What we’re about
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 (4+)
See all- Day Hike - Seneca Creek State Park (3.7 miles)Seneca Creek State Park, Gaithersburg, MD
We'll be walking the Lake Shore Trail (blue blaze).
$3 per MD resident
$5 per out-of-state residentThey accept state park passes
## Details
## Trail Facts
- Difficulty Level: moderate
- Length: 3.7 miles
- Duration: 3-4 hrs
- Elevation Gain: --
- Bear Canisters: Not Required
- Permits: Not Required
- Dogs: Allowed
- Parking: Seneca Creek State Park Boat Center
- Trailhead Coordinates: 39.144058, -77.250379
The park, comprised of 6,300 acres, extends along 14 scenic miles of Seneca Creek, as it winds its way to the Potomac River. The Clopper Day-Use Area contains many scenic areas, including the 90-acre Clopper Lake, surrounded by forests and fields. Picnicking, boat rentals, and trails are just some of its recreational opportunities. A restored 19th century cabin and a self-guided path interpret the history of the area. Over 50 miles of trails are open for hiking, horseback riding and bicycling which wind through a variety of habitat.
Trail Details:
We will meet at boat house on Saturday morning at 10 am and walk the Lake Shore Trail.CARPOOL: If you need a ride or can offer one, please coordinate in the event comments. Be a friend to the environment, save money, and make friends.
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! - Day Hike - Billy Goat Trail (4.6 Miles) + The Old Angler InnGreat Falls Tavern Visitor Center (Great Falls Park - MD side), Potomac, MD
A low-key classic - Billy Goat A.
Note: Meet up in front of the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center (MD side)The Billy Goat Trail is a great little hike right outside the Beltway. Should be a quick hike with some great views. Afterwards, we can grab a drink and some food at The Old Anglers Inn, a restaurant with a huge beer garden patio out back - bring a sweater and we can sit outside.
## Trail Facts
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Length: 4.6 Miles
- Duration: 2-3 hrs
- Elevation Gain: 184 Feet
- Permits: Great Falls Parking Pass
- Parking: Great Falls Parking Lot (off MacArthur Blvd)
- Trailhead Coordinates: 39.001063, -77.247684
- AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-june-5-2024-c215b44?u=i&sh=rak641
Trail Details:
Billy Goat Trail Section A is thought of as the harder of the three Billy Goat sections, but hikers are rewarded with breathtaking views of Mather Gorge and the Potomac River. Section A is a one-way trail with rugged terrain, including small rock scrambles. It is highly recommended to wear boots or hiking sneakers on this trail. We will loop back on the canal towpath for an easy walk back to the car.People often start this hike from the parking lot near Old Angler's Inn - However that lot is very small and typically fills up. I suggest parking in the Great Falls parking lot (entry fee required). I will park here and we can walk across the foot bridge to the trailhead.
GENERAL FEE: Great Falls charges a fee to enter - $10 on foot or $20 for a vehicle. You can also use the annual "America The Beautiful" pass.
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! - Day Hike - Maryland Heights (4.5 Miles) + The Rabbit Hole GastroPubVienna Metro South Kiss & Ride Parking, Vienna, VA
Maryland Heights is a popular day hike right next to the historic WV town of Harpers Ferry. Only about 1 hr from downtown DC, this should be a quick day hike with some good views. Afterwards, we will check out the Rabbit Hole, a local pub in downtown Harpers Ferry.
## Trail Facts
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Length: 4.5 Miles
- Duration: 2-3 hrs
- Elevation Gain: 1,079 Feet
- Permits: Harpers Ferry Park Fee (details below)
- Parking: Vienna Metro Station
- Trailhead Coordinates: 39.3291356, -77.731095
- AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/west-virginia/maryland-heights-via-overlook-cliffs-and-combined-trail?sh=nl7kuz
Trail Details/Getting There:
The Maryland Heights Trail offers hikers the opportunity to see many aspects of Harpers Ferry on one walk: spectacular scenery, geology, Civil War, industrial, and transportation history. This 4.5-mile out & back trail may be a bit steep, but pays off with great views. Make sure to bring water and snacks. Dogs are allowed on this trail.
We will meet at Vienna Metro at 9AM and carpool to the trailhead. Drive time is about 1 hour and 30 mins - Please post a comment below if you are willing to drive. Carpooling saves the environment and makes friends.
For drivers - The parking lot by the Harpers Ferry train station is the closest to the trailhead, but is small and often full on the weekends. If full, I recommend parking at the Harpers Ferry National Park Parking and then taking the shuttle to the train station and crossing the foot bridge to the trailhead.
GENERAL FEE: Harpers Ferry National Historical Park charges a fee to enter - $10 on foot or $20 for a vehicle. You can also use the Annual "America The Beautiful" pass. Please visit https://go.nps.gov/HFfees for more information or to purchase a park pass online.
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!
