General Information

The Club

The Northern Virginia Hiking Club typically offers several hikes of different levels each weekend. Day hike destinations include Shenandoah National Park, George Washington and Jefferson National Forest, and various other national, state and regional parks located around the DC metropolitan area, e.g. DC, Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. Special activities may involve farther destinations.

The Members

The members are a diverse group: men, women, teenagers, senior citizens, outdoor enthusiasts, those interested in a work-out, and people who want to enjoy a relaxing stroll in the park in company of others. The members pay $5 per person for a one year membership. Guests are welcome on most Club outings and are encouraged to join after attending a hike.

Meeting Places And Times

Most hikes meet at well-known parking lots in Northern Virginia, such as Commuter Lots in Manassas, Centreville and Woodbridge, Vienna and East Falls Church Metro Stations and the Sterling W&OD Bike Trail Parking Lot. The meeting times are usually 8 or 9 a.m., depending on the hike and the leader. It is hard to predict how long the hikes last. Easy, close-by ones may end by 3 or 4 p.m., while the longer and more distant hikes may take much longer.

How Do I Participate In a Hike?

To particpate in a hike you should set up a Meetup account so that you can see the scheduled hikes and RSVP to attend. Go to www.Meetup.com/NVHC-Hiking and click on the “Join us” button. If you plan to attend a hike, you can RSVP “yes” if there are openings. If there are no openings, you may request to be put on the waiting list if there is one; or request to be notified when there is an opening. Please refrain from attending a hike if you have not RSVP’d. Please respect the hike participation limits set by the leaders.

Weather Policy

Hikers should check Meetup before going to the meeting location when conditions are questionable. The leader may cancel or modify the hike if weather, trail or driving conditions are dangerous. If the hike is canceled, the leader will not be at the meeting location.

Depending on your email settings in Meetup you may receive notice of any changes or cancellations.

Participation of Children

Children under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.  Both the child and their parent or legal guardian must sign and acknowledge the liability disclaimer on the sign-in sheet. Please call the hike leader in advance to verify that the hike is appropriate for children.

Dog Policy (Revised May 2018)

Dogs are welcome on NVHC hikes at the discretion of the hike leader. Hike leader may specify in the hike description that no dogs are permitted on their hike.

• Please contact the hike leader in advance if dogs are being allowed on the hike and you intend to bring a dog.

• Dogs must be well behaved and kept under control at all times.
• Dogs must be current on rabies vaccination and wear identification
• Dogs should be kept on a 6 foot leash. If a hiker elects to use a retractable leash, the length cannot exceed 6 feet.
• Hike leader may ask that hikers with dogs position themselves at the front or back of the hike.
• Please be respectful of fellow hikers who may be uncomfortable around dogs.
• Dog owners must “bag and carry” poop.
• Remember to bring water for your dog. Also, bring food for longer hikes.
• Hike leader may ask the owners to leave the hike if they do not conform to Club and/or park policy.

 

Carpool Fee

Carpool fees reflected in the schedule are based on the current price of gas and the round trip driving mileage and are intended to reimburse the driver for gas costs.

Carpools

Voluntary carpools are formed to take the hikers to the trail heads.  A suggested carpool fee (typically $5-15 or less) is recommended for each hike. Each passenger pays the driver the suggested carpool fee. Everyone in the car shares the park entry fee (unless one of the passengers has an entry pass) when assessed by the car or pays his or her share when assessed individually.

Hike Ratings

Hikes vary from easy walks in the park to day-long treks up and down steep mountains. Hikes are rated to help you choose. The ratings are: D - Easy, C - Moderate, B - Moderately Difficult, and A - Difficult. Typically, the more difficult the hike the quicker the pace of the group. Information about the terrain, such as stream crossings or rock scrambles are usually included in hike descriptions.

Preparation

To enjoy the hike, it is essential that you are well prepared. Preparation includes, among other things, that you are medically fit; that you have done other similar hikes in the past; that you have enough food and water; that you have proper footwear; and that you are dressed for possible adverse weather. The club does not assume responsibility for anyone's safety; all participants must sign a liability disclaimer.

Schedules And Information

NVHC publishes their hike schedule on Meetup:

http://www.meetup.com/NVHC-Hiking

 

Happy Trails!