GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT SCPRO EVENTS
SCPRO events are open to the public, but participants must be able to meet the event requirements. See Hike Rating System for explanation of hike difficulty scale. At their discretion, leaders may screen would-be participants by phone; limit the number of participants; and cancel, reschedule, and/or relocate events.
Pets are not allowed on SCPRO outings, except on outings formally advertised (in this calendar or elsewhere) as being open to pets.
SCPRO suggests that each event participant make a $2 donation to help defray SCPRO expenses (the organization is wholly self-supporting). Similarly, for events involving a carpool, SCPRO suggests each rider pay the driver $0.08 a mile for day trips and $0.10 a mile for canoe and backpacking trips. SCPRO also encourages riders and drivers to agree in advance on the total amount per person and to round it off to the nearest 50 cents or dollar.
PARTICIPANTS’ RESPONSIBILITY
Participants are responsible for their own safety and must assume all risks and liability when participating in outings or other events organized by SCPRO. SCPRO leaders and officials shall not be liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to people or property arising from SCPRO outings or other organized events. Individuals under the age of 18 must either be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian or have a signed permission slip from that person to give to the leader of the outing or event.
Participants on SCPRO events are required to sign the Sierra Club's standard liability waiver. If you want to read the liability waiver before deciding to participate in an outing or other event, visit www.sierraclub.org/outings/chapter/forms or contact the club's Outings Department 415/977-5528 to obtain a printed version.
BE CAREFUL OUT THERE!
Participants on SCPRO outings and other organized events should be prepared to deal with certain physical risks associated with hiking, especially dehydration and hypothermia. They should carry or otherwise have access to adequate amounts of water, the general rule of thumb being roughly 1 quart for every 5 miles of distance, depending partly on the weather and partly on the degree of physical exertion, and also being mindful of the old saying that, if you're not peeing, you're not drinking enough. They should take along sufficient layers of clothing (wool and fleece are best for warmth; cotton is bad, especially when wet), as well as effective raingear—and also may want to carry some food. Finally, individuals with health concerns should consult a physician and the event leader to ascertain whether a particular event is suitable for them.
ABBREVIATIONS USED IN CALENDAR: AT = Appalachian Trail, GWNF = George Washington National Forest, MP = Mile Post, PATC = Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, SNP = Shenandoah National Park.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Sat. July 3. Not rated. Edwards Ferry cleanup.
See full write-ups below for details.
On-going. The Sierra Club Inner City Outings (ICO) is looking for outings volunteers. If you are interested, contact Scott Johnson, (585) 738-4413, WashingtonDCICO@gmail.com.
MULTI-DAY EVENTS
Sat.-Sun., July 17-18. Rated F. Brown Mountain and Rocky Mountain Run Backpacking Trip.
Sat.-Sun. July 17-18. Backpack Dolly Sods Wilderness.
HIKE SERIES
Conservation Hikes hikes are educational, focusing on the fauna, flora and history of a locale.
Get to Know [name of locale] hikes are educational/recreational outings open to all but aimed chiefly at newcomers to hiking or the metro area. They focus on select areas and combine exercise with brief information-enhanced stops, often along interesting but little-known routes.
Cool Summer Outings offer opportunities to cool off after a warm day hike.
JULY EVENTS
Sat. July 10. Not Rated. Indian Head Rail Trail and Mattawoman Creek. [Revised Listing with more details]. Discover the outdoor treasures and pleasures of the Mattawoman Creek watershed in Maryland's Charles County -- and the current threats to them -- by taking part in a leisurely kayak/canoe outing of 3.5-to-4 hours on the gentle tidal creek in the morning and/or on a leisurely out-and-back woodland bike ride of up to 26 miles on the newly completed and paved Indian Head Rail Trail in the afternoon. The creek is the centerpiece of a 94-square-mile area of wetlands and woodlands that is known for sport-fishing and fish-spawning grounds; thriving populations of eagles, ospreys, owls, and other birds, plus reptiles and amphibians, and stands of native American lotus, wild rice, and other plants. The boat trip will start promptly at 8:30 a.m. at the Up the Creek Rentals in Indian Head. It will be an out-and-back journey that will include stops and pauses to view abandoned machinery and a spoils beach left over from gravel-mining days, a beaver lodge, hydrilla, murky water, and anglers in boats. It will end by 12:30 p.m. where it started, to followed by a short lunch break. The bike ride will start promptly at 1 p.m. It will follow the very-gently-undulating trail through the wetlands and woods to La Plata at an average and breeze-inducing pace of 6-8 mph. After a brief break at La Plata to find ice cream and cold drinks, the riders will head back to Indian Head -- and be there before 5 p.m. To Participate, (1) Be at the outfitter's by 8 a.m. to check in to paddle, and by 12:45 pm to bike, (2) be sure to tell the leaders your plans beforehand, (3) make boat/bike reservations directly with the outfitter (or plan to provide your own equipment), and (4) remember that helmets and bikes in good working condition are mandatory for the ride, as are life vests (PFDs) for the boat trip. For Details about the outing contact the leaders. For boat/bike rental details and driving directions visit the Up the Creek website (http://www.upthecreekrentals.net) or contact co-owner Sue Tice (301/743-3733, 240/299-9578, or info@upthecreekrentals.net). For boat/bike reservations, contact Sue. For background information, visit http://maryland.sierraclub.org/action/p0052.asp) and http://www.maryland.sierraclub.org/uploads/mattawoman.pdf Joint Event with AMC/DC. Leader: Paul Elliott, 202/550-2841.
Sat. July 10. Rated C. Tuckahoe State Park and Adkins Arboretum, Eastern Shore, MD. Moderately paced hike of about 11.5 miles through forest and wetlands along Tuckahoe Creek. Very little elevation change. Adkins Arboretum, located within the park, promotes the appreciation and conservation of the native plants of the Delmarva peninsula. Meet 8 am in the New Carrollton Metro station's Park & Ride Lot # 2. Leader: Russ Norfleet, russnorfleet@verizon.net, or 703/294-6068.
Sun. July 11. Rated F. Matthew's Arm/Overall Run Trails, Northern SNP (Cool Summer Outing). Medium to fast paced hike of 9.7 mi. with 2300 ft. of elevation gain. Bring swimsuits & Tevas - great swimming hole hike - also wild berries. Saw five bears last year! Meet at Vienna Metro, North parking lot at 8 am; beginners must call for requirements. Leader: Ted Fryberger, 410/312-2982 till 9:30pm or tkfryberger@comcast.net.
Sun. July 11. 6-9 pm. Not Rated. Basic Backpacking Gear. The first in a 3-part, beginner-backpacking classroom series, plus optional 2-night backpack trip in Sept. Basic gear will include: backpack & fitting, tent, sleeping gear, footwear, tips on clothing, and tips on packing light. We will provide information on different types of gear and your options when purchasing gear. We will have gear on-hand and demonstrate hands-on techniques. We will send you home with a gear-list to plan your next trip! Class size is limited. Must be 16 or older. Class cost is $20 for expenses; payment (check or PayPal) in advance will confirm your spot. For location information, please contact Liz. Leaders: Liz Guertin, 202/415-4639 or eguertin@yahoo.com and Mike Darzi, 301/881-7068 or michael.darzi@saic.com.
Sat. July 17. Rated B. Seneca Creek State Park. This moderately paced 7-mile circuit hike-designed for a lazy, summer afternoon-will be over shaded trails, around idyllic lake, and along cool streams, and includes an extended lunch break to picnic and/or paddle, and maybe catch some zzz's. Bring a picnic lunch and (if desired) money for boat rental ($7-8/hr for canoe, row boat, or paddle boat). No pets. Meet at 10 am at the Visitor Center. (From I-270N, turn right at end of Exit 10 ramp. Go 2.1 mi. west on Rt. 117 [W. Diamond Ave, then Clopper Rd], and turn left into park, then right to Visitor Center.) Contact leader if carless. Joint event with AMC/DC. Leader: Mike Darzi, michael.darzi@saic.com.
Sat.-Sun., July 17-18. Rated F. Brown Mountain and Rocky Mountain Run Backpacking Trip. [CANCELED Due to low turnout] contact Liz Guertin at eguertin@yahoo.com for details.
Sat.-Sun. July 17-18. Backpack Dolly Sods Wilderness.Enjoy a weekend backpacking trip to the beautiful Dolly Sods NWA deep in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia. This high plateau has a unique landscape that resembles northern Canada. Explore barrens, bogs, rock gardens, and high mountain vistas on this 16-mile outing. Dolly Sods was recently expanded with the passage of the latest WV wilderness bill, making for an excellent backpacking destination. Contact leader to make reservations. Leader: Glenn Gillis, 703/430-0568 or glennpotomacfalls@yahoo.com.
Sun. July 18. Rated F. Signal Knob - GW National Forest. Annual blueberry hike. Approximately 2000 ft. elev. gain in 11-mile circuit. Visit swimming hole at end of day. Meet at Vienna Metro (north lot) at 7:45 am. Leader: Bob Goldberg, 301/540-2915 (before 9 pm).
Sat. July 24. Rated C. Sky Meadows State Park, AT Corridor, and More. Try this leisurely 8 mi. hike with about 2,100 ft. of elev. change, and featuring Blue Ridge meadows, woodlands, splendid vistas, relocated AT segment, and saved-from-development Inova Farm. Then, optionally, reward yourself by making a posthike stop at nearby Hollin Farms to pick peaches and other edible things. Park entrance fee: $4/vehicle. To carpool, meet at 8 a.m. in the Vienna Metro station's north parking lot. Joint event with AMC/DC. Leader: Paul Elliott, 202/550-2641
Sat. Jul. 24. Rated E. Little Devil Stairs, northern SNP. . A 7.8-mile circuit ascends the beautiful stream canyon of Little Devil Stairs and returns via streamside trails and fire roads, with a stop at the Bolen Cemetery. The pace will be leisurely but not glacial. Meet at 8 am at the Oakton Center, near Starbucks. Leaders: Pat Hopson 703-379-1795 9am-10pm and Frank Wodarczyk 703-569-6737 before 10pm or fwhiker44@cox.net.
Sat. July 31. Rated A. Easy Hike and Ride Outing #2: Lake Accotink Park. Take a leisurely 5 mi. circuit hike in the gently rolling woodlands surrounding a manmade lake in the wilds of Springfield, and then consider switching to a saddle for an easy circuit ride on the park's antique Denzel carousel, which has a protective canopy. Leashed pets and children are welcome. Meet at 9 a.m. at the marina. Joint event with AMC/DC. Leaders: Paul Elliott, 202/550-2841, and Helen Epps, 202/363-1278 (leave message).
AUGUST EVENTS
Sun. Aug 1. Rated D. AT in Maryland. Moderate 8-mi. out and back hike from Gathland State Park to Ed Garvey Memorial Shelter, one of the premier shelters along the AT, that honors an early thru-hiker whose books popularized the trail. Meet at tunnel entrance to Shady Grove Metro at 9 am. Leaders: Marcia Wolf, 301/565-3165 (before 9 pm) or wolfmk@comcast.net, and Christine Ford, 703/425-6899.
Sat. Aug. 7. Rated E. Potomac Heritage Trail: Algonkian Park to Difficult Run, eastern Loudoun and western Fairfax counties. Moderately paced 12-mile linear hike with 2,000' of elevation change along the Potomac River. Meet at 8 am., Difficult Run Stream Valley Park parking lot, left side of Rt. 193, three miles west of I-495, just before entrance into Great Falls Park. Leader: Russ Norfleet, russnorfleet@verizon.net, or (703) 294-6068.
Sun. Aug. 8. Rated B. Two Aqueducts. (Conservation Hike) From Catoctin Aqueduct to Monocacy Aqueduct. A beautiful, nature filled 10-mile stretch of the C&O Canal Towpath. Meet at Monocacy Aqueduct at 8:30 am for a car shuttle to the Catoctin Aqueduct in Lander, MD. We'll check out the work underway to reconstruct the Catoctin Aqueduct then meander down the towpath stopping for paw paws and wildlife. Leader: Carol Ivory, 703/476-8730, carolivory@verizon.net.
Sun. Aug. 8. 6-9 pm. Not Rated. Planning a Backpacking Trip. The second in a 3-part, beginner-backpacking classroom series, plus optional 2-night backpack trip in Sept. Learn about trip selection, route planning, mapping/GPS overview, Leave No Trace basics, and water planning. We will cover the First Aid Kit and emergency planning and we will have you do some interactive map reading. You will be sent home with trip-planning checklists that you can use to plan your next trip. Class size is limited. Must be 16 or older. Class cost is $20 for expenses; payment (check or PayPal) in advance will confirm your spot. For location information, contact Liz. Leaders: Liz Guertin, 202/415-4639 or eguertin@yahoo.com and Mike Darzi, 301/881-7068 or michael.darzi@saic.com.
Sat. Aug. 14. Rated B. Accotink Bay Wildlife Refuge. Encounter a wide variety of wildlife habitats on this 8-mile, easy- to moderately-paced land-side exploration of the Refuge at Fort Belvoir. We'll be hiking through some meadows, but mostly woodlands. Hike limited to 20 people; long trousers recommended for occasionally dense vegetation. Meeting time 8:30 am. Contact the leader by Aug. 12 for reservations, directions and/or carpool arrangements. Leader: Gary Kosciusko 703/765-0306.
Sat. Aug. 14. Rated G. Day hike in Central SNP to Corbin Cabin (Cool Summer Outing). Medium to fast paced hike of 12.0 miles with 2500' of elevation gain. Very scenic hike on beautiful trails, a great climb, and some pristine swimming holes. Bring swimsuits & Teva's. Meet at Oakton at 8 am. Beginners must call for requirements. Leader: Ted Fryberger, 410/312-2982, till 9:30pm, tkfryberger@comcast.net.
Sat. Aug. 14. Rated H. Rockytop and Big Run Portal Trails. The hike will begin on Skyline Drive at MP 77 and proceed over Brown Mountain and Rockytop Mountain. Return via Big Run Portal Trail and Rocky Mountain Run Trail. Total distance 17 miles with 3,500 ft. elev. gain. Meet at Oakton Shopping Center at 7:30 am. Moderate pace with stops for flora and fungi of interest. Inexperienced hikers call for hiker requirements. Joint event with PATC. Leader William Needham, 410-/884-9127 or Needham82@aol.com.
Sun. Aug. 15. Rated C. Potomac Heritage Trail. Hike a new section of the Potomac Heritage Trail in nearby Prince William County. Starting at the Julie Metz Wetlands on Neabsco Creek, we will follow the PHT through Leesylvania State Park to the Potomac River. Enjoy rolling hills and hardwood forests with excellent views of the Potomac. Distance: 11 miles. Meet at the Van Dorn Metro park-and-ride lot off of Eisenhower Ave. and I495 at 9 am. Leader: Glenn Gillis, 703/430-0568 or glennpotomacfalls@yahoo.com.
Sat. Aug. 21. Rated B. Rock Creek Park (NW DC near Cleveland Park, Get to Know DC). A moderate paced loop hike almost entirely along the Rock Creek and the Melvin-Hazen tributary. Leashed dogs okay. The seven-mile hike will pass by Pierce Mill and Mansion, Pulpit Rock, Boulder Bridge, Miller's Cabin and Milkhouse Ford. 1200 ft. elev. change. Optional lunch at nearby restaurant. Meet at 9.30 am near the escalators on the east side (in front of parking lot) of the Cleveland Park Metro. Joint with DC Chapter of Sierra Club. Leader: Sankar Sitaraman, 202/332-7135 (land-line).
Sat. Aug. 21. Rated E/F. Hawksbill Mountain, SNP-Setting Sun/Rising Moon Hike. By-reservation-only, 9 mi. afternoon/evening excursion (with a shorter option) at a moderate pace to Hawksbill Mountain, the park's highest peak. Gastronomic highlights include a pre-hike stop at a Sperryville fruit and vegetable stand, appetizers at Betty's Rock and Spitler Knoll, and candlelight potluck dinner atop the 4051 ft. summit. Bring food that reflects your family's heritage. Dinner offers a mountain panorama with celestial show of setting sun and rising moon, a clear opportunity to discuss the park's air quality, and a chance to watch peregrine falcons doing aerial wheelies. Optional après-hike visit to Skyland's lively late-evening cafe. Contact leader for details, reservations, and carpooling arrangements. Joint event with AMC/DC. Leaders: Paul Elliott, 202/550-2841, and Mike Darzi, michael.darzi@saic.com.
Sun. Aug. 22. Sea Kayak the Patuxent River. . Enjoy a hot summer afternoon sea kayaking along the Patuxent River in nearby Prince George County. The outing will span the Jug Bay wetlands, which is a truly special section of the Patuxent. Highlights include open marsh, wildlife, and a good opportunity to view bald eagles. Along the route we will land at the colonial mansion of Mount Calvert, and the Patuxent River nature center on the Anne Arundel County side of the river. Participants must provide their own kayaks, although limited rentals are available at the put-in point. For reservations and additional information contact Glenn Gillis at 703/430-0568, glennpotomacfalls@yahoo.com.
Sat. Aug. 28. Rated A. Greenbelt Park Loop Hike. A 6 mile easy and shaded loop hike through the second largest nature preserve inside the Beltway. We will meet at 10 AM at the Ranger Station toward the southeast end of the park. To reach it after turning into the Park, follow the winding entrance road for about 200 yards and turn right onto Park Central Road. Follow it 1.6 miles around the Sweetgum picnic area and south through the park. Just before the end of the road, turn right onto paved side road (to campground) and park 100 yards ahead on the right at Ranger Station., The park address is 6565 Greenbelt Road Greenbelt, Maryland 20770. Plug it into your GPS, go to www.nps.gov/gree for directions and information about the park or go to Hike #19 in the 2nd Edition of Paul Elliott's 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles book. Bring fluids, bug spray, sun screen and at least a snack. Leader: Helen Epps, hcepps@juno.com, 202/363-1278.
Sun. Aug. 29. 4-6:30 pm. Not Rated. What to Eat on a Backpacking Trip & Pre-trip Meeting for September Beginner Backpacking Trip. The third in a 3-part, beginner-backpacking classroom series, plus optional 2-night backpack trip planned for Sept. Learn the basics of meal planning and how to cook in the wilderness. Come hungry; we'll be eating! We'll take you through the basic meals for a multi-day trip and provide tips for making your meals delicious and fun! Bring your stoves to class, we will talk about different stove types and practice lighting them and cooking on them. Directly following the class, we will hold our pre-trip meeting for the Sept. 17 Backpacking Trip. We will go over trip logistics, ride-sharing, gear-sharing, route plan, and itinerary. This is a mandatory meeting for trip participants. Class and meeting will take place outdoors rain or shine. Class and trip size are limited. Must be 16 or older. Class cost is $20 for expenses; payment (check or PayPal) in advance will confirm your spot. For location contact Liz. Leaders: Liz Guertin, 202/415-4639 or eguertin@yahoo.com and Mike Darzi, 301/881-7068 or michael.darzi@saic.com.
Sun. Aug. 29. Rated A /B. Rock Creek Park (Get to Know DC). ). Beat the heat by hiking at a leisurely pace and mostly in the shade, by covering only 4.5 miles, by staying close to a soothingly burbling stream (in this case, Rock Creek), and by starting very early. Meet at 7 a.m. in front of the park's nature center, just south of Military Road. Joint event with AMC/DC. Leader: Paul Elliott, 202/550-2641.
FUTURE EVENTS
Fri. -Sun. Sept. 17-19: Beginner Backpacking Trip -- Shenandoah National Park. Part of the Beginner Backpacking Class series, this trip will include shorter mileage and a reasonable elevation profile. Trip is designed so that the beginner can practice carrying a full pack and gain experience with other backpacking skills. We will spend one night in Big Meadows Campground and one night in the backcountry, near Rose River. Pre-trip meeting scheduled for Aug. 29, directly following the "What to Eat on a Backpacking Trip" class. Location TBD. Beginner Backpacking class participants get first dibs on participating in Beginner Backpacking Trip. Leaders: Liz Guertin, 202/415-4639 or eguertin@yahoo.com and Mike Darzi, 301/881-7068 or michael.darzi@saic.com.
NATIONAL OUTINGS LED BY SCPRO LEADERS
Mon.-Sat. Aug. 9-14. Alpine Women's Backpack, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado. Exhilarate your senses in the rarefied heights of the Rockies. This breathtaking loop takes us through evergreen forests, alpine tundra and lush flowering meadows. Enjoy being on the top of the world as we cross the continental divide. Layover days allow us to explore glacial lakes, lofty peaks, and prolific wildflower displays. Strong beginners welcome. (Rating M). See brochure at: http://www.sierraclub.org/outings/national/brochure/10150a.aspx. Leader: Janet Conley, 202/758-2355 or jconley333@comcast.net.
EVENTS SPONSORED BY AFFILIATES AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
The following events are not run by SCPRO. Neither SCPRO nor other Sierra Club organizations can take responsibility or make representations or warranties about the quality, safety, supervision, or management of events they do not sponsor. These events are gleaned from other sources and presented here in case interested readers want to contact the sponsors for more information.
EVERY Tuesday Evening Canoe & Kayak Lessons and Picnic. Sponsored by the National Park Service. The canoe class will start on Tuesday the 1st of June and continue every Tuesday through to August 31st. Join any of these 6:30-8 pm classes on the C&O Canal at Fletcher's Boat House. Fletcher's Boat House is off Canal Road about one mile below Chain Bridge in NW, DC. (Note: Canal road is one way going west out of Georgetown from 3-7 pm weekdays). The class covers kayaking/canoeing at all levels. Bring food to share at the post-class potluck picnic. Cost for canoe, paddle, life jacket, and lessons is $5/person. Kids most welcome and FREE. For more, please contact Jim Finucane, 301/365-3485 (before 9 pm) or jim.finucane@yahoo.com.
Tuesday Vigorous Hikes. This is a series of generally difficult hikes--often with a less vigorous option--held each Tuesday. The series is now sponsored by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club. For more information, see http://potomacappalachian.org or http://groups.google.com/group/Vigorous-Hikers.
Saturday, June 26, 8 AM (or later - 3 PM Annual Blue Ridge Family Outing. Once again, the Sierra Club Great Falls Group of the Virginia Chapter will visit the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship (BRCES) for a day of outdoor fun for all ages. At 8 AM, early risers can join the Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy's bird walk (http://www.loudounwildlife.org/Calendar_June.htm#BRCES). Join the Great Falls Group at 11:30 AM for a potluck picnic lunch that will be followed by a 1 PM tour of the BRCES farm, which uses organic methods. BRCES is located just north of Neersville, at 11661 Harpers Ferry Rd/Rt 671. From Leesburg, go west on US7, turn right on Rt 9, and turn right on Rt 671/Harpers Ferry Rd. Go 6 miles to the BRCES Entrance on the left, just past the Neersville Fire Station. We'll meet at the Visitor Center. See www.brces.org for a map. For more information, contact Karen Grycewicz, Karen.Grycewicz@Virginia.SierraClub.org or 703-273-6226. Hope to see you there!
Fri.-Sun. Oct. 1-3. Virginia Chapter's Annual Gathering. Come to Prince William Forest for a weekend packed with fun activities and great food throughout, featuring keynote speaker Michael Brune, Executive Director of the Sierra Club. Activities include speakers and special guests, demonstrations and workshops, live music, outings leader training, and hikes and other outdoor activity. Full registration (adult $90, child $45) includes two nights' housing in cabins, all food, and all events (except training); one-day registrations, with and without overnight accommodations, are also available. Training sessions: OLT101 ($10) and ARC First-Aid ($50). Check the Virginia Chapter's website (http://vasierraclub.org) for updates and registration form, or contact Chapter Outings Chair, Joe Apple, joe.apple@comcast.net.