About us
Established - May 2024
http://novatrailblazers.com/
Trying to find hike-minded people? Look no further.
This group is for hiking and backpacking enthusiasts in their 20s to 40s, though we do accept people of all ages. Our group is largely informal, with events mostly consisting of backpacking trips with day hikes as schedules permit. New members are always welcome regardless of skill level.
If you think you might be interested but aren't quite sure, feel free to attend one of our occasional informal meetings/happy hours to meet some organizers and find out what we have scheduled.
INHERENT RISK: Organizers carefully plan events and check public sources for weather and safety. Conditions may change or reports may contain errors. Inherent natural hazards are associated with backcountry travel. Organizers do not accept any liability for accidents/injuries in connection with the activities published herein or on linked sites.
Upcoming events
10
Day Hike - Bull Run Mountains (4.4 Miles) + The Farm Brewery
Vienna Metro South Kiss & Ride Parking, Nutley Street Southwest, Vienna, VA, USThe Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve is a 2,500-acre parcel of land located near Broad Run, VA. The park's 7 miles of trails take you through varied habitat types with uncommon and threatened plant and animal species. The property also contains cultural resources including the remanants of homesites and cemeteries.
We will meet at the Vienna South Metro Station at 9:00 AM and carpool to the trailhead. Drive time is about 30 minutes. Please post a comment if you are willing to drive. Carpooling saves the environment and makes friends.
## Trail Facts
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Length: 4.4 Miles
- Duration: 2-3 hrs
- Elevation Gain: 518 Feet
- Permits: None
- Parking: Vienna South Metro Station
- Dogs: NOT allowed on the property, sorry.
- Trailhead Coordinates: 38.82477640143971, -77.70632440422327
- AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-99bb7ff?u=m&sh=kucj8c
Trail Details:
Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve consists of three sections, but only the southernmost section is open to the public. During our walk through the property we will stop by a total of ten sites of cultural significance and will have plenty of time to takes photos of both the historical remants as well as the preserve's natural beauty.
On the way back, I plan to stop at The Farm Brewery in Broad Run, VA. The address is 16015 John Marshall HWY, Broad Run Va 20137.
Itinerary:
9:00 AM: Meet at the Vienna South Metro Station.
9:15 AM: Depart for the trailhead.
10:00 AM: Arrive and begin the hike.
1:00 PM: Finish the hike, drive to The Farm Brewery, and eat.
2:30 PM: Depart for the carpooling location.
3:00 PM: Arrive at the Vienna South Metro Station.(Setting the end time to 4:00 PM to allow time for the unexpected.)
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!
30 attendees
Day Hike/Swim - Whiteoak Canyon Loop (8.3 Miles) + 2 Silos Brewing
Vienna South Parking Lot, 12 Vaden Dr, Fairfax, VA, USWhiteoak Canyon is an awesome day hike with about 30 waterfalls and several swimming holes. It's a great place for a summer hike - bring a swimsuit on this one.
We will meet at Vienna Metro at 9AM and carpool to the trailhead. Drive time is about 1 hour and 50 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: 8.3 Miles
- Duration: 5-6 hrs
- Elevation Gain: 2,329 Feet
- Permits: Shenandoah Park Pass ($30 per car) or America The Beautiful Pass
- Parking: Vienna Metro Station
- Dogs: Allowed
- Trailhead Coordinates: 38.539495, -78.349128
- AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/white-oak-canyon-and-cedar-run-trail-loop?u=i&sh=rak641
Trail Details:
This hike is a combination of Whiteoak Canyon and Cedar Run trails to create a loop. It considered challenging, but those who do it are rewarded with exceptional cascades and waterfalls. Be prepared for several stream crossings. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash.
This is a challenging hike that will take most of the day, especially if we stop to swim or enjoy the waterfalls. It is highly recommended that you bring plenty of water as well as snacks and electrolytes (i.e. Gatorade). This trail has tons of shade and places to take a dip, so bring a swimsuit and let's enjoy the summer vibes.
I plan to stop at 2 Silos Brewing Co in Manassas on the way home - address is 9925 Discovery Blvd, Manassas, VA 20109.
PARK ENTRANCE PASS: Shenandoah National Park charges a fee to enter. An annual pass is also available for purchase. For more information, please see https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/fees.htm
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!30 attendees
Backpack - St Mary's Falls (9.5 Miles) - 1 Night
Vienna Metro South Park & Ride Lot, Fairfax, VA, Fairfax, VA, USNOTE - Max group size is 10 for this wilderness area. If you are not 100% committed please do not RSVP.
**Due to low mileage and modest difficulty, this would be a good trip if you are a first time backpacker and want to try it out.**
This trip heads into the Saint Mary's Wilderness in the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest for an easy-access overnighter to St. Mary's Falls, a 15-foot waterfall with a deep plunge pool that's one of the most popular swimming holes in central Virginia.
The route sits inside the Saint Mary's River gorge, which was heavily mined for iron ore and manganese from the early 1900s until the mines were abandoned in the 1950s — you can still spot old tailings piles, flattened mining-road benches, and concrete foundation remnants along the way (Mine Bank Creek, Mine Bank Mountain, and the trail itself are all named for the old mining operations).
Expect multiple creek crossings, some rock-hopping, and possibly wet feet, so trekking poles and a change of socks are strongly recommended.
## Trail Facts
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Length: 9.4 Miles
- Duration: 2 Days
- Elevation Gain: 1,883 Feet
- Bear Canisters: Not Required
- Permits: None
- Dogs: Allowed
- Meetup/Carpool: Vienna Metro South
- Trailhead Parking: Mine Bank Trailhead (37.911886, -79.086941)
- AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/st-mary-s-falls-via-mine-bank-creek-trail-1b07211?u=i&sh=rak641
Trail Details:
We will meet at The Vienna Metro station on Saturday morning at 9 am and drive to the Mine Bank Trailhead parking lot (off Blue Ridge Pkwy).
The drive is about 3 hours. I will drive and am happy to have others carpool with me - but please note, I will have my small black labrador in the back seat.Day 1
After we park, we will hike about 4 miles (mostly downhill) to our campsite. Option A for camp is a large site situated where the St Mary's and Sugartree Branch rivers meet. Depending on how crowded it is, we may need to choose a secondary campsite, but will adjust as needed. After we drop our bags and set up camp, we will day hike to the falls where we can relax, swim, or even cliff jump!Day 2
The second day is just the reverse of the first day - so expect a 4 mile hile back uphill to the car. On the drive home, I plan to stop at 2 Silos Brewing Co in Manassas for food/drinks (9925 Discovery Blvd, Manassas, VA 20109).Essential Items:
- Tent
- Sleeping pad
- Sleeping bag suitable for expected temperatures
- Backpack (appropriate for overnight backpacking)
- Backpacking stove with fuel
- Pot, cup, dish, and utensils
- Dehydrated meals and snacks
- Water bottles or hydration system (capacity for at least 2 liters)
- Water filter or purification tablets
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Rain gear
- Dry bags or pack cover
- Warm clothing layers (non-cotton)
- Trowel for and toiletries for Leave-No-Trace compliance
Optional Items:
- Personal first aid kit
- Map and compass or GPS device
- Power bank or external battery
- Trekking poles
- Camp shoes
- Electrolyte supplements
- Alcohol
- Books, games, or other enterainment
- Gaiters
- Sunscreen, lip balm, insect repellent
CARPOOL: Don't forget if you want a ride or are willing to offer a ride – be a friend to the environment, save money, and make friends. If you carpool, please offer to throw in for gas.
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!9 attendees
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