Cross Country Skiing Near Me

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

Difficult Run Loop (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. **8.63 mile circuit hike with 456 feet of elevation gain.** **Description:** This beautiful hike starts out in **[Riverbend Park](https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend/hours)** and follows the **[Potomac Heritage trail](https://www.nps.gov/pohe/index.htm)**[ ](https://www.nps.gov/pohe/index.htm) to **[Great Falls Park](https://www.nps.gov/grfa/index.htm)** offering **spectacular views** of the **Potomac River** and the **Great Falls**. We will stop **briefly** at the **3 Great Falls Overlooks** for some amazing views of the **Falls** and **Mather’s Gorge.** From there we continue along the **Matildaville Trail** to the **Ridge Trail.** which leads to the **Difficult Run Trail.** **From Difficult Run Parking lot,** we cross **Route 193** and climb up **Old Carriage Road,** making a left on the **Ridge Trail** and then a right on the **Swamp Trail to Old Carriage Road** leading us back to the **Visitor Center.** From there we head back along the **Potomac River** and back to **Riverbend Park. (see [MAP](https://www.nps.gov/grfa/upload/GRFA-complete-map-508.pdf))** **Hike Pace**: Pace will be about **2.5 mph**. **Bring:** Adequate water/hydration, snacks/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes since there are some rocky areas/tree roots on the River Trail. Hiking poles if you normally use them. There are no stream crossings. **Fee:** There is **no entrance fee** at Riverbend Park, but I will need to ***collect $2.00 from each hiker to cover the cost of group fees*** at Riverbend. for **groups of 12 or more.** I will get the **Group Permit** in advance. Small bills only please! **Dogs:** dogs are welcome on this hike in accordance with the [NVHC Dog Policy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy). **Great Falls Trail Map:** [https://www.nps.gov/grfa/upload/GRFA-complete-map-508.pdf](https://www.nps.gov/grfa/upload/GRFA-complete-map-508.pdf) **Where to Meet:** Meet in the parking lot across from the **[Riverbend Park Visitor's Center](https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/riverbend-park)** at 9 am to allow everyone to get signed in and ready to hike at 9:30 am. The back of my white Honda HRV will be up. **Coordinates** 39.01817, -77.24599 **[LINK](https://maps.app.goo.gl/cSsmHrmdGgV77YyY6)** **Address:** 8700-8814 Jeffery Rd, Great Falls, VA 22066 Any questions, please message me here or text me at **703 533 9231** Dawn K. Post Hike FellowShip: Optional (The Old Brogue)

The Art of Tasting Beer

The Fabulous Dialtones Rock and Dance Party

Mill Mountain Trail/Big Schloss (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 11.9 miles long and has an elevation gain of 2,066 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: 11.9 miles Elevation Gain: 2066 ft Rating: A (due to distance and elevation gain). Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) **Carpool details:** Meeting place: Centreville Park and Ride (38.835996, -77.455574) [https://goo.gl/maps/hc3LRG7Hsy2wMJs18](https://goo.gl/maps/hc3LRG7Hsy2wMJs18) Meeting time: please be a few minutes early for departure at 7:00 **Leader will not be at the carpool location.** Driving time to trailhead: 1 hour 30 minutes without stops Carpooling is highly encouraged because parking is limited at the trailhead. Suggested carpool fee (Riders pay drivers): $8 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: Walf Gap Rec Trailhead parking, GWNF 38.924414, -78.689461 [https://maps.app.goo.gl/7f9xDEAyNVxAt8pp9](https://maps.app.goo.gl/7f9xDEAyNVxAt8pp9) Meeting time at the trailhead: 8:45 am for a 9:00 am departure Please let the group know (in the Event Comments) if you plan to meet us at the trailhead. Map of the hike (and more details): https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/west-virginia/mill-mountain-trail [Trail Info and map.](https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/west-virginia/mill-mountain-trail) **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. Robert He, 703-981-0154

VMO: Black Forest Trail (43 miles)

I wanted to hike the Black Forest Trail in PA for a while, but I missed David O's Octoberfest trip last year and I can't make Emily's August madness trip, so what do I do? Post my own take on Black Forest Trail. I have to admit that I plagiarized the map from this online hike description: [Black Forest Trail Backpacking Guide — Into the Backcountry](https://intothebackcountryguides.com/trail-guides/black-forest-trail-backpacking-guide) We will do the loop slightly differently from other DCUL trips: 1\. Leave Saturday morning from Vienna metro\, drive to Slate Run PA and start from Slate Run trailhead\, coordinates: 41\.47138\, \-77\.50481\. 2\. Hike anywhere from 13 to 16 miles and camp along County Line Stream\. We will decide the hiking distance and specific campsite based on the time we arrive at the trailhead\. 3\. Sunday is a big hiking day\. We will cover around 20 miles \(maybe a bit less or more depending how far we get on Saturday\) and camp along Little Slate Run\. 4\. Monday we will hike the rest of the miles and drive home\. I am ranking this trip VMO because of the terrain difficulty and somewhat fluid itinerary, but I will allow strong members with established DCUL history. Caltopo: [Black Forest Trail - CalTopo](https://caltopo.com/m/TB440) === I’m just a co-participant on this trip, not a guide or an expert. I have no survival or medical training. By RSVPing to this trip or any other DCUL trip, you agree to these guidelines and to DCUL's waiver liability terms ([https://dculbackpacking.com/about/liability-waiver/](https://dculbackpacking.com/about/liability-waiver/)) Dues: Members and above, don't forget to pay your annual dues. You can check if you need to pay dues by seeing if the current year is listed next to your name in your DCUL profile. To pay your dues via PayPal, use this link: [https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/JenniferAdach/15](https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/JenniferAdach/15) ($10 annual dues plus a $5 suggested donation to City Kids Wilderness Project.)

Gears and Beers Lake Fairfax Ride!!

**Looking for some friends to ride your bike in the woods with?! Look no further, we are the group for you!! We are a social group that also mountain bikes! We break up into three groups based on speed and ride for about 90 minutes as long as the sun lets us!** **The best part is the after ride hang out, so bring your favorite beverage and snack to share and get to know your new best friends!!**

619 to Shawl Gap via Buzzard Rock (Rating: B)

REQUIRED: *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.* The hike will be 8 miles with approximately 1,800' elevation gain. We'll hike up to Buzzard Rock, then on to Shawl Gap where we'll do a short loop on the Shawl Gap Trail. We'll retrace our steps, stopping for lunch at an overlook before continuing on to the parking lot. We'll hike at a pace of 2.5-3.0 mph when moving. Trail is very rocky and requires a bit of scrambling in some spots. Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) **Leader:** Maryellen Trevisan 202-730-5314 **Carpools:** Meet at the [Centreville Park & Ride](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Centreville+Park+%26+Ride/@38.836009,-77.4564652,18z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x3d3e139d818567f2!8m2!3d38.8359296!4d-77.4553279). The driving time from there to the trailhead is about 1 hour. Please arrive by 7:30am to form carpools so all cars can leave by 7:45am. Suggested carpool fee is $8. **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. **Trailhead:** Buzzard Rock Parking Area GPS Coordinates: 38.937583, -78.288444 [https://goo.gl/maps/GX9B7n5pdyDcYrtM7](https://goo.gl/maps/GX9B7n5pdyDcYrtM7) Arrive by 8:45am to sign in. Hike begins at 9am. Parking at trailhead is limited. Park Entry Fee: $0 Rating: B Map for hike: [https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/buzzard-rock-with-loop-5a37f78](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/buzzard-rock-with-loop-5a37f78) **You must be experienced in hikes of this distance and elevation gain.**

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 an enjoyable hike with beautiful lakes, wooded trails and even a snack/rest room break at a Starbucks. It is about an 8 mile hike with 423 feet of elevation gain around lakes and among the woodlands of Reston. We'll meet at the Walker Nature Center at 9:00 am and hike through the Glade Stream Valley and then along Lake Audubon and Lake Thoreau. The hike route is about 60% on paved paths with the remainder on dirt trails. Restrooms are available at the Walker Nature Center. We hike at a pace of approximately 2.5 mph while moving. You must be experienced with hikes of this length and elevation gain. **Park on Glade Road so the Nature Center parking lot can be kept open for the Center's pre-school activities and drop-offs.** 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: [Lake Audubon-SteveF.jpg - Google Drive](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SD2-qunELaftxCpo3uHLncNh2ODe-WBJ/view)

Pedaling the Potomac

This is a week-long visit to the Potomac region (VA, WV, MD, PA), using all-weather trails and public roads. Major trails: W&OD Trail, C&O Canal Towpath, WV Hwy 9 sidepath, Western MD Rail-Trail. The C&O has a stone-dust surface, all other trails are paved. Bring a versatile bike, such as a touring bike. We'll stay in hotels and inns. Included are 4 historic sites managed by the National Park Service: C&O Canal, Harpers Ferry, Antietam and Gettysburg. The daily routes are shown here: https://ridewithgps.com/collections/9973856 Renee has tentatively agreed to drive our VW luggage shuttle. Your to-do list: (1) RSVP "Yes" here. (2) Collect one or more roommates. (3) Contact me for a list of hotels and inns so you can book your room reservations.

Jack-o’-lantern 🎃 Carving Wear your Favorite Costume Family Event Fire Pit

In-Person Disaster+Travel+Wilderness First Aid Certification Class

Hands-on learn how to save life & limb, when mired in the wilderness of an urban disaster zone, travel or rural area far from hospital, or natural area miles from an access point, during the critical minutes or hours before ambulance arrival. Come away with actual do-it-yourself care-giving skill and confidence, and 2-year SOLO certification. Counts as WFR Recertification, too. No prerequisites. YOUR SPOT IS NOT RESERVED UNTIL YOU'VE COMPLETELY REGISTERED AT WWW.SOLOWFA.COM \***Spaces are limited. REGISTER: www.solowfa.com or 434.326.4697** Can't make these dates? Check out more course locations and dates on our website. WHO: Open to the general public, adults & teens with solid attention spans. Know your loved ones are safe wherever they are. WHY: Whether you are in a disaster zone, traveling in a remote area far from medical care, or exploring the backcountry miles from the nearest access point, emergencies can happen without warning. Accidents, severe weather, and acts of terrorism can quickly create situations where professional emergency services are delayed, unavailable, or overwhelmed. In many cases, members of a group may not have the knowledge or skills needed to respond effectively, placing both the injured person and the entire group at greater risk. Many recreational injuries are preventable, and improper treatment of trauma can turn a minor injury into a serious medical emergency. Yet few first aid programs address the realities of providing care when 911 is unavailable, delayed, or unable to respond. This course combines classroom instruction and interactive discussion with practical, hands-on training and problem-solving exercises. Realistic scenarios and experiential learning activities make up approximately 50% of the class, providing participants with the confidence and skills needed to manage emergencies in challenging environments. TIMING: This is a 2-day class, Saturday and Sunday, 8:00am -7pm each day. Fee: $295 (Earlybird) $345 (If registering less than 30 days before class)