Canyon Hikes Near Me

Moonlight Hike: C&O Canal Towpath, Great Falls, MD

Hike in the moonlight along the C&O Canal towpath to Great Falls, Maryland, 4 miles **Time**: Hike starts promptly at 8:15 p.m. and goes to approximately 10:15 p.m. (2 hours). It’s best to arrive about 10-15 minutes before the start of the hike (around 8:00 – 8:10 p.m). **Meeting Place**: Parking lot across from Old Angler's Inn, 10801 MacArthur Blvd., Potomac, MD. **Reservations**: Unlike CHC's Saturday bus hikes, signing up for Moonlight Hikes is not required. However, if you do sign up, you can be notified of a possible change in plan. Usually, light rain alone will not cancel the hike--for safety reasons, severe weather or a thunderstorm will. **Directions:** a. From the Beltway (I-495), take exit # 41, which is immediately north of the American Legion Bridge. When taking exit # 41, take it west towards Carderock / Great Falls, Maryland. b. This puts you on the Clara Barton Parkway, heading west. Stay on the Clara Barton Parkway for 1.7 miles until you come to a flashing stoplight. c. Make a left turn at the flashing stoplight onto MacArthur Blvd. Go for 1 mile until you see the Old Anglers Inn on your right side. Park in the parking lots across the street from the Old Anglers Inn. What to bring: a. A flashlight b. A small bottle of water c. Insect repellent d. Comfortable walking shoes (tennis shoes are fine) Cost / Donation: There is no charge for this hike, in accordance with CHC’s permit from the National Park Service. **Difficulty / Terrain**: This hike is mostly over flat terrain along the C&O Canal towpath and the Berma Road. This hike is considered to be an easy hike. **Ages**: This hike is open to all ages, so long as they can comfortably walk 4 miles. Parents need to be mindful of small children during the hike for their safety. **Dogs**: Dogs are welcome, so long as they are kept on a leash at all times, are friendly around people and other dogs, and are not taken out on the walkway to Olmstead Island.

Saturday morning hike

Hello Hikers!! Welcome to our Saturday morning hike at 8:30 AM! Many - but not all - of our hikes originate at Great Falls Park, off Georgetown Pike. Unless you already have an appropriate pass, the park entrance fee is 20/car for a single visit or 35/car for a 12-month pass that is good for the Maryland side of the river too. Come twice and you'll save 5 bucks! For the record, all scheduled hikes will be held even when it rains, snows or is super hot or cold unless the weather is too extreme to be safe. Our standard hike is a relatively easy 1 hour plus loop hike at a moderate pace. Usually a hike-extension is offered for those wishing to add a few miles more, up to 7 miles or so total. In spite of our Meetup name, we also hike in nearby parks such as Riverbend, Scott's Run, Turkey Run, Seneca, and Billy Goat A or C on theMaryland side of the Potomac. We have also scheduled hikes in Shenandoah NP and at Sugarloaf in Maryland. Please note that phone connections can be iffy in the park so don't call you are running late, but texting may work. It's best for you to be on time as we set out pretty much on time. This 1+ hour of hiking (or more) is a great way to relax, turn off your cell phones, make new friends, and get some exercise. I hope to see you on the next hike!! Thanks Dick, Julie, and Katie P.S. We will meet at the lower parking lot. STAY IN THE RIGHT LANE WHEN APPROACHING THE PAYMENT BOOTH. Once you pass the ranger's booth, make an immediate right turn and follow the road downhill to the parking lot. We meet by the big rock at the far end of the lot.

Whiteoak Canyon and Cedar Run Loop, Shenandoah National Park [8.1 miles]

Greenbrier State Park to Annapolis Rocks (Rating: A)

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 trip. This is a 9.5 mile hike with 1700 feet elevation gain. We will start at the Maryland [Greenbrier State Park](https://dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/western/greenbrier.aspx) parking lot by the lake/Visitor Center, walk around the lake then take the Bartmans Hill trail up to the Appalachian (AT). We will follow the AT north to Annapolis Rocks for the view and lunch and then return to the cars. We hike at a pace of 2.5-3.0 mph when moving. Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) Leader: Ed Brimberg 703-944-9920 (C) Carpools: Meet at the Dulles Town Center Park and Ride at 7:15am carpools leave at 7:30am, GPS Coordinates: 39.034079, -77.430102, [https://goo.gl/maps/Drvzn7wmu76vnmgR6](https://goo.gl/maps/Drvzn7wmu76vnmgR6) . Suggested carpool fee is $7. \*\*The leader will be at the carpool location.\*\* Driving time to the trailhead from the carpool location 1 hour 10 minutes. If you are going to the trailhead, meet at the parking lot by the lake near the Visitor Center at arrive at 8:45 am hike starts at 9:00am, Parking GPS Coordinates: 39.536071, -77.618210 [https://goo.gl/maps/dPQGy1zsaCVbrYuw5](https://goo.gl/maps/dPQGy1zsaCVbrYuw5) Entry fee: \*\*(TBD changes with season)\*\* Maryland residents $ ?/vehicle: out-of-state residents $?/vehicle, free with Maryland State Park pass. 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. Alltrails Map: [https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/greenbrier-state-park-annapolis-rocks-8123b78?u=i](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/greenbrier-state-park-annapolis-rocks-8123b78?u=i) **You must be experienced in hikes of this distance, pace and elevation gain..**

North Reston Lakes and Woodlands (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 7.9 mile hike with 450 feet of elevation gain around lakes and among the woodlands of North Reston. We will begin at the Lake Newport Tennis Courts in Reston and take various trails and paved paths through Reston. About 70% of the hike is on paved paths. Along the way we will pass lakes Newport, Anne and Fairfax, hike on the west side of Lake Fairfax Park, along the W&OD equestrian trail, Hidden Creek Country Club golf course and pass through Reston Town Center and Lake Anne Plaza. Slightly before the halfway point we will stop for a snack break. Two small stream crossings required. **Restrooms are available at the Lake Newport Tennis Courts and in Reston Town Center.** [Rating: C ](https://nvhc.com/#l2) NVHC hiker Maurice will assist in guiding us through this route. GPS Coordinates for Lake Newport Tennis Courts: 38.971147, -77.343537 [https://goo.gl/maps/xZkAyae9M6TiEC857](https://goo.gl/maps/xZkAyae9M6TiEC857) We hike at a pace of 2.5 to 3.0 mph while moving. Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) Leader: Ed Brimberg 703-944-9920 Park Entry Fee: $0.00 AllTrails map for hike: [https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/afternoon-hike-at-north-reston-lakes-and-woodlands-56c5fa3?u=i&sh=7cs7ov](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/afternoon-hike-at-north-reston-lakes-and-woodlands-56c5fa3?u=i&sh=7cs7ov)

Cox Farm Fall Festival Hike and Hayride (Rating: D FUN)

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. Join us for our second annual fun fall celebration with a 5 mile flat hike around Cox Farms and Robert Jones Park, followed by a group hayride and cider tasting. We’ll walk about a half mile to Robert Jones District Park, and do a 3 mile loop on mostly dirt trails. We'll be using the crosswalk, though we will be walking for a short distance along the road in a grassy area. The last part of this event will be a 1 mile walk through the Cox Farms forest trail and corn maze, followed by a group hayride. We hike at a pace of about 2.5-3mph while moving. Following the hike and hayride, feel free to join us for lunch in the picnic area and explore the festival at your leisure. You may bring your own food, or purchase something at the farm. There's a petting zoo, giant slide, “Foamhenge” full size Stonehenge replica, pumpkins and fall market. Our own NVHC member Bob R. Is part of the Cox Farms family, and kindly offered to host our group for this event. The entry fee will be waived. We will meet in front of the Festival Market to the right of the entrance (\*not\* at the ticket booths), so after parking, look for the big Festival Market rooftop signs. We'll distribute entry ticket bands before our hike. Please park in the dirt parking lot to the right as you enter. The parking area to the left will be reserved for school buses. We'll be hiking in Robert Jones Park while the kids are at the festival. **RAIN DATE** **Monday, Oct. 5** Leader: Kris N. 618-623-2484 Park Entry Fee: $0.00 No dogs permitted on this hike please.

Fairfax CCT - Oakmont to Gabrielson Garden (Rating: B)

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 enjoyable 10 mile Hike with 450 feet of elevation gain along Section 7of the Fairfax Cross County Trail. We'll hike through the woodlands of Oakton. On the hike we'll pass horse paddocks and may even see a group of curious goats. This is one of my favorite sections of the Cross County Trail. Meet in the parking lot on the left upon entering Oakmont Recreation Center. Most of this hike will be along Difficult Run. We will hike to Gabrielson Garden Park., where we will stop for a brief snack before turning around and returning. Most of the hike is on trails, except for a short asphalt section and a short section along a neighborhood streets. **We hike at a pace of approximately 2.5 mph while moving. You must be experienced with hikes of this length and elevation gain.** Dogs are welcome on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicyhttps://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolic](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) Leader: Steve Frith cell 703-629-0174 Park Entry Fee: $0.00 Map for hike: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/connolly-cross-county-trail-lawyers-road-and-oak-marr-rec-center?sh=iypgzx&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality

Friday Twilight Hike #5 2026

USA – 5 Days Shenandoah – West Virginia Adventure with Rock Climbing via Ferrata

Is rock climbing on your bucket list? Its time to check off with this amazing rock climbing experience via Ferrata, it is a one of a kind adventure experience, offering a mile of fixed-anchor, professionally-guided rock climbing in West Virginia. Camp near Seneca rock along with scenic hike, drive to Spruce knob – the highest point in the state of West Virginia and the summit of Spruce Mountain, the highest peak in the Allegheny Mountains. Enjoy scenic skyline drive and fall foliage at Shenandoah National park. A perfect action-packed getaway. Tour Start DULLES, VA Tour End DULLES, VA Destination USA Itinerary Day01 DULLES - SENECA ROCKS Day02 NROCKS VIA FERRATA - SPRUCE KNOB Day03 BLACKWATER FALLS STATE PARK Day04 SHENANDOAH NP Day05 SKYLINE DRIVE - DULLES Price: $2590 Inclusions Price Includes * 4-nights camping * Event host * All ground transportation (SUV / VAN) * Fabulous National & State Parks * Entrance to all parks * NRocks Via Ferrata adventure * Guided walking/hiking Price Excludes * Flights (If you are flying) * Meals * Personal Expenses * Insurance * Tips \*\*\* For detailed itinerary & to reserve your seat, follow the link: [https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/usa-5-days-shenandoah-west-virginia-adventure-with-rock-climbing-via-ferrata/](https://www.bucketlistgrouptravel.com/tour/usa-5-days-shenandoah-west-virginia-adventure-with-rock-climbing-via-ferrata/) Questions? Text / Call / Whatsapp: 2023787696

Route 50 to Whisky Hollow Shelter via AT (Rating: A)

This is a 9 mile out and back hike along the Appalachian Trial with about 1,700 in elevation gain. We'll head south for about 4.5 miles to Whisky Hollow Shelter and have lunch. Then we'll head back the way we came. We'll be hiking at a 2-2.5 MPH. 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 permit ted on the hike. Hike map: [https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/route-50-to-whiskey-hollow-via-appalachian-trail?u=i&sh=5vghox](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/route-50-to-whiskey-hollow-via-appalachian-trail?u=i&sh=5vghox) GPS Coordinates for trailhead: 39.01843, -77.96848 Leader: Dick Pregent, 703-587-2359 Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) For those wishing to carpool, the suggested carpool location is at the Centerville P&R. The driving time from there to the trailhead is about 45 minutes. Please arrive at the Park and Ride by 7:45 AM to form carpool so all cars can leave at 8:00. AM. Suggested carpool fee is $5. Hike leader will not be at the carpool location. Please arrive at the trailhead 15 minutes before 9:00 AM so we can get everyone signed in. We will start hiking promptly at 9:00 AM. There are port-a-pottys at the trailhead. 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 they participate at their own risk.

Canal Bike Ride or Hike | Music Jam | Lunch BYO Food & Drink

Big Schloss loop (Rating: A)

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 hike in the GWNF is approximately 12.2 miles long and has an elevation gain of 2,400 feet give or take. The top of Big Schloss peak is an interesting rock formation with great views. Hikers must be physically fit and able to maintain an overall pace of 2.25 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 (38.835996, -77.455574) Meeting time: please be a few minutes early for departure at 7:00 Driving time to trailhead: 1 hour 30 minutes without stop Carpooling is highly encouraged because parking is limited at the trailhead. Suggested carpool fee (Riders pay drivers): $8 Directions from Centreville to the trailhead: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/JpLNvGrRPdoQtpiX6](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 **[38.93340,-78.65435](https://www.google.com/maps/place/38%C2%B056'00.2%22N+78%C2%B039'15.7%22W/@38.9334,-78.65435,844m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m4!3m3!8m2!3d38.9334!4d-78.65435?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDcyMy4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D)** Meeting time at trailhead: 8:45 am for a 9:00 am departure Please let the group know (in the chat) if you plan to meet us at the trailhead.. Map of the hike (and more details): [https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/west-virginia/big-schloss-loop](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/west-virginia/big-schloss-loop) **Hike starting time:** 9:00 am Please bring lunch, snack, 2 quarts of water, hat, bug spray, first aid kit, and proper footwear. Hiking poles advised. The trails may be wet and muddy in sections. Alex Kennedy 703-310-8659