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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
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.
HIKE SERIES
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.
MULTI-DAY OUTINGS
Fri. -Sun. Jun. 1-3. Beginner Backpacking Trip -- Location TBD.
Sat.-Sun. June 2-3 (8 am-7 pm). Unrated. Wilderness First Aid (WFA).
Sat-Sun, Jun. 30 – Jul. 1. Rated F+. Backpacking trip to North River Gorge, GWNF.
MAY EVENTS
Sat. May 19, Rated B. Trails in DC to the Greek Festival (Get-to-Know-DC Series). Moderately paced 6-7 mile loop hike using mostly wooded trails in the city as well as some streets in NW DC. Learn about how Sierra Club (and others) saved a park, where the UN was established and other interesting historical facts. About a mile from hike’s end we will stop for lunch at the St. Sophia Greek Festival. Hikers can stay there or return to the starting point with the leader. Meet at 9:30am on Van Ness St., NW at the entrance to Glover Archbold Trail, about a quarter block west of Wisconsin Ave., beside the McDonald’s parking lot. The start is about a half mile south of the Red line’s Tenleytown Metro Station. Leader: Helen Epps, 202/363-1278 (leave message) or hcepps@juno.com.
Sat. May 19. Rated B Valley Trail and Western Ridge Northern Circuit Hike (Get to know DC) We will do a 6.3 mile circuit hike through beautiful Rock Creek Park. See the park as plants and animals wake to the spring. We meander south along the blue-blazed Valley Trail. We cross the creek and climb to take the Western Ridge Trail to the Boundary Bridge. We pick up the Valley trail to return to our starting point. Meet near Caribou Coffee – just south of Silver Spring Metro station 8:40 AM or at 9:00 AM at W. Beach Dr. and Parkside Dr. Contact the leader for directions or carpools. Rich Reis, 301/325-8001, rreis@verizon.net
Sat. May 19. Rated B. Blue Ridge Center (Conservation Hike). Located in Virginia’s Northern Blue Ridge is the Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship (BRCES) which showcases a working farm, 10 miles of wooded trails, and a number of pre-Civil War sites. We will meander 6.5 miles (1000 ft. elev. change) through woods, over streams, and stop by a large pond in the for a lunch break (so bring snacks or lunch). We’ll pass historic buildings, and stop to observe and learn about the nature around us all along the way. Come with appropriate footwear for hiking and shallow stream crossings. We will meet at 9am at the Vienna Metro North Parking lot. Leader: Brian Shermeyer, brian.shermeyer@gmail.com or 571/606-8911.
Sun. May 20. Rated E. Sugarloaf Mountain. 9-mile hike with 3300 ft. of elevation change. Views of the Potomac Valley and the Catoctin Mountains. To carpool, meet at 10am at the Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro Kiss & Ride. Leader: Chris Stoughton, 240/602-4004 or stoughtoncs@gmail.com.
Sat. May 26. Rated A. Mason Neck VA State Park, Lorton VA. A 5.5-mile hike on well maintained trails including Beach, Bay View, Wilson Spring, Dogue, Kanes Creek and Eagle Spur Trails with natural, gravel and boardwalk surfaces. Meet at 10:15am at Park Visitor Center (7301 High Point Rd., Lorton VA 22079). Directions: Driving south on I-95, take exit 163 at Lorton and turn left at end of ramp to Lorton Rd. Go 1 mile to a right on Armistead Rd, right on Route 1 and drive 1-mile to traffic light on top of hill, turn left on Gunston Rd; continue a little over four mi. to High Point Rd. Allow 20 minutes driving time from Route 1 and have $4 ready for vehicle entrance fee. Bring water and lunch. No pets. Leaders: Henri Comeau, hencom75@msn.com or 703/451-7965 and Frank Wodarczyk, fwhiker44@cox.net or 703/569-6737 (before 9pm).
Sat. May 26. Rated B Valley Trail and Western Ridge Northern Circuit Hike (Get to know DC). We will do a 6.3 mile circuit hike through beautiful Rock Creek Park. See the park as plants and animals wake to the spring. We meander south along the blue-blazed Valley Trail. We cross the creek and climb to take the Western Ridge Trail to the Boundary Bridge. We pick up the Valley trail to return to our starting point. Meet near Caribou Coffee – just south of Silver Spring Metro station 8:40 AM or at 9:00 AM at W. Beach Dr. and Parkside Dr. Contact the leader for directions or carpools. Rich Reis, 301-325-8001, rreis@verizon.net.
Sat. May 26, Rated B/C. Old Town Alexandria, Oxon Hill Park, and National Harbor (rescheduled from May 12) Novel, easy-paced excursion of about 8 mi. in two states, featuring a straight, dry, and one-way walk across the Potomac River, a curlicue hike through scenic parklands, a visit to a waterside resort, and a one-way water-taxi ride back across the Potomac. Other highlights will include the historic Jones Point Lighthouse, superb river views, the relocated and giant “Awakening,” and the Old Town waterfront. Be prepared to either pay $8 for the water-taxi ride or to walk back across the bridge (and also to make further use of your wallet if you elect to linger at National Harbor or on the Old Town waterfront). Meet 9am in the temporary parking lot for Jones Point Park, between Hunting Towers and the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. Call for directions or if you need a lift from the King Street Metro station. Be forewarned: there are no civilized restrooms at the trailhead. Leave your dog at home, but take along sun protection. Joint event with AMC/DC. Leaders: Gary Kosciusko, 703/765-0306 and Paul Elliott, 202/550-2841.
Sun. May 27, 5pm-8pm. Not Rated. Planning a Backpacking Trip and Pre-trip Meeting. The second in a 3-part, beginner-backpacking classroom series, including a 2-night backpack trip June 1-3. Learn about trip selection, route planning, mapping/GPS overview, Leave No Trace basics, and water planning including water purification options. We will cover the First Aid Kit and emergency planning. We will have you do some interactive map reading. Class size limited to 20 people. Must be 16 or older. Class cost is $25 for expenses; payment (check or PayPal) in advance will confirm your spot. For location contact Liz Guertin. Leaders: Liz Guertin, 202/415-4639 or eguertin@yahoo.com and Mike Darzi, 301/580-9387 or michael.darzi@saic.com.
JUNE EVENTS
Fri. -Sun. Jun. 1-3. Beginner Backpacking Trip -- Location TBD. Part of the Beginner Backpacking Class series, this trip will include shorter daily mileage and a reasonable elevation profile, Trip is designed so that the beginner can practice carrying a full pack and master other backpacking skills. Pre-trip meeting scheduled for May 27, directly following planning class. For more information, please contact Liz Guertin. Leaders: Liz Guertin, 202/415-4639 or eguertin@yahoo.com and Mike Darzi, 301/881-7068 or michael.darzi@saic.com.
Sat. June 2- Rated D Morning on the Potomac. A pleasant 12-mile hike along Virginia's Potomac Heritage Trail starting at the American Legion Bridge and continuing down to the Chain Bridge before returning. Enjoy the Potomac's water fowl and perhaps a few kayakers along the way. The route crosses several streams and has a number of short but steep hills. Hikers should bring water and a snack or light lunch. We will meet at 8:30 a.m. in McLean. Directions: From the Capitol Beltway, take the Virginia Rt 193 (Georgetown Pike) exit and go east 0.1 miles to the first traffic light (Balls Hill Road) then north (left) on Balls Hill for 0.4 miles then left on Live Oak Drive 0.9 miles to the end of Live Oak. Park on the right side of the road. For further information, contact Ray Evert at Hikerdude22@msn.com or 703/408-7117 (after 8 am or before 9:30 pm)
Sat. Jun. 2. Rated C. Monocacy Natural Resource Mgmt. Area. A fast-paced 7-8 mi. exploration of a 1700s iron furnace site, lime kiln and stone quarries between Sugarloaf Mountain and the Monocacy River, near the border between Montgomery and Frederick Counties in Maryland. With some stops to observe nature and historical features, we'll do one or two long bushwhacks, several crossings of streams and marshy ground, and a couple of moderately challenging uphills. Prepare for close contact with brush (and critters) on bushwhacks and unblazed, somewhat maintained trails. Bring lunch and/or snacks. Leaders: Larry Broadwell (phone 301-215-7135 or email bakpacker1@verizon.net for more info), Gary Kosciusko.
Sat.-Sun. June 2-3 (8 am-7 pm). Unrated. Wilderness First Aid (WFA). This intensive, two-day course teaches the assessment and treatment of an ill or injured person in a remote environment where definitive care or rapid transport is not readily available. Participants learn how to assess, treat, and when possible, prevent medical and traumatic emergencies within the scope of their training. The course will be taught by Clif Castleman and the Center for Wilderness Safety (www.wildsafe.org) at the Turkey Run Education Center in Prince William Forest Park, and is sponsored by SCPRO. The course is open to all, but Sierra Club leaders get a discount and are eligible for reimbursement. Registration deadline is July 11. For more information or to register, visit http://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?EventID=1063442. (Note that CPR/AED certification is a prerequisite and a separate course. If you do not have CPR/AED, you may also register for a course given on Tue. May 29, 6 pm-10:30 pm, at the Trinity Presbyterian Church, Herndon, VA.) Contacts: Clif Castleman, ccastleman@wildsafe.org or 703/624-2543, and Mike Darzi, michael.darzi@saic.com or 301/580-9387.
Sun. June 3. Rated F. Shenandoah NP – Jeremy’s Run Conservation Hike. We will take a full-day, 14-mile hike to enjoy the beauty of an Appalachian forest and discuss the conservation issues of invasive species, air pollution, climate change, poaching and other topics. Shenandoah NP is listed as one of the ten most ‘endangered parks’ by the National Parks Conservation Association. We’ll look for forest-dwelling birds and other creatures so bring binoculars. This will be a steady paced loop hike that follows the AT for 4 miles, climbs up to Neighbor Mountain and crosses Jeremy’s Run 15 times. There is 2600 ft. of elevatopn change making the trip a considerable physical challenge. Leader: Ron LaCoss, 301/946-1106 (before 9pm) for information or ronenviroed@aol.com.
Sat. June 9. Rated E. Hoover Camp in central SNP. Moderate 11-mile circuit hike to lodge used by former president as weekend fishing camp in beautiful park area at junction of two streams that form Rapidan River. Lodge itself not open to walk-in visitors, but park signs outside describe history. Lunch stop on lodge deck overlooking the stream. Return climb along stream passes small waterfall and involves a couple of stream crossings. $15.00 per car SNP entry fee or park pass. Meet at 7:30am at Oakton Shopping Center on Rt. 123 in front near McDonalds. Leaders: Marcia Wolf, 301/565-3165 or marcia.wolf@verizon.net and Sue Auerbach, 703/931-2728. Call before 9pm.
Sat. Jun. 9. Rated H. Great North Mountain. This 17-mile circuit hike will start at Waite's Run in GWNF, WV and proceed up the Pond Run Trail to The Tuscarora Trail, completing the circuit through Vance Cove. Elevation gain 4,000 ft. Meet at Oakton Shopping Center at 7:30am. Moderate pace with stops for flora and fungi of interest. Inexperienced hikers call for hiker requirements. Leader: William Needham, 410/884-9127 or Needham82@aol.com.
Sun. June 10. Rated C. Gettysburg National Military Park. We’ll walk through the history of the beautiful, hilly battlefield that was witness to the bloodiest engagement of the Civil War. The hike of 10 to 11 miles will feature stops at most of the major sites, with historical guidance by Jackie Gluck. You’ll learn the significance of the battle and its 51,000 casualties to the war and to our nation’s history. We’ll have dinner at the very historical (1776!) Dobbin House in Gettysburg before we’re done. Limited reservations available; contact leader soon. Leader: Mike Darzi, michael.darzi@saic.com or 301/580-9387.
Sat. June 16. Rated B. Hiking Along the Potomac in Great Falls and River Bend Parks. An approximately 8-mile morning hike along the River and Ridge Trails of Great Falls and River Bend Parks, through scenic Mather Gorge. We start at 8:30am so you'll have plenty of time to enjoy the afternoon with other pursuits. Bring hiking boots, water and a snack or light lunch which we will eat at the River Bend Visitors Center. There will also be an opportunity to view the falls from several different sites and enjoy the Visitor's Center at Great Falls Park. Meet at the Difficult Run parking area. Directions: Take the Virginia Route 193 (Georgetown Pike) exit of the Capitol Beltway west for 3.6 miles to the parking lot on the left. For further information, contact Ray Evert at Hikerdude22@msn.com or 703/408-7117 (after 8am or before 9:30pm).
Sun. Jun. 17. Rated B. Carderock to Great Falls along C&O Canal. Enjoy a lovely summer out-and-back hike along this scenic stretch of the Potomac River on the C&O Canal towpath, choosing your own pace and distance up to about 9.5 mi. We’ll meet at 9:30 am and finish just in time and just in place for an optional, yet hearty picnic. (See next item.) From Beltway, take Clara Barton Pkwy west; after 0.6 mi, take ramp on right and turn left to cross over pkwy; follow to end (0.3 mi), turn left, and park near pavilion (http://tinyurl.com/cbagjd). Leader: Mike Darzi, michael.darzi@saic.com or 301/580-9387 and Carol Ivory, carolivory@verizon.net.
Sun. Jun. 17. Not Rated. Annual ODH Picnic at Carderock. Starts at Noon: Join us for the traditional potluck and cookout picnic to celebrate this year’s One Day Hike to Harpers Ferry. The picnic is open to all, with ODH veterans and volunteers as special guests. We’ll provide hotdogs, hamburgers, veggie burgers, trimmings, bread, chips, and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as paper and plastic ware; you may bring appetizers, side dishes, or desserts. You may first work up an appetite by doing an optional hike of up to 10 miles. (See previous item.) Beginning at Noon, the picnic will feature live, traditional Scottish/Irish music. From Beltway, take Clara Barton Pkwy west; after 0.6 mi, take ramp on right and turn left to cross over pkwy; follow to end (0.3 mi), turn left, and park near pavilion (http://tinyurl.com/cbagjd). For more information contact Mike Darzi, michael.darzi@saic.com or 301/580-9387, and Carol Ivory, carolivory@verizon.net.
Sat. June 23. Rated A/B. Claude Moore Park Hike. Get-to-Know-Loudoun Series. Discover a little-known gem in the heart of suburban eastern Loudoun County. This easy 6-mile loop hike features a Civil War signaling site, the pre-1800 Lanesville House, the Frogshackle Nature Center, a portion of the original colonial road once used by George Washington, and a diverse natural environment of woods and meadows. We’ll discuss the park’s efforts to meet the recreational needs of the surrounding population while preserving the park’s natural and historical assets. Meet at 9am: from route 7 in Sterling, VA, take route 1794 (Cascades Parkway) south through 2 traffic lights; look for brown sign with white lettering “Claude Moore Park.” Take next left at Vestals Gap Road and park in lot near visitors’ center. If you need to contact the leader, please do so by June 21. Leader: Gary Kosciusko 703/765-0306 or novahiker@cox.net.
Sun. Jun. 24. Rated D. Great Falls & Riverbend Parks. An approx 10-mile, moderately paced, loop hike of both parks that includes great views of the Great Falls, Mather Gorge, and the quiet version of the Potomac. We’ll examine the curious remains of the Patowmack Canal and ponder area life in olden times. Hike covers part of the Potomac Heritage Trail, and includes a little bit of bushwhacking. Meet at Great Falls Park (VA) Visitor Center lot Riverbend Park Visitor Center parking lot at 9 am. Bring lunch and water. Leader: Mike Darzi, michael.darzi@saic.com or 301/580-9387.
Sat. June 30. Rated C. Virginia Heritage Trail Northwest of River Bend Park. A pleasant four hour hike along the Potomac River from Riverbend Park to the Seneca Area and returning. The distance we cover will depend on the hiking ability of the group but should be about 10 miles with some modest hills. Bring water and a snack or light lunch. We will meet at the Riverbend Park Nature Center (NOT VISITOR'S CENTER) at 9am. Directions: Take Virginia Route 193 (Georgetown Pike) and go west for 4.5 miles to River Bend Drive, right on River Bend for 2.3 miles to Jeffery Road and bear right following the signs another 1.4 miles to the Nature Center. For further information, contact Ray Evert at Hikerdude22@msn.com or 703/408-7117 (after 8am or before 9:3 pm)
Sat-Sun, Jun. 30 – Jul. 1. Rated F+. Backpacking trip to North River Gorge, GWNF. 12.5-mile loop hike. The first day we'll climb up to the ridgeline and see spectacular views and then descend down to the North River to camp. Day two, we'll hike along the river back to the cars. There are 4100 ft .of elevation change and 8 river crossings. Participant must be fit, experienced backpackers, and able to keep up with the group. The group will typically travel at 2 miles per hour, including breaks. Extra shoes for river crossings and hiking poles are recommended. To participate, you must contact the leader. We will meet and depart from Vienna Metro NORTH parking lot at 9:30am on Saturday. From there we can carpool. Leader: Liz Guertin, eguertin@yahoo.com or 202/415-4639 (before 9pm).
National Outings led by SCPRO Leaders
Sun. Sept.30- Sat. Oct.6. Sierra Club national kayak tour of the Outer Banks. Join a Sierra Club National Outing as we sea kayak the legendary Outer Banks of North Carolina. From our basecamp at Oregon Inlet, we will kayak the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Alligator River NWR, Pea Island NWR, Kitty Hawk Woods, and historic Roanoke Island. Ample time will also provide opportunity for hiking the woods, marshes, and shoreline of this truly spectacular region. Leader: Glenn Gillis 703/430-0568, or glennpotomacfalls@yahoo.com.