while moving. You must have experience with hikes of this length and elevation gain. Meet at the Riverpoint Drive Trailhead at 8:45am for sign-in. Restroom (Porta Potty) is available at the Trailhead Dogs are welcome on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicyhttps://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolic](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) Leaders: Steve Frith cell 703-629-0174 Park Entry Fee: $0.00 Map for hike: https://www.gaiagps.com/map/?loc=11.3/-77.4740/39.0851

Sandy Ridge & Squirrel Gap Road [8 miles, 1,200ft, moderate] ⛰️ 🥾 🐿️

Algonkian Regional Park – Sugarland Run (Rating: C)

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, [https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](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 7 mile out and back hike with 350' of elevation gain on the Potomac Heritage and Sugarland Run Trails in Loudoun County. We will start the parking lot near the Volcano Island Waterpark in Algonkian Regional Park [https://www.novaparks.com/parks/algonkian-regional-park](https://www.novaparks.com/parks/algonkian-regional-park) and take the Potomac Heritage and Sugarland Run Trails in Loudoun County passing through and along the golf course. Nice scenery along Sugarland Run. Some of the hike is on trails, pavement and gravel road. We hike at a 2.5-3.0 mph pace when moving. Bring a snack. Leader: Ed Brimberg 703-944-9920 (C) [Rating: C](https://nvhc.com/hikeinfo/ratings/) Park Entry Fee: $0.00 Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) Meet: Plan to arrive at 8:15am hike starts at 8:30am. Park near Volcano Island Waterpark in Algonkian Park. Trailhead GPS coordinates: 39.060142, -77.388550 [https://maps.app.goo.gl/PgTT77xqTVTt4AGj9](https://maps.app.goo.gl/PgTT77xqTVTt4AGj9) AllTrails Map for hike: [https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/algonkian-park-sugarland-run-db9e6ee?u=i&sh=7cs7ov](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/algonkian-park-sugarland-run-db9e6ee?u=i&sh=7cs7ov)