Day Hikes Near Me

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.

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.

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.

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.

Easy Hike Along the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail

Join this new group to be a part of our first ever event (be an OG)! ...a brisk hike on the Heritage Trail, along Goose Creek, to the Potomac River. We'll rendezvous at the Riverpoint Drive Trailhead and follow the shoreline to the Bazil Newman Riverfront Park. This easy hike along the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail covers approximately 3.5 miles of clearly marked dirt trail, with about 40 feet of elevation gain. We may see some deer. The hike itself should take approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete. Bring plenty of water; full cover clothing is suggested, as this is tick season and mosquitos are still active this time of year. All participants assume all liability for their own participation. Accidents are always possible; no one will be held liable. Some attendees might elect to go get a refreshment or a bite after the event itself; however, the Meetup event itself formally ends at the trailhead. Looking forward to meeting you for this inaugural Meetup event!

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!

A Suburban Pond Parade in Centreville/ Fairfax

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

Billy Goat A & Potomac Overlook: A 5 Mile Strenuous Hike

**Billy Goat A & Potomac Overlook: A 5 Mile Strenuous Hike** SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON REGISTRATION UNDER NOTES Located within the Chesapeake and Ohio (C&O) Canal National Historical Park, the Billy Goat Trail is one of the most famous hiking circuits in the Washington, D.C. metro area. Split into three distinct sections—A, B, and C—it offers a variety of terrain ranging from technical rock scrambling to peaceful woodland paths. We will hike the most challenging, Section A, then hike up into two overlooks of the C&O Canal and the Potomac River. Section A is the most famous and difficult portion of the Billy Goat trails. It is renowned for its rugged terrain along the edge of the Mather Gorge and spectacular views. Expect heavy rock scrambling that requires the use of both hands and feet. The highlight is the "Traverse," a 40-foot climb up a near-vertical rock face at a 45-degree angle. After this hike, we will climb into the forest on the other side of the canal to view the Potomac from atop. It is a moderately challenging climb, but worth the views. **IMPORTANT:** This is a challenging hike. Sturdy hiking boots with non-slip treads are a must. And be prepared to put your rock scrambling skills to a test. Please do not attend this hike unless you are skilled at rock scrambling. Dogs are not permitted on this hike due to the restrictions of Billy Goat A. **Time to Meet:** Please meet at 9:45 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 10:00 **Contact Information:** Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leaders are Tim (202-744-0289) and Christa (410-610-6254). Call or text as needed. **Directions to Trailhead:** The GPS Coordinates are 39.001617, -77.247334 The Street address is 11710 MacArthur Blvd, Potomac, MD 20854. NOTE: From this address, follow signs down to the visitor center parking lot. NOTE: There is a $20 entrance fee per car unless you have a National Parks Pass. **Details:** Rating: Moderate Distance: 5.1 miles Elevation Gain: Approximately 410 feet Pace: 2.0 to 2.25 miles per hour; slower on Billy Goat A Facilities: There is a toilet near the trailhead Fees: $20 parking fee or Pass for National Parks **Cancellation:** In the unlikely event that the hike needs to be cancelled, it may be cancelled up to the evening before the hike. Hikers will be notified through comments on this posting. **Weather:** The weather for this location can be found [here](https://weather.com/us/maryland/city/potomac/today). **Notes:** -PLEASE RSVP IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THIS HIKE. SHOULD YOUR PLANS CHANGE KINDLY UPDATE YOUR RSVP BY NOON THE DAY PRIOR TO ALLOW SUFFICIENT TIME TO FILL YOUR SPOT. IF YOU ARE ON THE WAIT LIST IT IS IMPORTANT TO SIGN OUT AS SOON AS YOU KNOW YOU WILL NOT ATTEND BECAUSE MEETUP MOVES PEOPLE AUTOMATICALLY TO THE GOING LIST ONCE A SPOT OPENS. SIGNING OUT AFTER 6 PM WILL BE CONSIDERED A "NO SHOW" AND REPEATED INSTANCES MAY RESULT IN BEING BARRED FROM PARTICIPATING IN FUTURE HIKES LED BY THIS ORGANIZER. -Please do not show up unregistered. -Please keep this a fragrance free event. -To find out more about PATC, [click here.](https://www.patc.net/) -Consider becoming a member of PATC. To join, [click here.](https://www.patc.net/membership)

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.

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

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)