Wanderbirds Hiking Club

Monday, January 2—Great Falls and Riverbend Parks, VA
  TRAILHEAD Hike

Meet at Difficult Run Parking Area, 8801 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, Virginia, at 9 AM. Parking area is on left of Rte. 193, about 3.6 miles west of the Beltway. Great Falls is the outstanding scenic feature of the Washington area. Hikers start at the Difficult Run parking area and do a double circuit including Riverbend as well as Great Falls Park. Those hikers desiring a shorter hike can just do the circuit to Great Falls and back and skip the trek up to Riverbend Park. All hikers, including those who do both circuits as well as those who do only the Great Falls circuit, return to the Difficult Run Parking Area.

January 8—Ft. Duncan, VA
  CARPOOL Hike

This unique hike will be predominately bushwhacking or on old unmaintained civil war era roads. It will feature the 16 cannon Fort Duncan, two old houses (one lived in circa 1845, one decrepit circa 1885), some forward fortifications, a limonite iron mine, an obscure but beautiful viewpoint of the Potomac, Maryland Heights and the C&O canal.

January 15—Frederick, MD
  CARPOOL Hike

This hike will explore the historic city of Frederick. It is an urban hike, but will be away from traffic except for 3 miles of both hikes in downtown that is on sidewalk adjacent to traffic. It goes through several city parks: across the Hood College campus, along the canal in downtown Frederick and around Mount Olivet cemetery. Interesting parts are downtown Frederick with novelty shops, plenty of places to eat/drink, National Museum of Civil War Medicine (open to 5 pm on Sundays), Barbara Fritchie House (closed to the public), the cemetery (which includes Confederate Row, and the Francis Scott Key monument.

January 22—Sherman Gap, Massanutten-Tuscarora, and Shawl Gap Trails, GWNF, VA
  CARPOOL Hike

Begin at the Elizabeth Furnace parking area outside the gate. Long hikers go along the Botts Trail and then turn left to ascend Sherman Gap Trail. At the ridge, long hikers continue to the Shawl Gap Trail and descend back to Elizabeth Furnace. Moderate hikers ascend on the Shawl Gap Trail and go along the ridge to the top point before turning back and descending again by the Shawl Gap Trail.

January 29—Monuments of Washington, DC
  METRO Hike

Starting from Rosslyn Metro, see nine Presidential sculptures/monuments/memorials (including the new one for Eisenhower), three outdoor sculpture collections (the Reach area at the Kennedy Center, the National Gallery, and Hirshhorn), the new Native American Veterans Memorial, and 3 obscure sites – Jefferson Pier, The Hiker statue, and Dark Star Park. The hike also features restrooms and refreshments.

February 5—Signal Knob, Massanutten Mountain, VA
  CARPOOL Hike

All hikers ascend the Signal Knob Trail from the parking area. At the intersection with Meneka Peak Trail moderate hikers turn left on Meneka Peak Trail and traverse the ridge to the intersection with Tuscarora Trail. There they turn left again and descend Green Mountain to the Tuscarora Spur Trail, where they bear left to the Signal Knob parking area. Long hikers continue on Signal Knob Trail to Signal Knob, with excellent views. They then descend to the intersection with Tuscarora Trail and follow the path of the moderate hikers.

February 12—Gunpowder Falls State Park, Hereford, MD
  CARPOOL Hike

Enjoy the winter scenery along the beautiful Gunpowder River in this Maryland state park. We will hike two lollipops--one going west along the south bank of the Gunpowder River and one going east, also along the south bank of the river. The west loop will take us almost to the base of the Pretty Boy dam, which has beautiful rock formations and requires wading a shallow tributary. The east loop also proceeds mostly along the river, but this section is almost rock free, with a wider valley and tamer water. Moderate hikers follow the route of long hikers but with a short cut. Shorter options are available for people interested in doing only the first loop.

February 19—Appalachian Trail, Washington Monument Park to Annapolis Rocks
  CARPOOL Hike

Celebrate Presidents Day with a hike featuring the Washington Monument in the Washington Monument Park in MD. The monument is the first monument completed to honor of George Washington. The monument has an awesome view from both the monument top and base. The hike will be an out and back on the Appalachian Trail (AT), Initially bypassing the monument and hiking North on the AT. The main hike will continue North on the AT to the viewpoint at Annapolis Rocks, with its far-ranging views over the Cumberland Valley, and then return retracing out path and hiking South on AT. Since this is an out and back, hikers can customize the length and difficulty of their hike. For all hikers at the end of the hike, remember to enjoy the views from the Washington Monument shortly before you descend to the parking lot.

February 26—Cedarville, MD
  CARPOOL Hike

Today we will return to a place in a little-known forest area in Southern Maryland. Both hikes start at the parking lot at Forest Rd. Moderate hikers do a 7-mile loop on the Holly Trail. Long hikers also start on Holly Trail and extend the hike by taking Heritage Trail, Swamp Trail and Birdwatchers Trail to complete a 12-mile loop.

March 5—Catoctin Trail/White Rock, MD
  CARPOOL Hike

The hike is a there-and-back on the Catoctin Trail for the most part. Hikers start at the Manor Area. Moderate hikers will go to Fisher Creek Road and then return. Long hikers will take an additional loop in Frederick Municipal Forest to White Rock.

March 12—Keys Gap to South on A-T to Blackburn Trail Center View, VA
  TRAILHEAD Hike

All Hikers will start at the parking lot at the parking lot and carefully walk east on the side of the road to the A-T. Hikers will then go right on the A-T, which is a moderate uphill climb that eventually becomes a pleasant ridge hike. Hikers can stop at the David Lesser Shelter (3 miles one-way) and either have an early lunch and return to the parking lot, or they can continue to Buzzard Rocks Trail about another 0.75 miles down the A-T. At the Buzzard Rocks Trail, hikers can walk to the Buzzard Rock view. The path to the view very rocky (neither Mike nor Anna chose to go to the view). Your lunch may be more pleasant on the hill before the rocks. This is the recommended stop for moderate hikers. Long hikers continue the A-T, which will be rocky for about one-half mile before it turns into a pleasant trail with several attractive features. Long hikers will continue over this enjoyable trail to the view near the trail to the Blackburn Trail Center. Long hikers will have lunch at the view, enjoy the fact that two-thirds of their ascent is complete, and begin the return north on the A-T to the cars.

March 19—Seven Bends, VA
  CARPOOL Hike

Explore the newest state park in Virginia. The park is located in the pitcturesque "oxbow" area of the North Shenandoah River. Moderate hikers will cover Hikes include the Eagle's Edge Trail, River Bend Rise Trail, Massanutten Trail, Talus Trail, Reservoir Trail and Gakotta Trail, while long hikers will add a there-and-back on the Massanutten Trail.

March 26—Kennedy Peak, Massanutten Mountain, VA
  CARPOOL Hike

Kennedy Peak is a Massanutten Mountain peak with wonderful panoramic views of the Page Valley and six bends of the Shenandoah River; it is the “high point” of this wild hike, which starts and ends at Edith Gap. Moderate hikers take the Massanutten and Stevens Trails to Kennedy Peak and return to Edith Gap. Long hikers will follow the same route but add an out-and-back ridge walk to Hebron Gap, before ascending Kennedy Peak.

April 1 (SATURDAY)—American Chestnut Land Trust, Prince Frederick, MD
  TRAILHEAD Hike

American Chestnut Land Trust (Trailhead hike) This hike will feature the American Chestnut Land Trust (ACLT) Northern trails. This is a privately run local conservancy in Calvert County MD. Right now, the early spring flowers are blooming and the raft is ready to find out if you are Tom Sawyer or Huck Finn… as well as a new route taking a short detour passing some old barns before ending-up on a small stretch of beach by the Chesapeake Bay. This hike will start at the Double Oak Trailheads and feature the Horse Swamp, a detour to a small stretch of beach along the Chesapeake Bay, the Parkers Creek Trail (and the raft).

April 2—Cool Spring, VA
  CARPOOL Hike

This hike will start on the battlefield of Cool Springs but most of the hike will be on the grounds of the Rolling Ridge Conservancy. The hike starts on the Ridge to River Trail which passes a waterfall (multi-tiered waterfall) and crosses into WV and then has about a one mile stretch along the river flood plain where we will be treated to an abundance of spring wild flowers most notably Virginia Blue bells, before the trail ascends to the Perimeter Trail. The Perimeter Trail is a lovely rolling trail crossing another waterfall (hidden waterfall) and then meandering along the ridgeline. With the leaves down, the trail has a lovely open feel to it. The hike will pass the ruins of an Old School House. At the ruins, you have the option of doing an out/back moderate hike or continuing the perimeter trail to complete the loop. Both hikes will return on the Ridge to River trail, once again traveling thru the wildflower area. When we cross back into VA, we will return via the river side of the battlefield. This will bring us past the bird condo for the herons, where you can catch a glimpse of the nesting herons.

The Cool Springs battle field is on what was an old golf course near the Shenandoah River. It is now managed by Shenandoah University and The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) to offer a river walk and trails through the battlefield. (Our route will be on the river trail). The Rolling Ridge Conservancy is a privately owned and maintained wilderness area. “Protecting, preserving, and nurturing the largest privately-owned wilderness area near Washington DC and along the entire Appalachian Trail” They also do a lot of neat things and are struggling to finance their good works. To learn more about the conservancy checkout their website https://www.rollingridgeconservancy.org/ Or feel free to connect with them (see Brochure posted to the chat)

Please note: The conservancy has a tight cap on the number of hikers allowed in a group, we have asked to double that number, so we cannot accommodate walk-ons, hikers must sign-up (use Meetup, please) and have their reservations accepted.
Also, some of the trails in the Rolling Ridge are private and so please stay with the hike route to avoid accidentally going on a private trail.

April 9—Bull Run/Occoquan, VA (Bluebell Hike)
  BUS Hike

There are literally acres of Virginia Bluebells on the banks of Bull Run, the result of rich, seasonally flooded, sandy soil. If the season's timing cooperates, we will see vast stands of these flowers in full bloom. Trout lilies, beavers, heron, kingfishers and migratory warblers also vie for attention. Moderate hikers start at Kincheloe soccer fields and proceed north (upstream) on the Bull Run – Occoquan Trail to Bull Run Regional Park. Long hikers start hiking north from Bull Run Marina; extra-long hikers start at Fountainhead Regional Park.

April 16—Patapsco State Park, MD
  MEET-AT-TRAILHEAD Hike

(TRAILHEAD PICNIC Hike / Not posted on Meetup - Club members only - must register thru online form.) Our first picnic hike for 2023 will take us down the Patapsco River with its many pools and cascades, and through mature beech-oak forest. The hikes start and end at the Avalon area of Patapsco State Park on River Road near Elkridge, MD. All hikers make a clockwise loop by taking the Ridge, Morning Choice, and Cascade Falls Trails. Long hikers will take an additional loop along the Rockburn Branch Trail. When hikers come to the stream where the Cascade Falls Trail splits into two, moderate hikers will go right and then descend to the falls, while long hikers will go left and continue over Garrett Pass before reaching the falls. All hikers will return along the Valley View and Ridge Trails.

April 23—Crow's Nest Nature Preserve, VA
  CARPOOL/TRAILHEAD Hike

Crow's Nest Nature Preserve is situated on a high narrow ridgeline rising above two tidally influenced creeks: Potomac and Accokeek. It features 4,000 acres of old-growth woodland with several miles of hiking trails. All hikers will explore various trails that go to the viewpoints at Crow’s Nest Point and Boykin’s Landing. Long hikers will take an additional there-and-back to the Potomac Overlook.

April 30—Neighbor and Knob Mountain Trails, SNP, VA
  BUS Hike

Neighbor Mountain offers views of the Shenandoah Valley and Massanutten Mountains. Long hikers start at Beahms Gap Overlook, and soon take the Neighbor Mountain Trail. Then they ascend along Jeremys Run following a stream valley, and take the Appalachian Trail northbound, which leads to Elkwallow Wayside and the bus. Moderate hikers start at Panorama and follow the Appalachian Trail north, crossing over Pass Mountain on their way to Elkwallow Wayside and the bus.

May 7—Trillium Hike, Thompson Wildlife Management Area, VA
  BUS Hike

The Linden area is noted for having one of the greatest concentration of trilliums in the nation and indeed globally. Many other wildflowers will be in bloom alongside them at this time of year. Long hikers start at Manassas Gap, and follow the AT north past Manassas Gap Shelter and the junction with Verlin Smith Trail to continue on the AT to a point just south of Dicks Dome Shelter. Here they turn right and follow Verlin Smith Trail around Lake Thompson and to parking area #4 and the waiting bus. Moderate hikers begin at parking area #4 and complete a circuit by joining the path of the long hikers.

May 14—Wheaton Regional Park, Rachel Carson Greenway Trail and Northwest Branch, MD
  CARPOOL/TRAILHEAD Hike

Although we have often taken this hike during the Christmas season, Brookside Gardens is perhaps at its most colorful during the spring. Both hikes start at the Brookside Gardens Visitor Center and proceed through the Gardens to the Wheaton Park Nature Center. From there the moderate hikers take the Equestrian Loop Trail to the intersection of the Northwest Branch Trail. They will follow the west side of the Branch downstream to Route 29 (Colesville Rd.), turn left on the Road and then left onto the Rachel Carson Trail following the east bank of Northwest Branch upstream, joining the Wheaton Park Equestrian Trail and route back to the Brookside Nature Center. Long hikers follow the moderate route except at the Nature Center they take 3.5 miles of assorted wooded trails through Wheaton Park before joining the Northwest Branch Trail.

May 21—Dickey Ridge, SNP, VA
  CARPOOL/TRAILHEAD Hike

This hike does an out-and-back along the Dickey Ridge Trail, starting from the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center. From there long hikers will go north to take the Fox Hollow Trail, while moderate hikers go south directly on the Dickey Ridge Trail. Long hikers will take the Snead Farm Loop Trail then go south on the Dickey Ridge Trail. All hikers will go down the spur trail to Lands Run to view a waterfall about a half mile from Skyline Drive, then all hikers backtrack on the Dickey Ridge Trail to return to the Visitor Center. There will be opportunities to see numerous wildflowers (possibly including yellow lady slippers) in the area at this time of year.

May 28—Big Schloss and Mill Mountain, GWNF, VA
  BUS Hike

Big Schloss and Mill Mountain, GWNF, VA. The peak of Big Schloss gets its name from the rocky outcropping at its top, which resembles a castle ("schloss" is German for "castle"). Its views of the Trout Run Valley are unparalleled. All hikers walk past Woodstock Reservoir from route 749. Long hikers then follow Little Stony Creek Trail, the Tuscarora, and then Mill Mountain Trails. About 1 mile past Big Schloss Cutoff Trail, they turn left to go to Big Schloss (optional), and then return to Mill Mountain Trail and go left to Wolf Gap Recreation Area. Moderate hikers go left at FR 92 and then right on Big Schloss Cutoff Trail. At the junction with Mill Mountain Trail, moderate hikers go left and follow the path of the long hikers.

June 4—Rocky Mount, SNP, VA
  BUS Hike

This rugged trail is typical of the Southern section of the park. From Two mile Run Overlook on the Skyline Drive, both hikes follow a narrow ridge through a saddle to the peak of Rocky Mount. There we eat lunch and enjoy a view that is worth the trip. From here, moderate hikers return to the bus. Long hikers descend to the Gap Run Trail which they follow back the Rocky Mount Trail to complete a circuit. They then follow the Rocky Mount Trail to return to the bus.

June 11—Gathland, MD
  TRAILHEAD / PICNIC Hike

(MEET-AT-TRAILHEAD PICNIC Hike / Not posted on Meetup - Club members only - must register thru online form.) For this picnic hike, we will start and end at Gathland State Park, going along the crest of South Mountain, with the Hagerstown and Cumberland Valleys to the west and the piedmont to the east. All hikers will go north on the Appalachian Trail up to the view from White Rocks. Moderate hikers will then return to Gathland. Long hikers will access White Rocks via the somewhat steeper route from the Bear Spring spur trail and continue from there to the view from the tower on top of Lambs Knoll, after which they will return to Gathland.

June 18—Gambrill State Park, MD
  CARPOOL/TRAILHEAD Hike

Gambrill State Park occupies the southern end of the 25-mile long Catoctin Mountain Ridge and has several panoramic views of the Middletown and Frederick Valleys. All hikers will take a loop within the park, using the Red Maple, Catoctin, Black Locust, and Yellow Poplar Trails. Long hikers will do an additional there-and-back on the Catoctin Trail from the main loop..

June 25—Buzzard Rock to Veach Gap, Massanutten Mountain, VA
  BUS Hike

Enjoy spectacular views of the meandering South Fork Shenandoah River. Long hikers start at the intersection of Routes 678 and 774 and walk to the trail head parking area off Route 774. They ascend to Veach Gap, turn left on the Massanutten Trail, and continue north to Buzzard Rock Trail, passing Buzzard Rock cliffs on the way to Route 619. Moderate hikers begin at Elizabeth Furnace, and follow the Shawl Gap Trail to the Massanutten Trail. There they turn left onto Buzzard Rocks Trail and follow the path of the long hikers.

July 2—Elkwallow Circuit via Piney Branch and Piney Ridge, SNP, VA
  TRAILHEAD Hike

The hike starts and ends at Elkwallow for the long hikers. Following the AT north, long hikers will travel clockwise along Piney Branch, Hull School, Fork Mtn, and Piney Ridge Trails ending up intersecting the AT which they will take south back to Elkwallow. Moderate hikers will start at Rattlesnake Point Overlook and follow the AT south a short distance to Piney Branch Trail and follow the same route of the long hikers to Elkwallow. Options available for a shorter hike from Beahms Gap to Elkwallow (ca. 5.5 miles) or south from Gravel Springs (5 mi.)

July 9—Appalachian Trail, Wolfsville to Pen Mar, MD and PA
  BUS Hike

This hike features the highest point of the Appalachian Trail in Maryland and it will end at Pen Mar, featuring several extensive overlooks on the way. All hikers will get off on Wolfsville Rd were the AT crosses. The long hikers will go south on the AT about 2 miles then turn around and go north. Moderate hikers will go north on the AT. All hikers will go over Buzzard Knob and pass Raven Rock and High Rock. An optional short hike starts where Raven Rock Road meets the AT.

July 16—Manassas Battlefield, VA
  TRAILHEAD Hike

Today's hike takes us to Manassas Battlefield, where not one, but two important Civil War battles were fought. The first, fought on July 21, 1861, quickly dispelled the notion that the Civil War would be briefly and easily resolved. The second occurred August 28-30, resulting in a Confederate victory that marked the height of their power. All hikers will begin from the Henry Hill Visitor Center. Long hikers will do the First and Second Manassas Trails for about 11.5 miles. Moderate hikers will do the Second Manassas Trail for about 6.5 miles. Both hikes have minimal elevation gain. Hikers may also add the 1.2-mile Henry Hill Loop Trail as an option. Park map. Fare: $5.

July 23—Big Devils Stairs, SNP, VA
  BUS Hike

Big Devils Stairs provides views of one of the most imposing river gorges in Shenandoah National Park. Moderate hikers start at Jenkins Gap, walk for 300 feet south on Skyline Drive and turn left down the Mount Marshall Fire Road (which becomes Mount Marshall Trail), turn right (south) on the Bluff Trail (with frequent views to the west) and left on the Big Devil’s Stairs. Hikers descend the Stairs (frequent views east) to the first overlook, then climb back up and turn left onto the Bluff Trail to Gravel Springs Gap. They then follow Skyline Drive for 1/3 mile to the Range View Overlook. Long hikers follow the moderate path but arrive at Jenkins Gap by first hiking 3.5 miles north on the AT from the North Marshall parking area. Est. 13 miles, 2000' elevation and 9.5 miles, 1700' elevation. PATC Map 9. Fare: $30 plus park fee or pass.

July 30—Tuscarora Pond Run and Three Ponds Trails, GWNF, VA and WV
  TRAILHEAD Hike

All hikers begin and end at Waites Run Road, where it and the blue blazed Tuscarora Trail cross the stream. The hike explores some of the less-frequented trails of Great North Mountain, including multiple overlooks. All hikers ascend on the Tuscarora/Pond Run Trail. At the junction about 2½ miles in, long hikers turn left onto the Tuscarora/Pond Run Trail and go to the White Rock Cliff Overlook. Long hikers then leave the Tuscarora Trail by turning left onto Old Mail Path Trail, left onto the Wilson Cove Trail for a short distance, and continue on Waites Run Road to the cars. For moderate hikers, at the top of the Tuscarora/Pond Run Trail, they turn right onto Halfmoon Trail, then take the Halfmoon Lookout Trail to its top. Then they turn around, turn left on the German Wilson Trail, then follow the Old Mine Trail and Waites Run Road to the cars.

August 6—Gifford Pinchot State Park, York County, PA.
  BUS Hike

This is a relatively flat, mostly wooded, hike around a large lake in Gifford Pinchot State Park. Starting at the Quaker Race Parking Area, moderate hikers do a counterclockwise hike around the lake using the Lakeside Trail. Hikers can add 1-3 miles by adding on the Quaker Race or Pinchot Loops through remote, hillier sections of the park. Long hikers start at the Squire Gratz Road entrance to the Park and take the Mason Dixon Trail clockwise around the lake, joining the Lakeside Trail for the last three miles. Maps: Mason-Dixon Map 5 and Pinchot State Park Map.

August 13—Tuscarora Trail, Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area, WV.
  TRAILHEAD Hike

Moderate hikers start at the Pack Horse Trail Parking area and take the Pack Horse Trail north to the High Rock Trail to the Tuscarora Trail, then hike southward and descend by the Millrace Trail back to the bus. Long hikers follow the same path for the first few miles, but halfway up High Rock Trail take an Equestrian Trail north to the Tuscarora Trail. They then hike south on the Tuscarora Trail and after two miles rejoin the moderate route.

August 20—Catoctin Mountain Park, MD
  BUS Hike

The Catoctin Mountain Park provides extensive vistas of the Catoctin Range, the easternmost mountain ridge of the Blue Ridge Mountains. From the Visitor Center, all hikers will take a loop that provides vistas at Chimney Rock, Wolf Rock, Thurmont Visit, and the Blue Ridge Summit. They will complete the loop by descending towards Rte. 77, taking in the brief detour to Cunningham Falls, and returning to the Visitor Center. Long hikers will in addition take a “lollipop” route to the pond at the Lewis Property, the most recent addition to the park.

August 27—Susquehanna State Park, MD.
  TRAILHEAD Hike

Starting from Shures Landing, we will pass a popular area for eagle sighting as we head downstream (south) on the Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenways Trail. Then we'll add a loop on the Deer Creek Trail before heading south on the Susquehanna Ridge Trail. Both hikes will do a loop before ending at the Rock Run Mill. Moderate hikers will take the Rock Run Trail and turn left on the Land of Promise Trail back to the mill. Long hikers will also take the Rock Run Trail, but turn right on the Land of Promise Trail and continue to the Susquehanna Ridge Trail's north endpoint, using the latter to return to Rock Run Mill.

September 3—Hawksbill Summit, SNP, VA
  BUS Hike

Hikers today will have the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful views of the Page Valley from the highest point in the Park. Long hikers start at Tanners Ridge Overlook where they take the fire road to connect to the AT, on which they bear north towards Hawksbill Summit. Moderate hikers start at Fisher’s Gap and take the AT north. All hikers ascend to the summit of Hawksbill on the Salamander Trail where they stop to admire the view before continuing on the Lower Hawksbill Trail back to the AT and to Little Stony Man parking lot.

September 10—Jewell Hollow Overlook to Nicholson Hollow, SNP, VA
  BUS Hike

This hike begins at the beautiful Jewell Hollow Overlook, which is reminiscent of views from the Alps, and ends at the best swimming hole in Shenandoah Park. All hikers start at Jewell Hollow Overlook and take the AT south. Moderate hikers will head east when they reach the connector trail for Nicholson Hollow. They will cross the drive and continue on Nicholson Hollow Trail to the swimming hole and the bus at Nethers. Long hikers will continue on AT to the Passamaquoddy Trail and go around Stony Man via a horse trail to get back to the AT. They will then head north to the Nicholson Hollow turn off and follow the path of the moderate hikers to the swimming hole and the bus.

September 17—AT/Dickey Ridge/Compton Peak, SNP, VA
  TRAILHEAD Hike

Enjoy a chance to see the unique basalt columns in SNP as well as enjoy a relaxing walk in the park. Most hikers will also see the Lands Run Falls. Starting from Jenkins Gap, we will ascend Compton Peak on the AT North and do an out/back to the Basalt Columns. After which we will continue on the AT north and Dickey Ridge passing Wyndham Rocks and descending to Lands Run Falls. Moderate hikers will stop at the falls for lunch before returning. Long hikers will do an out/back on Dickey Ridge to Low Gap before returning to the falls for lunch. From Falls both hikes will ascend Dickey Ridge, to Springhouse Trail and the AT south over Compton Peak and to Jenkins Gap. An easier option is available.

September 24—Shenandoah River State Park
  TRAILHEAD Hike

From the Massanutten Shelter, all hikers take the Turkey Roost and Overlook Trails to Culler's Overlook for a vista of the river, and continue on a loop following the Culler's, Bear Bottom, Big Oak, Redtail Ridge, and Campground Trails. After completing the loop they return via the Overlook and Turkey Roost Trails to the shellter. Long hikers add a loop on the Point Trail.

October 1—Hannah Run, Central SNP, VA
  CANCELLED

This hike will start and end at the Nethers Old Rag Parking Lot. Moderate hikers follow Nicholson Hollow west into the Park and turn right (north) on Hot-Short Mountain Trail and left onto Hazel Mountain Trail. They complete the loop by taking successive lefts onto the Catlett Mountain, Hannah Run, and Nicholson Hollow Trails to Nethers. Long hikers follow the moderate loop, but stay on the Hazel Mountain Trail past Catlett Mountain Trail, taking the Hazel River, White Rocks, Hazel Mountain, and Catlett Spur Trails before rejoining the moderate loop at Hannah Run.

October 8—Harpers Ferry, Tri-State, WV
  TRAILHEAD Hike

From the parking area of the Visitor Center in Harpers Ferry, moderate hikers will take the trail to Lower Town. From there they will go via the Appalachian Trail to the Loudoun Heights Trail and enjoy the panoramic view of the town at Split Rock. Hikers will then return to the Visitor Center. Long hikers will follow the same route, except after they reach Lower Town they will first take the trail to Maryland Heights and view the town from the other side of the Potomac.

October 15—Lake Fairfax Park Nature Hike
  TRAILHEAD Hike

Lake Fairfax Park is one of the hidden treasures of the DC Metro area, containing the Water Mine, an 18-acre lake, and a network of trails, including one that passes along an old railroad route. The hike features a nature walk along the various rills in the Colvin Run valley. Hikers desiring more mileage will take a 9-mile circuit route along the W&OD and Cross-County Trails.

October 22—Sky Meadows, VA
  BUS Hike

This week’s Wanderbirds outing combines two favorite activities, hiking and wine. We’ll hike at beautiful Sky Meadows Park, a park with a rich history. The area was initially inhabited by Sioux Indians and later settled by English colonists. Devastated during the Civil War, it was eventually acquired by Paul Mellon, who donated it to Virginia State Parks. All hikers will start at the Visitor Center and hike across meadows on the James Ball and Corporal Morgan Trails, then take the South Ridge Trail and North Ridge trail to higher vistas. Moderate hikers will descend the North Ridge Trail to the visitor center, completing a leisurely but pleasant outing. Long hikers will continue to the Appalachian Trail and then begin descent on the Ambassador Whitehouse Trail, enjoying the scenic Paris View along the way. Afterwards we will visit nearby Blue Valley Winery after the hike. The winery sits atop a hill, with great views of the surrounding hills. There is ample seating inside and out. It’s a beautiful facility, enjoyable for wine drinkers or for those who prefer to bask in the scenery. We’ll stop at the winery for two hours, before boarding the bus for our return.

October 29—Robertston Mountain, SNP, VA
  BUS Hike

Moderate hikers walk around the mountain, starting at Nethers and going up the Corbin Hollow Trail and down the Old Rag and Weakley Hollow fire roads. Long hikers ascend the steep Robertson Mtn. Trail to the top, from which they can view the majesty of the mountains. They then descend the Corbin Mtn. and Nicholson Hollow Trails to Nethers.

November 5—Potomac Heritage Trail, Algonkian to Great Falls, VA
  BUS Hike

(REMEMBER TO SET CLOCKS BACK ONE HOUR) [THIS HIKE HAS CHANGED DUE TO TRAIL CLOSURES NEAR ROOSEVELT ISLAND] Long hikers start at Algonkian Park and take the Potomac Heritage Trail (PHT) south. They hike entirely on the PHT, and continue into Great Falls National Park to enjoy river views. Moderate hikers start at Seneca Park and follow the route of the long hikers.

November 12—Browns Hollow, Massanutten Mtn., GWNF, VA
  BUS Hike

Starting at Route 211 the long hikers explore the southern Massanutten Mountains by taking the Massanutten South Trail to its intersection with the new Brown's Hollow Trail. Heading south, they complete a clockwise loop by following Roaring Run, the Massanutten Road, and Bird Knob before returning to the Massanutten Trail and the Visitor Center. The moderate hikers do a circuit starting at the Visitor Center. They head south on the Massanutten Trail and follow the path of the long hikers from Bird Knob back to the Visitor Center. Dramatic overlook on the way back.

November 19—Gunpowder Falls State Park, Hereford, MD
  BUS Hike

Enjoy the winter scenery along a picturesque stream in this nearby MD state park. All hikers will start and finish at the parking lot on Bunker Hill Rd. They will take the Gunpowder South Trail, ascend on Panther Branch Trail and descend back. Then they will cross the river via Big Falls Rd. bridge and follow Gunpowder North Trail, Gunpowder Fall South Trail, and Highland Trail to the parking lot. Moderate hikers will follow the path of the long hikers but will shortcut the hike by crossing the river on Masemore Rd.

November 26—Billy Goat Trail, Montgomery Co, MD
  TRAILHEAD Hike

Explore a variety of trails in the Maryland side of Great Falls at the C&O NHP, including several lesser-known trails as well as Billy Goat Trail A for those inclined to do a challenging rock scramble. The hike will have several options: two hikes that include Billy Goat A, a moderate for 8.5 miles, est. elevation of 475 feet, or a long that adds on woodland trails totaling 11.5 miles and about 1000 feet elevation. There will also be shorter hikes that avoid Billy Goat A and offer 5 to 8 miles with elevation of roughly 300 to 500 feet.

December 3—Old Rag, SNP,VA
  BUS Hike

Hikers scramble over giant boulders and crawl through narrow tunnels before reaching the ragged mountaintop. All hikers starts at Nethers. Long hikers follow the Ridge Trail to the top of the mountain and back to Nethers on the Saddle Trail and the Weakley Hollow Fire Rd. Moderate hikers do an up and back to the summit by taking the Saddle Trail (long hike is actually shorter than the moderate hike; elevation gains are similar, but the long hike is steeper and rockier).

December 10—Appalachian Trail Keys Gap to Loudoun Heights, VA/WV
  TRAILHEAD Hike

Join us as we start at Keys Gap and follow the Appalachian Trail (AT) north from Keys Gap to the Loudoun Heights Trail. The AT travels along the ridgeline thru the historic area near Harper’s Ferry WV. The hike will take advantage of the end of fall vegetation on the ridgeline to the Loudoun Heights trail passing thru a nice vista from a utility clear-cut with Virginia to the east and West Virginia to the west and continuing to the Loudoun Heights Trail. The full hike will do an out/back on the Loudoun Heights trail to beautiful Loudoun Heights overlook of Harpers Ferry and Potomac River. This hike will be an out/back so hikers can customize the difficulty of their hikes.

December 17—Sugarloaf Mountain, MD
  TRAILHEAD Hike

Both hikes will start by going to the Summit via the Green Trail. Moderate hikers will descend on the Red trail to the Northern Peaks trail. Long hikers will descend on the Red trail to the Mountain Loop trail until they reach the Blue and White trails. The hikes will rejoin at the Blue trail then do a loop consisting of Blue, Purple, Yellow, Blue and take the stairs to West View Parking area.

December 24—Great Falls and Riverbend Parks, VA
  TRAILHEAD Hike

Great Falls is the outstanding scenic feature of the Washington area. Hikers start at the Difficult Run parking area and do a double circuit including Riverbend as well as Great Falls Park. Those hikers desiring a shorter hike can just do the circuit to Great Falls and back and skip the trek up to Riverbend Park. All hikers, including those who do both circuits as well as those who do only the Great Falls circuit, return to the Difficult Run Parking Area.

December 31—Rock Creek Park, Washington, DC
  TRAILHEAD Hike

All hikers will take the Melvin Hazen trail to Valley trail and Pulpit Rock. They continue on the Valley trail to Milkhouse Ford where the moderate hikers will cross. Long hikers will continue to Boundary Bridge. Both hikes will take the Western Ridge trail to Melvin Hazen trail with a stop at the Nature Center.

January 7—Sweet Run State Park, VA
  TRAILHEAD Hike

(Trailhead hike) Sweet Run State Park is the most recently created state park in West Virginia. It contains a network of trails over gentle, rolling terrain, chiefly meadow and field, with the ruins of old farms and a sizeable pond. All hikers will go in a loop along the various trails within the park. Long hikers will in addition take an unofficial but well-cleared connector trail to the Appalchian Trail and go there-and-back for a mile each way.

January 14—Torrey Brown Trail (NCR Trail), MD
  BUS Hike

(Bus hike) This hiker-biker trail along the old North Central Railroad was established in 1984. During the greater part of the hike one can readily imagine being transported to an era when the railroad was the fastest means of transportation. The hikes will end in New Freedom, PA. Attractions at the trail's end include a cafe, pizza parlor, sports bar/grill and tavern. Long hikers start their hike northwards at Monkton while moderate hikers start at White Hall Road.

January 21—Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area, VA
  TRAILHEAD Hike

(Trailhead hike) The Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area (SRMA) contains 800 acres of forest and meadows, which provide a landscape mosaic of various terrains and vegetation types. These include gently sloping open meadows, mature hardwood forests along steep slopes and floodplains, riparian areas, and freshwater ponds and streams. From the Belmont Blvd. entrance, all hikers will do a loop that includes the South Branch Loop, the Turkey Meadow Loop, and various portions of the Potomac Heritage Trail. Long hikers will do an additional loop with the PHT and the Woodthrush Loop.

January 28—Appalachian Trail & Sky Meadows State Park, VA
  BUS Hike

(Bus hike) The long hike starts at Manassas Gap and then follows the Appalachian Trail for 9 miles, entering Sky Meadows State Park en route, before descending 2 miles to the Sky Meadows Visitor Center. The moderate hike is a 7-mile circuit through beautiful Sky Meadows State Park. Great views on both routes..

February 4—AT, Pass Mountain and Beahm's Gap to Hogback Overlook, SNP, VA
  BUS Hike

(Bus hike) This section of the AT provides several views of the valleys on both the east and west side of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Long hikers will take the Pass Mountain Trail off of Route 211 to the AT and head north to Hogback Overlook with its view of the western SNP. Moderate hikers will start at Beahms Gap and follow the AT with the big climb to Hogback. Easy hikers can cut off 2 or more miles from the moderate hike.

February 11—Patapsco State Park: Orange Grove, Avalon, and Hilton areas, MD
  TRAILHEAD Hike

(Trailhead hike) The hike takes us down the Patapsco River with its many pools and cascades, and through mature beech-oak forest. The hikes start and end at the Orange Grove area of Patapsco State Park on River Road near Elkridge, MD. Moderate hikers make a counter-clockwise loop by taking the Cascade Falls, Morning Choice, Rockburn, Valley View, and Ridge Trails. Long hikers start at the same place, but cross the Patapsco at the Swinging Bridge into the Hilton Area, which has a 4.5 mile loop that uses a variety of trails and passes by the site of the historic Bloede’s Dam. Long hikers then re-cross the Swinging Bridge and follow the moderate loop through the Orange Grove and Avalon areas.

February 18—Signal Knob, George Washington Forest, VA
  TRAILHEAD Hike

(Trailhead hike) All hikers ascend the Signal Knob Trail from the parking area. At the intersection with Meneka Peak Trail moderate hikers turn left on Meneka Peak Trail and traverse the ridge to the intersection with Tuscarora Trail. There they turn left again and descend Green Mountain to the Tuscarora Spur Trail, where they bear left to the Signal Knob parking area and the bus. Long hikers continue on Signal Knob Trail to Signal Knob, with excellent views. They then descend to the intersection with Tuscarora Trail and follow the path of the moderate hikers to the bus.

February 25—Cedarville State Forest, MD
  TRAILHEAD Hike

(Trailhead hike). Today we will return to a place in a little-known forest area in Southern Maryland. Both hikes start at the parking lot at Forest Rd. Moderate hikers do a 7-mile loop on the Holly Trail. Long hikers also start on Holly Trail and extend the hike by taking Heritage Trail, Swamp Trail and Birdwatchers Trail to complete a 12-mile loop.

March 3—Little Devil Stairs, SNP, VA
  BUS Hike

(Bus hike) The famed rock scramble is challenging, but the views of various waterfalls and of the valley from above are well worth the effort. From Little Hogback Overlook, long hikers start on the AT, then take Piney Branch Trail, Hull School Trail and Keyser Run Fire Road. They then ascend Little Devils Stairs and take Keyser Run Fire Road to AT and Little Hogback Overlook. Moderate hikers will start at the park building at the top of Piney Branch trail across from entrance to Mathews Arm. Moderate hikers will descend Piney Branch to Hull School then ascend Keyser Run Fire Rd to the AT then north to Little Hogback Overlook.

March 10—Whiteoak Canyon-Cedar Run Circuit, SNP, VA.
  TRAILHEAD Hike

(Trailhead hike) (REMEMBER TO SET CLOCKS FORWARD ONE HOUR FOR DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME). Spectacular views of two magnificent canyons await hikers today. All hikers start from the parking lot at the bottom of the Whiteoak Canyon and follow the Cedar Run Trail to Hawksbill Gap. Moderate hikers then turn right on the Whiteoak Canyon Fire Road, and right on the Whiteoak Canyon Trail to the parking area. Meanwhile the long hikers continue on the AT north to Skyland, make a right on the Old Rag Fire Road and another right on the Skyland-Big Meadows Horse Trail to the Whiteoak Canyon Trail, which they descend to the parking area.

March 17—Tuscacora / Eagle Rock / Gerhard Shelter
  BUS Hike

(Bus hike) Today's there-and-back hikes go along the section of the Tuscacora Trail that straddles the state line between Virginia and West Virginia on the ridgeline of Great North Mountain. Starting from Rte. 55, long hikers go south to the Gerhard Shelter and take the Gerhard Shelter Trail down to the forest road before returning. Moderate hikers go north to the overlook at Eagle Rock and back. The absence of foliage during this season enables hikers to obtain views of the valleys to the east and the west, even in places that are not designated as overlooks.

March 24—Halfmoon Mountain Loop, Great North Mountain, WV
  TRAILHEAD Hike

(Trailhead hike) All hikers complete a circuit of Halfmoon Mountain starting from Trout Run Valley Road. Long hikers take Bucktail Trail to Capon Trail, go along Waites Run Road, and ascend German Wilson and Halfmoon Trails to Halfmoon Lookout and the views. They then descend on Halfmoon and Bucktail Cutoff Trails to Trout Run Valley Road and the bus. Moderate hikers take Bucktail Trail, ascend the German Wilson Trail, and follow the path of the long hikers.

March 31—Bearfence Mountain, SNP, VA
  BUS Hike

(Bus hike) Today's hike goes over Bearfence Mountain, which involves a rock scramble but offers wonderful views at the summit. There is an option of bypassing the rocks if desired. All hikers will begin with the AT from the Pocosin Fire Road intersection. Moderate hikers stay on the AT the entire distance, crossing Bearfence Mountain with its spectacular 360 degree views. (Hikers can choose to scramble over Bear Fence’s huge boulders or take a trail around the scramble.) Continuing north on the AT, they ascend Hazel Mountain and end the hike at Milam Gap. Long hikers follow the route of the moderate hikers past Bearfence Mountain, then take a loop Laurel Prong, Cat Knob, Jones Mountain, and Fork Mountain Trails to Camp Rapidan. From there they return to Milam Gap on the AT via the Mill Prong Trail.