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
14
Ski/Snowboard - Liberty Mountain + Hot Pot Hero
White Flint Metro Station, 5500 Marinelli Road, North Bethesda, MD, USWinter calls for a different mountain experience - let's trade in our hiking boots for ski boots and hit the slopes!
We will meet at North Bethesda Metro (previously named White Flint) at 8AM and carpool to the resort. Drive time is about 1 hour and 30mins - Please post a comment below if you are willing to drive. Carpooling saves the environment and makes friends.
## Mountain Facts
- Terrain Difficulty: 35% green runs, 40% blue runs, 25% black runs
- Lifts: 8
- Trails: 16, 2 terrain parks
- Highest Elevation: 1,190 Feet
- Lift Tickets: Epic Season Pass or Single-Day Lift Ticket: https://www.libertymountainresort.com/plan-your-trip/lift-access/tickets.aspx
- Parking: North Bethesda Metro Parking Garage
Trip Details:
Let's give Liberty a shot this time. Liberty is a small ski resort, but with a drive less than 2 hours, it's easy to get to the mountain and back home in time for dinner. Liberty is thought of as being more beginner friendly than the nearby Whitetail, but does offer several large terrain parks.
This is not designed as a trip to help with ski/snowboard instruction. However, Liberty does offer both lessons and rentals.
On the way back, I plan to stop at a hot pot restaurant called Hot Pot Hero in Gaithersburg, MD. Address is 100 Paramount Park Dr, Gaithersburg, MD 20879.
WHAT TO BRING:
- Ski/snowboard gear (rentals available onsite)
- Lift ticket or season pass (available onsite)
- Warm layers, gloves, and goggles (available onsite)
- Helmet - optional (available onsite)
- Snacks, water, and electrolytes (available onsite)
- Steez
LIFT TICKETS: You will need to either purchase an Epic Season Pass or single-day lift tickets. The ticket prices vary, but I recommend purchasing them well in advance as they can (and do) sell out.
For more info: https://www.libertymountainresort.com/plan-your-trip/lift-access/tickets.aspx
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 snowboarding/skiing practices and choose trails 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 on the mountain, follow the advice of the US Forest Service.
See you on the slopes!18 attendees
Day Hike - Harpers Ferry VC to Maryland Heights (8.6 Miles) + The Rabbit Hole
Vienna Metro South Kiss & Ride Parking, Nutley Street Southwest, Vienna, VA, USDuring his second trip of the year, Juanatán will take you to Maryland Heights, but during the winter season. This journey of 8.6 miles through Harpers Ferry National Park will allow you to experience this famous trail and overlook in a different light.
We will meet at the Vienna South Metro Station at 8:00 AM and carpool to the trailhead. Drive time is about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Please post a comment if you are willing to drive. Carpooling saves the environment and makes friends!
## Trail Facts
- Difficulty Level: Strenuous
- Length: 8.6 Miles
- Duration: 6-6.5 hrs (Including our meal on the way back.)
- Elevation Gain: 1,762 Feet
- Permits: Have a National Park Pass or pay the $20 entrance fee.
- Parking: Vienna South Metro Station (Search for ¨NOVA Trailblazers Carpooling Location¨ on Google Maps.) (Parking is free on weekends.)
- Dogs: Not allowed. (The restaurant stop is built into the hike.)
- Trailhead Coordinates: 39.31617004156396, -77.75620539129638
- AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-011e405?u=i&sh=kucj8c
Trail Details:
After reaching the trailhead we will follow a trail down to Lower Town Harpers Ferry, passing some historial structures along our way. After passing through town we will go over a bridge, spend some time on the towpath, and then begin the steep ascent to Maryland Heights. After admiring the wintry view we will mostly come back the way we came, making a small diversion to grab a bite to eat at The Rabbit Hole before walking back to the Visitor Center parking lot.
Since this hike is scheduled for February, it will likely be cold, so please wear layers and bring adequate fuel and hydration. In addition, the trails could be slippery, so the use of traction devices (microspikes, crampons, or similar) is REQUIRED if the expected trail conditions warrant it. If everyone is tired after the hike there is the option to take the shuttle back to the Visitor Center. The last shuttle for the day will leave at 5:30 PM.
Itinerary:
8:00 AM: Meet at the Vienna South Metro Station.
8:15 AM: Depart for the trailhead.
9:30 AM: Arrive and begin hike.
1:30 PM: Arrive at The Rabbit Hole.
3:00 PM: Finish walking back to the trailhead.
4:00 PM: Reach the trailhead and drive home.
5:30 PM: Arrive at the Vienna South Metro Station.
(Setting the end time to 6:00 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!
Featured Image Source1 attendee
Lockhouse Stay - Pennyfield Lock to Seneca Quarry / Swains Lock (14.2 miles)
Lockhouse 22, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath, Potomac, MD, USLet's continue exploring the historic lockhouses along the C&O Canal, this time staying in a primitive one -- Pennyfield Lock, located by Lock 22. As this is a primitive lockhouse there are NO modern amenities (running water, electricity, heat, or kitchen), and so you will need to bring everything you need to stay comfortable during this one-night stay. We can enjoy some easy hikes along the towpath and through the nearby Blockhouse Point Conservation Park durig our visit.
Due to the location of the lockhouse, a carpooling spot has not been established. A WhatsApp group will be created closer to the event and will be used to coordinate rides and other event logistics. We will plan to meet at the lockhouse at 11:00 AM on Saturday morning.
## Trail Facts
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Length: 14.2 Miles
- Duration: 4.5-5.5 hrs
- Elevation Gain: 506 Feet
- Permits: Juanatán will provide overnight parking permits to drivers.
- Parking: Carpooling will be coordinated via WhatsApp.
- Dogs: Not allowed inside the lockhouse, sorry.
- Trailhead Coordinates: 39.05497688136813, -77.29032396969912
- AllTrails Maps:
- https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-af4793c?u=i&sh=kucj8c
- https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/custom-route-9e94313?u=i&sh=kucj8c
Trail Details:
We will arrive at the parking lot near the lockhouse at 11:00 AM on Saturday morning. We won't be able to check in, so we will go on a hike to Seneca Quarry, where we can explore some old structures that used to be part of the canal system. We will take a slightly different route back through Blockhouse Point Conservation Park. By then we will be ready to check in to the lockhouse.
Everyone will need to carry their gear 0.1 miles from the parking lot to the lockhouse. There is no kitchen inside and no running water, so keep that in mind when planning dinner. We can all relax, perhaps play some games, and check out the lockhouse.
Closer to nightfall we will go on a short 3-mile hike to Swains Lock where we can enjoy a nice view of the sunset. We will then hike 3 miles back in the dark to the lockhouse and perhaps play games or enjoy a fire before bed.
The next morning everyone is on their own for breakfast. Keep in mind that we need to clean up and be out of the lockhouse no later than 10:00 AM.
The maximum capacity of the lockhouse is eight people. Depending on who signs up it may be necessary to rearrange the provided trundle beds or bring sleeping pads so we can spread out and make sure everyone has a comfortable sleeping arrangement. You can learn more about the lockhouse here.
Since this is a rustic lockhouse, I will only need $10 from each participant to cover the cost of the reservation. I accept PayPal, Venmo, and cash. :)
I'm looking forward to this relaxing trip. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Saturday Itinerary:
- 11:00 AM: Meet at the trailhead, start hiking.
- 3:00 PM: Check into the lockhouse, get set up, eat, play games, etc.
- 6:00 PM: Hike to Swains Lock, enjoy the sunset, hike back.
- 9:00 PM: Potentially enjoy a fire or simply go to bed.
Sunday Itinerary:
- Everyone can get up whenever they want to, keeping in mind that we need to clean up and check out of the lockhouse no later than 10:00 AM.
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!
Featured Image Source1 attendee
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