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.
NOTICE
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.
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.
Sat. Nov. 22. Not Rated. Edwards Ferry Cleanup. See below.
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.
Potomac River and Fireside Winter Hikes explore the C&O Canal towpath and other trails along the Potomac River and enjoy a fire at the Carderock picnic area.
Prince William Forest Park series of three hikes covering most of the trails within the park
Rockville to National Mall series of four hikes from Rockville to the National Mall, mostly through Rock Creek Park
Vigorous Hikes (on Tuesdays) are for experienced hikers in good physical condition. Age does not matter. You do not have to be a competitive runner, but you should understand what it means to hike 15 miles with 3000 ft. of climb, even though you have not yet done such a hike. Not sure if you can do vigorous hikes? Here is one way to evaluate yourself: Do a hike rated E or F. If you then want to do more strenuous hiking, try one of these Tuesday hikes. They may be your kind of hiking.
NOVEMBER HIKES
Tue. Nov. 4. Rated H. Sugar Loaf Mountain, Double Loop Tour (Vigorous Hike). Closer in and shorter for election day, but don't be fooled. We'll use most of the blue and white trails and a piece of the yellow to earn our H; up to 12 mi. and at least 3000 ft. of ascent with lots of options. Leader: Bob Livezey, bobbilbo@msn.com or 301/320-4679.
Sat. Nov. 8. Rated A. Dyke Marsh and Mount Vernon Trail. A leisurely hike in two parts for a total of about 4.5 mi. (mostly level) exploring the Dyke Marsh wetlands along the Potomac River south of Alexandria. First part will be on paved Mount Vernon Trail, second part on gravel trail in Dyke Marsh Wildlife Refuge. Bring binoculars if possible. Dogs welcome but must be on leash. We will meet at 9 am at a nearby Metro station and carpool a short distance to hike starting point. Optional lunch after hike at a restaurant in Old Town, Alexandria. Call (by 10 pm, Fri. Nov. 7) for details about hike, meeting place, carpooling, and to make a reservation (hike will be limited to 15 people). Leaders: Sankar Sitaraman, 202/332-7135, and Paul Elliott.
Sat. Nov. 8. Rated A/B. Claude Moore Park Hike (Get-to-Know-Loudoun Series). Discover a little-known gem in the heart of suburban eastern Loudoun Co. This is an easy 7 mi. hike, with an opportunity to tour the pre-1800 Lanesville House. Meet at 9 am. From Rte. 7 in Sterling, VA, take Rte. 1794 (Cascades Parkway) south through 2 traffic lights; look for brown sign with white lettering “Claude Moore Park”; take next left at Vestals Gap Rd. and park in lot near visitors center. Leader: Gary Kosciusko, 703/765-0306.
Sun. Nov. 9. Rated D. Northern SNP: Dickey Ridge Trail. Moderately paced 9.6 mi. hike with 2000 ft. total gain. We’ll visit a cemetery on the Fox Hollow Loop and have lunch at the old Snead Farm site, where we’ll discuss the Park history and the resulting effects on flora and fauna (including former human residents). To carpool, meet at 8:30 am at Vienna Metro north parking lot. Leaders: Frank Wodarczyk, fwhiker44@cox.net or 703/569-6737 (before 10 pm), and Pat Hopson, 703/379-1795 (9 am–10 pm).
Tue. Nov. 11. Rated H. Central SNP: Rose River Bushwhack and Big Meadows Loop (Vigorous Hike). Circuit begins at the Rose River trailhead. Instead of following the fire road, we will bushwhack along Rose River to see the falls, cascades, and pools on this route. We will then visit Big Meadows before descending to the trailhead via Rapidan Fire Road and Upper Dark Hollow Trail: about 15 mi. with 3500 ft. of ascent. Leader: Dave Green, dkgreenva@hotmail.com or 703/536-5189.
Sat. Nov. 15. Rated B. Rockville to National Mall, Part 1. Hike from Rockville Metro to Grosvenor Metro; return by Metro. A 9.3 mi hike mostly in Rock Creek Park. Includes about 2.5 mi. of street hiking to connect with Metro stations. Meet at 9 am at Rockville Metro. Leader: Mike Gingerich, 2023707957@grandcentral.com or 202/370-7957.
Sun. Nov. 16. Rated C. Prince William Forest Park (second in 3-part series). Hike about 10 mi. along Quantico Creek. Meet at 9 am at the Springfield Metro lot behind the garage or at 9:45 am at the trailhead at Turkey Ridge Ed. Center inside the park. Leader: Ray Abercrombie, 703/854-1792 (before 9 pm).
Tues. Nov. 18. Not Rated. Hike & Bike: Massanutten Mountain and Along Shenandoah River. We will hike about 8 mi. on the Massanutten ridge via Kennedy Peak, pick up our previously stashed bikes at Rt. 675 and coast 5 mi. down the ridge on the road, turn north and pedal 8 mi. back to our Fosters Landing trailhead. Leader: Cliff Noyes, 540/373-8267 or hclmnoyes@yahoo.com.
Sat. Nov. 22. Not Rated. Edwards Ferry Cleanup. Pick up trash, enjoy a beautiful part of the C&O Canal Towpath, and make it even more beautiful. Join "level walkers" Pat Hopson and Carol Ivory to clean up the towpath and riverbanks near Edwards Ferry. We’ll work until noon, then (optional) have lunch in Poolesville, MD. Leaders will supply trash bags; please bring work gloves and water. Meet at 9 am at Edwards Ferry; driving directions at www.sierrapotomac.org/directions; but please contact one of us, so we know how many people to expect. Leaders: Pat Hopson, 703/379-1795 (9 am–10 pm), and Carol Ivory, carolivory@verizon.net.
Sat. Nov. 22. Rated B. Poplar Spring Animal Sanctuary and C&O Canal Towpath, plus Potluck Lunch Option. Moderately paced hike of 8 mi. through private 400-acre sanctuary that’s home to abandoned and rescued farm animals (and freely visiting wildlife) and on scenic stretch of towpath near Edwards Ferry, with detour to visit hidden-in-the-woods ruins of C&O Canal locks across from Goose Creek. Carry snacks on hike. Then attend sanctuary’s annual and vegan “Thanksgiving with the Turkeys” potluck (for details and to RSVP, visit www.animalsanctuary.org); this event is also supported by Sierra Club's True Cost of Food Campaign (see http://www.sierraclub.org/dc/sprawl/bec/food.html). Alternatively, provide your own lunch, but honor sanctuary’s request that it be at least vegetarian, if not vegan. To carpool, meet at 8 am in Bethesda at mall known as Westfield Montgomery (formerly Montgomery Mall), in parking area fronting on Democracy Blvd. under deck near Macy's (formerly Hecht's). Call if carless or for driving directions to trailhead. Accompanied children who can go the distance are welcome. No pets. Joint event with AMC/DC. Leaders: Paul Elliott, 703/256-6351, and Helen Epps, 202/363-1278 (leave message).
Sun. Nov 23. Rated B. Key-Chain Hike. Join us for a 9 mi. hike up and down the Potomac, crossing both the Key and Chain bridges. Starting from the parking lot of Theodore Roosevelt Island off the GW Parkway, we'll hike up the Potomac Heritage Trail, cross Chain Bridge, then down the C & O Towpath. Mostly flat with one big hill, a few stream crossings, and some rocky patches. Near the end of the hike, an optional stroll into Georgetown for some refreshment. Bring water and lunch. Meet at 10 am; easy walk from the Rosslyn Metro. Leader: Ray Evert, 703/893-3792 (8 am–9 pm) or hikerdude22@msn.com. Sweep: Lynn McNulty.
Tue. Nov 25. Rated H. Central SNP (Vigorous Hike). Circuit hike of 17 mi. with 3800 ft. of ascent starting at the Meadow Spring parking lot (on Skyline Drive between MPs 33 and 34). We’ll hike up to the AT via the Meadow Spring Trail and head south on the AT to the Corbin Cabin Cutoff Trail. Going down the Corbin Cabin Cutoff Trail to the Nicholson Hollow Trail, we’ll then hike up the Hannah Run Trail to the Catlett Spur Trail. From the Catlett Spur Trail, we’ll head up the Hazel Mountain Trail and back to the parking lot via the Buck Ridge Trail. Leader: Tom Kloster, 304/535-2576 (before 9 pm) or twk07@comcast.net.
Sat. Nov 29. Rated B. Rockville to National Mall, Part 2. Hike from Grosvenor Metro to Bethesda Metro; return by Metro. A 9.3 mi. hike mostly in Rock Creek Park. Includes mileage on the Georgetown Branch Trail and a little street hiking to connect with Metro stations. Meet at 9 am at Grosvenor Metro. Leader: Mike Gingerich, 2023707957@grandcentral.com or 202/370-7957.
Sat. Nov. 29. Rated A. Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area. Here's your chance to give back by doing a very slow and short hike on Meadowood's still-a-building Meadowood Trail while doing some trailwork along the way. Meadowood, a former private horse farm and now a multipurpose Bureau of Land Management recreation area, lies on Mason Neck only about 15 mi. south of the Capital Beltway. The trailwork will consist primarily of pruning, clearing, and up-picking, in support of a whiz-bang piece of mechanized trail-building equipment called a Ditch Witch. You'll also have a chance to learn to operate the machine--and then do so if you like. Work will start at about 9 am and you're welcome to stay into the afternoon (in which case, take along lunch and water). Contact the leader for details, including carpooling from Alexandria (starting at 8:30 am) and driving directions from your own area to the Meadowood trailhead. Joint event with AMC/DC. Leader: Paul Elliott, 703/256-6351.
Sun. Nov. 30. Rated B. Blockhouse Point Conservation Park and C&O Canal Towpath. Moderately paced 9 mi. circuit hike with less than 1000 ft. elev. change. Starting at Pennyfield Lock, we'll trek through protected woodlands on bluffs above Potomac River, with lunch stop at superb overlook to discuss environmental threats to park. Then we'll reach Violettes Lock and traipse back along towpath between river and restored canal, with detour into wildlife preserve. To carpool, meet at 9:30 am in Bethesda at mall known as Westfield Montgomery (formerly Montgomery Mall), in parking area fronting on Democracy Blvd. under deck near Macy's (formerly Hecht's). Call if carless or for directions to trailhead. Leashed dogs and accompanied children who can go the distance are welcome. Joint event with AMC/DC. Leaders: Paul Elliott, 703/256-6351, and Ted Conwell, 301/589-1513 (before 9 pm).
Sun. Nov. 30. Rated C. Seneca Breaks. Enjoy a hike along the Potomac River at the site of the soon to be named Seneca Breaks Regional Park. Our outing takes us along the Potomac Heritage Trail through the Fraser Nature Preserve and the cliffs overlooking the Potomac River Rapids; distance 8 mi. Meet at 9 am at the Colvin Run Mill parking lot off VA. Rte.7 west of Tysons Corner. Leader: Glenn Gillis, 703/430-0568 or glennpotomacfalls@yahoo.com.
Sun. Nov. 30. Rated D. Harpers Ferry, Maryland Heights. Work off the bird and desserts on this 7 mi. conservation hike to the top of Maryland Heights opposite Harpers Ferry. See historic Civil War sites with spectacular views. To carpool, meet at 8:30 am at Shady Grove Metro, east side by Metro tunnel. Leader: Bob Goldberg, 301/540-2915 (before 9 pm).
DECEMBER HIKES
Tue. Dec. 2. Rated H. Northern SNP: Overall Run (Vigorous Hike). Starting at the end of Rte. 630, we'll follow Thompson Hollow Trail to Tuscarora-Overall Run Trail east, viewing the falls en route, then south on the AT to Elkwallow and Heiskell Hollow trails, returning on Overall Run and Thompson Hollow trails; 17 mi. with 3500 ft. of ascent. Ref: PATC Map 9. To carpool, meet at 7 am at Stone Rd. Park and Ride off I-66 west, exit 52, Centerville, or at 8:30 at the trailhead. Leader: Carol Parker, 703/819-8332 (before 9 pm) or c.christensen@comcast.net.
Sat. Dec. 6. Rated C. Antietam Hike and Illumination. This annual event features an afternoon hike of 11 mi. (shorter options available) on mixed surfaces of Civil War Battlefield, followed by a drive through the Memorial Illumination: 23,000 candles commemorating casualties of the bloodiest single-day battle in U.S. history. Bad-weather date: Dec. 13. Optional post-hike dinner at historic Old South Mountain Inn (limited reservations; e-mail/call soon). Leader: Mike Darzi, michael.darzi@saic.com or 301/881-7068.
Sat. Dec. 6. Rated B or A (hike only). American Chestnut Land Trust Lands: Morning Work Trip and Afternoon Hike. From 9 am to noon, we’ll join other ACLT volunteers in tending—and being able to see—the exotic and historic trees at the land trust’s Warrior's Rest Sanctuary (usually closed to the public). The work will entail invasive vine removal, mulching, mowing, and pruning, and, as ACLT adds, “Bring work gloves, clippers and a smile” (if you have any). Then, at about 1 pm, each of us will have a choice of doing a moderately paced, 5.5 mi. two-loop circuit hike through the ACLT’s South Side property’s wooded hills, former farm fields, and bottomlands; doing just the first loop of 3 mi.; or leaving immediately. Count on dressing appropriately and taking along lunch and beverage. To carpool, meet at 7:45 am in Alexandria, in Van Dorn Metro station’s Park & Ride lot (but it’ll be too early to use Metrorail). Call for details, including driving directions both to Van Dorn meeting place and also directly to trailhead. Joint event with AMC/DC. Leader: Paul Elliott, 703/256-6351.
Sat. Dec. 6. Rated D. Riverbend and Great Falls Park, Fairfax Co., VA. Hike 9.5 mi. with 2200 ft. elev. change. Meet at 8 am at Riverbend Park Nature Center parking lot. Leader: Russ Norfleet, 703/ 294-6068 or russnorfleet@verizon.net.
Sun. Dec. 7. Rated B. Prince William Forest Park (last in 3-part series). Hike 8 mi. in the southern section of the park. Meet at 9 am at the Springfield Metro lot behind the garage or at 9:45 at the trailhead at Turkey Ridge Ed. Center inside the park. Leader: Ray Abercrombie, 703/854-1792 (before 9 pm).
Sun. Dec. 7. Rated B/C. National Arboretum in the Fall (Get to Know DC series). Updated version of leaders’ leisurely paced seasonal hike of either 8 mi. or 4 mi. (your choice) through exotic and hilly landscape of botanical delights, river vistas, and historical oddities. There will be two separate loops with sheltered lunch stop in between, with option to do first loop only or second loop only (call leaders for timing). Highlights will include plants in bloom, other fall colors both outdoors and indoors (bonsai collection and National Herb Garden), 22 Capitol columns (plus 2 broken ones), and selected revelations about arboretum's early years. Meet at 9:30 am in arboretum’s main parking lot (just inside R St. entrance); call for directions or if carless. Leashed dogs and accompanied children are welcome. Joint event with AMC/DC. Leader: Paul Elliott, 703/256-6351, and Frank Wodarczyk , 703/569-6737 or fwodarczyk@cox.net.
Tues. Dec. 9. Rated H. Northern SNP: The Peak and Big Devils Stairs (Vigorous Hike). Circuit begins at the Mt. Marshall trailhead and climbs to Thoroughfare Gap, where we’ll climb and loop over The Peak via abandoned trails. We’ll then visit Big Devils Stairs from the Bluff Trail before returning to the trailhead via Harris Hollow; about 15 mi. with 3500 ft. of ascent. Leader: Dave Green, dkgreenva@hotmail.com or 703/536-5189.
Sat. Dec. 13. Rated B. Potomac River and Fireside Winter Hike. Along riverside trails connected by the C & O Canal Towpath, 9 mi. total out and back (4 1/2 mi. each way), with midpoint at Carderock (toilet facilities) and a warming fire in a covered pavilion for your packed lunch. Meet at 9 am at the Glen Echo Park parking lot in Glen Echo, MD, where the pedestrian bridge goes over Minnehaha Creek into the main park. This is adjacent to the Clara Barton House, both under National Park auspices, sharing the same parking, where Goldsboro Rd. terminates at MacArthur Blvd. Leaders: David Burd, 703/998-9390 or dburd26@hotmail.com, and Carol Ivory, carolivory@verizon.net.
Sat. Dec. 13. Rated B. Piscataway Park plus Optional “Winter’s Eve” Celebration. Afternoon hike of 8.5 mi. at moderate pace along eagle-patrolled shores of Potomac River in Prince Georges Co. Highlights will include superb river views, National Colonial Farm and its old buildings and heirloom animal breeds, Native American ceremonial site, and lack of steep hills. After hike, either bolt or stay for farm’s annual winter’s eve celebration (5 to 8 pm) featuring colonial tea, cookies, popcorn, carol singing by the fire, illuminated buildings, and open gift shop. Admission is $2/person or canned-food donation (for details, visit www.accokeek.org/events). Take along warm clothing and maybe a flashlight. Call for driving directions to meeting place or trailhead. To carpool, meet in Alexandria at 1 pm at Van Dorn Metro station’s Park & Ride lot (Metro riders should cross Kiss & Ride lot to get there). Accompanied children who can go the distance are welcome. Joint event with AMC/DC. Leaders: Paul Elliott, 703/256-6351, and Glenn Gillis, 703/430-0568.
Sat. Dec 13. Rated C. Bears Den Trail Center to Crescent Rock. Out and back moderately paced hike on the "roller-coaster" section of the AT; 6 mi. and about 2000 ft. elev. change. Beautiful overlooks from the Bears Den Trail Center and Crescent Rock. To carpool, meet at 7:30 am at the West Falls Church Metro entrance. We'll gather there and then disburse to cars. Leaders: Liz Guertin, 202/415-4639 or eguertin@yahoo.com, and Mike Darzi.
Sat., Dec. 13 Rated H. Central SNP: Leading Ridge and Crusher Ridge. Circuit hike of 16 mi. with 3000 ft. elev. gain (6000 up and down). Inexperienced hikers call for hiker requirements. To carpool, meet at 7:30 am at Oakton Shopping Center. Leader: William Needham, 410/884-9127 or needham82@aol.com.
Sun. Dec. 14. Rated C. Sugarloaf Mountain. Moderate 7 mi. conservation hike to one of our most scenic close-in spots. This is also a birthday hike for the leaders. We’ll celebrate with a birthday cake at the conclusion of the hike. Meet at 9 am at Shady Grove Metro, east side by Metro tunnel. Leaders: Bob Goldberg, 301/540-2915 (before 9 pm), Frank Wodarczyk, 703/569-6737 (before 9 pm), Carol Ivory, carolivory@verizon.net, Christine Ford, 703/425-6899.
Tue. Dec. 16. Rated H. Northern SNP: Little Devil's Stairs. Begin with the scenic ascent of Little Devil's Stairs, then connect to the Sugarloaf Trail, loop around Elkwallow and the AT north, and descend the Piney Branch Trail; approximately 15 mi. with 3500 ft. elev. change. To carpool, meet at 7 am at Stone Rd. Park and Ride off I-66 west, exit 52, Centerville. Leader: Mike Moran, 703/281-4630 or mjm.9406@cox.net.
Sat. Dec. 20. Rated B. Rockville to National Mall, Part 3. Hike from Bethesda Metro to Cleveland Park Metro; return by Metro. An 8.9 mi. hike mostly in Rock Creek Park. Includes mileage on the Georgetown Branch Trail and a little street hiking to connect with Metro stations. Meet at 9 am at Bethesda Metro. Leader: Mike Gingerich, 2023707957@grandcentral.com or 202/370-7957.
Sun. Dec. 21. Rated A. Hike & Ride Outing #6: National Mall (Get-to-Know-DC series). Another leisurely paced, all ages outing that will combine a 5-6 mi. hike including the Tidal Basin, the National Christmas tree, parts of Capitol Hill and other surprises before returning to ride the Denzel-inspired Carousel on the Mall ($2). Leashed dogs are welcome as are accompanied children. Meet at 10 am at the Mall entrance to the Smithsonian Metro Station. Joint event with AMC/DC. Leaders: Helen Epps, 202/363-1278 (leave message), and Paul Elliott, 703/256-6351.
Tue. Dec. 23. Rated H. Central SNP: AT Out and Back, Thornton Gap to Stony Man (Vigorous Hike). Non-stop great winter views on this two-way tour of several central district big peaks. Earn your holiday dinner with 18 mi. and about 4500 ft. of ascent. Leader: Bob Livezey, bobbilbo@msn.com or 301/320-4679.
Thu. Dec. 25. Rated A. Old Town Alexandria. A mostly waterfront, well-paced, and history-flavored ramble of 6–7 mi. (but shortenable) that will feature one national scenic trail segment (Potomac Heritage), six parks (Jones Point, Pomander, Waterfront, Founders, Oronoco, and African American Heritage), two cemeteries (Alexandria National and St. Mary's), and one Roman temple knock-off (the George Washington Masonic Temple)and a return to the trailhead by noon, having made caloric room for dessert or more. Accompanied children and leashed dogs are welcome. Meet at 9 am in Waterfront Park, at the foot of King Street (and 1 mi. from the King Street Metro station). Joint event with AMC/DC. Leader: Paul Elliott, 703/256-6351.
Sat. Dec. 27. Rated A. Rockville to National Mall, Part 4. Hike from Cleveland Park Metro to Smithsonian Metro; return by Metro. A 7.1 mi. hike mostly in Rock Creek Park. Includes mileage on the C&O Canal and some street hiking to connect with Metro stations. Meet at 9 am at Cleveland Park Metro. Leader: Mike Gingerich, 2023707957@grandcentral.com or 202/370-7957.
Sun. Dec. 28. Rated B/C. Tuckahoe State Park and Adkins Arboretum. Moderately paced circuit hike of 8–10 mi. through woodlands, fields, and wetlands that spread across park's 3800 gently rolling acres, as well as through well-planted 400-acre arboretum embedded within park. Treat yourself to this excursion into rural and tranquil Queen Anne Co. on Maryland's Eastern Shore, and expect to learn on the trail about the area's natural history and human history (there are links to early inhabitants and both Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman). To carpool to Tuckahoe, meet at 8:45 am in New Carrollton Metro station’s Park & Ride lot #2, near lot entrance. Or call for driving directions to park trailhead. Children who can go the distance are welcome. Joint event with AMC/DC. Leaders: Paul Elliott, 703/256-6351, and Gary Kosciusko, 703/765-0306.
Tue. Dec 30. Rated H. The Arlington Triangle (Vigorous Hike). Beginning at Bluemont Park on Wilson Blvd., we’ll do a circuit hike of 20 mi. on the W&OD, Four Mile Run, Mt Vernon, and Custis Bike trails, with a loop around Teddy Roosevelt Island. Leader: Tom Kloster, 304/535-2576 (before 9 pm) or twk07@comcast.net.
Thu. Jan 1. Rated B. Thirty-Fifth Annual New Year's Day Hike on C&O Canal Towpath. Start 2009 right with a 10 mi. walk along the C&O Canal. Learn about this historic area. Meet at 9:30 am on Wisconsin Ave. at the canal, south of M St. in Georgetown. Walk to Little Falls Pump Station (or turn around sooner) and back. Leashed dogs OK. Leaders: Carol Ivory, carolivory@verizon.net; Christine Ford, 703/425-6899 (before 10 pm); Paul Elliott, 703/256-6351.
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.
FUTURE EVENTS
Sat. Jan. 17. Rated B. Potomac River and Fireside Winter Hike. Along riverside trails connected by the C & O Canal Towpath, 9 mi. total out and back (4 1/2 mi. each way), with midpoint at Carderock (toilet facilities) and a warming fire in a covered pavilion for your packed lunch. Meet at 9 am at Glen Echo Park parking lot in Glen Echo, MD, where the pedestrian bridge goes over Minnehaha Creek into the main park. This is adjacent the Clara Barton House, both under National Park auspices, sharing the same parking, where Goldsboro Rd. terminates at MacArthur Blvd. Leaders: David Burd, 703/998-9390 or dburd26@hotmail.com, and Carol Ivory, carolivory@verizon.net.