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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.
MULTI-DAY OUTINGS
Fri-Mon, Feb 17-20. 2012 Ski-Dance Weekend. Laurel Highlands area, PA Lodging Camp Harmony, PA.
Sat - Mon. Feb 18-20. Rated H. Advanced Backpacking: Winter Backpacking Trip. Big Schloss in GWNF.
HIKE SERIES
Get Fit for Spring/Train for One Day Hike (ODH) outings help hikers shake winter blahs, explore the beauties of nature without crowds, and prepare for outdoor activities in general and Sierra Club’s annual ODH along the C&O Canal towpath to Harpers Ferry. The distances covered by these weekly go-at-your-own-pace hikes gradually increase through the winter and early spring, so hikers can better gauge which (if either) of the optional distances (50 or 100 km) they want to tackle on ODH day, April 28 (see www.onedayhike.org for details and on-line registration).
Conservation 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.
FEBRUARY EVENTS
Sat. Feb. 4. Rated C. Indian Head Rail Trail, near Indian Head, MD (Get Fit for Spring/ODH).A 12-mile out-and-back hike on a mainly serene and remote paved trail, with a beautiful view of Mattawoman Creek. Meet promptly at 10am at the Village Green parking area, at the southern tip of Rt. 210, Indian Head Highway. From Beltway Exit 3, go south on Rt. 210 for 20 mi.; immediately before you would enter the naval base (and just beyond a post office), turn right onto Pye Rd.; drive 0.2 mi. through the park, and park in the gravel area beside the wood-rail fence. NOTE: Ignore signs for the Rail Trail; instead go to the very end of Rt. 210. Leaders: Gary Kosciusko, 703/765-0306 or NOVAHIKER@cox.net, and Pat Hopson, 703/379-1795 (9am-10pm).
Sat. Feb. 4. Rated C. Bull Run Occoquan Trail (RT 28). Join us on a leisurely out and back, 8-mile hike (1200’ elev. change) through the woods on a section of the Bull Run Occoquan Trail (BROT) beginning on site of the First Battle of Bull Run. Along the way hikers will get a chance to learn about the greenery still visible in winter. In addition there is a ‘Pet’ rock pile along the way. So if you had/have a pet, bring a small stone or rock to leave in memoriam. Also, wear sturdy shoes with good ankle support because of rocks and roots on the trail. Dress in layers according to the weather and bring sunglasses if sunny. Bring snacks/lunch as we will be stopping at our turnaround point. Meet 10 am at Vienna Metro North Parking Lot. Leader: Brian Shermeyer, 571/606-8911 or brian.shermeyer@gmail.com, and Mike Darzi.
Sun. Feb 5 Rated B. Carderock/Gold Mine Tract - Suburban MD. Easy 7-mile walk along C&O Towpath and the Gold Mine Tract to Great Falls Tavern, return via towpath. Meet at 1 pm at Carderock Park, MD, off the Clara Barton Parkway, 1 mi. west of Beltway. Pass under the canal, turn right, and drive to the last (farthest west) parking lot. Kids who can walk 7+ mi. on relatively level terrain are welcome. Bring beverage and light snack & binoculars (optional but recommended). Leaders: Mike Darzi, michael.darzi@saic.com or 301/580-9387 and Bob Mathis.
Sun. Feb. 5. Rated C. Potowmack Canal Trail – Great Falls, VA. 9-mile walk in Great Falls Park along Potomac River, south along the River Trail and returning through the Matildaville Ruins. Meet at 9am at the Fairfax Co. Riverbend Park Visitor’s Center. Bring water and lunch. Dress appropriately for weather (think layers). Leader: John MacDowall, 301/963-1993 or jmacdowall@gmail.com.
Sun. Feb. 5. Not Rated. Advanced Backpacking: Winter Backpacking Class. TIME CHANGE: now 2:30-4:30pm (previously 5-7pm). Winter backpacking can offer quiet and solitude often hard to find in the warmer months. It also carries obvious challenges, with temperatures below freezing. Learn the basics of winter backpacking. We'll cover gear, special clothing, pack weight, body-heat management, caloric intake, snow, and campsite management. Taught from the perspective of winter camping in the mid-Atlantic. A trip will be offered President's Day weekend (February 18-20). Class limited to 20 people and students over 18. There will be a fee associated with the class determined by the number of sign-ups (less than $20). Class location Sierra Club Legislative Office. 50 F Street NW, 8th Floor, Washington DC. MUST contact leader to participate. Leader: Liz Guertin, eguertin@yahoo.com or 202/415-4639 (before 9pm).
Sat., Feb. 11. Unrated Bike Ride. Minnesota Ave. Metro Station to Fort Foote and back; Washington, DC and Oxon Hill, MD (Get to know DC). Moderately paced ride of 22 miles through Anacostia Park, Oxon Cove Park and Fort Foote Park. Meet 9:00 am, pedestrian entrance into station. Call for details. Leader: Russ Norfleet, 703/501-7953 or russnorfleet@verizon.net.
Sat. Feb. 11. Rated C/D. Mt. Vernon Trail (Get-Fit-for-Spring/ODH). A scenic 13.5 mi. out-and-back hike on this hiker/biker trail along the Potomac River between Mt. Vernon and Dyke Marsh, with a loop through Fort Hunt Park. At your own pace. Bring bag lunch or snacks, and water. Meet at 9 am at north end of Mount Vernon’s east parking lot. Leaders: Mike Darzi, michael.darzi@saic.com or 301-580-9387, and Christine Ford, christine@clkford.com or 703/425-6899 (before 9pm).
Sat. Feb. 11 Rated H. Overall Run and Heiskell Hollow Trails. A 16-mi. circuit hike that will transition from the Thompson Hollow access to the Heiskell Hollow Trail to ascend to the AT in the Matthews Arm area. Return will be via the Elkwallow and the Overall Run Trails. The Overall Run Falls are the tallest in SNP. Elev. gain 3500 ft. 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. Leader: William Needham, 410/884-9127 or Needham82@aol.com.
Sun. Feb. 12. Rated A. DC Lincoln Cottage Hike (Get to Know DC series). Either 3-4 or 6-7 miles. On his birthday, hike the route that President Lincoln took from the White House to his “cottage” on the grounds of the Old Soldier’s Home, with a few detours to recreate greener routes more similar to those that Lincoln took 100+ years ago. We'll also visit Rock Creek and the military Cemeteries. Option to hike 3 mi. one way plus about one mile in the Cemeteries and return by Metro. Meet at 9:30am at the White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave (White House main gate); as you face the White House, we will be toward the left. To reserve a place for an optional 50-minute narrated tour of the inside of the cottage at noon, call 1-800-514-ETIX or go to http://www.lincolncottage.org/visit/tickets.htm. Tickets are $12, plus $1 reservation fee. There is some limited space for walk-ins. Lunch options: in the Visitor center café area, on the grounds of the Cottage (bring your own food) or join a group having lunch at a local restaurant. In the event of snow, ice or extreme cold, please check with a leader before convening. Leaders: Jane Hudson, 240/586-9688 (cell) and Helen Epps, 202/363-1278 (leave message) or hcepps@juno.com.
Sun. Feb. 12 Rated B. Rock Creek - Bethesda to Cleveland Park. About 8 level miles mostly along the Capitol Crescent and scenic Rock Creek Trails. Moderate pace (3 mi/hr). Hike starts at Bethesda Metro Station and ends at Cleveland Park Metro. Return to Bethesda by Metro. This is a joint hike with NVHC. Bring money for the Metro ride. Meet 9am outside the fare gates at Bethesda Metro. Leader: Mike Gingerich, 202/370-7957.
Wed., Feb. 15. 7-8pm, Not Rated. "Hikes in the Washington Region" Talk and Slide Show at REI Baileys Crossroads in Falls Church, VA. Leader emeritus Larry Broadwell will highlight some of the best routes among the 68 covered by three paperback pocket guides he has edited in recent years. He'll focus on changes in the recently released "Part C" booklet on trails in the area bounded by DC, Calvert Cliffs and Gunpowder Falls, written with help from Frank Wodarczyk, William Needham and other leaders from the Sierra Club, Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, and Mountain Club of Maryland. For more information, contact Larry Broadwell at bakpacker1@verizon.net.
Fri-Mon, Feb 17-20. 2012 Ski-Dance Weekend. Laurel Highlands area, PA Lodging Camp Harmony, PA. 28th annual cross-country skiing, contra dancing, and music making. Lots of fun outdoors and indoors in a rustic setting. Dance to live music in the evening by Dave Weisler and the Avant Gardeners. Bring your talents and instruments to share. Lodging dormitory-style at Camp Harmony. Trip begins on Friday evening with an informal potluck supper and dance and ends on Monday with breakfast; 7 meals included. Camp Harmony has over 100 acres available for cross-country skiing, slopes for sledding and several different types of habitat. Laurel Ridge, Laurel Mts. and Forbes State Forest areas are nearby. Check website, www.skidance.com for more information and the registration form. Leader - Bob Mathis, 301/589-7539, talibob@starpower.net. Cost - Adults: $170 for STS/Sierra Club members ($180 non-members); Children ages 3-13: $80; Infants - 2 years: $5.
Sat. Feb. 18. Rated C or D. Fairfax Cross County Trail (Get Fit for Spring/ODH). A flat, go-at-your-own-pace hike along a pleasantly wooded path along Accotink Creek in Fairfax County, with 11- or 15-mi. options. From Wakefield Park in Annandale, both options offer an out-and-back hike to Thaiss Park in Fairfax via the CCT. The longer hike continues two miles south on the CCT to an enchanting overlook of Lake Accotink before returning again to Wakefield. Meet at 9am in front of the Audrey Moore Recreation Center in Wakefield Park, 8100 Braddock Rd, Annandale. The park entrance is the first right turn just west of I-495 Exit 54A, and the Rec. Center is 0.5 mi. down the park road. Leaders: Frank Wodarczyk, fwhiker44@cox.net or 703/569-6737 (before 10pm), and Pat Hopson, 703/379-1795 (9am -10pm).
Sat - Mon. Feb 18-20. Rated H. Advanced Backpacking: Winter Backpacking Trip. Big Schloss in GWNF. Good opportunity to get some experience with winter backpacking. We'll spend the first night in the primitive Wolf Gap Campground at the trailhead. Chance to test out your gear in the cold weather and make any adjustments to your pack. Second night we'll spend in the backcountry near Sugar Knob. Day One is 8.89 mi. with 2700 ft. of elev. gain. Day 2 is 6.95 mi., mostly ridge walking, less elevation change. Trip limited to 10 people. Previous backpacking experience required. We will cancel in the event of bad storms. Contact the leader for details and signup. Leader: Liz Guertin, eguertin@yahoo.comor 202/415-4639 (before 9pm).
Sun. Feb 19. Rated B. Sugarloaf Mountain – Northern Peaks Trail. A scenic 7-mile loop that will take us around the main summit and over several lower peaks. We’ll discuss the history of the area, the concept of Montgomery County’s agricultural reserve and other conservation issues relevant to this region. Meet at East Lot at Sugarloaf at 10am or Shady Grove Metro at 9:15am to carpool. Leader: Ron LaCoss, 301/946-1106 (before 9pm) for information, or ronenviroed@aol.com.
Sat. Feb. 25. Not Rated. Eleventh Annual End of Winter Celebration – Canoeing Antietam Creek. Celebrate end of winter and overcome cabin fever. Practiced novice trip of 12 mi., Class 1-2 whitewater running through Antietam National Battlefield Park. Canoe and life jackets required. Dry bags with clothing change strongly suggested. Cosponsored with Canoe Cruisers Assoc. Monocacy Canoe Club, & Blue Ridge Voyager Canoe Club. Contact Jim Finucane 301/365-3485 (before 9 pm please) or jim.finucane@yahoo.com.
Sat. Feb. 25. Rated E or C. W&OD Trail (Get Fit for Spring/ODH). This is an out-and-back, go-at your-own-pace hike of 17 miles (or do a 12-mile option if training for the 50K on April 28), on paved surfaces, with only a few small inclines, between Vienna and Herndon (or Reston). Meet at 9am in the parking lot of the Vienna Community Center (120 Cherry St. SE, Vienna, VA). Leaders: Gary Kosciusko, 703/765-0306 or NOVAHIKER@cox.net, and Mike Gingerich, 703/370-7957 or mgingerich@gmail.com.
Sun. Feb. 26. Rated C. Potowmack Canal Trail – Great Falls, VA. 9-mile walk in Great Falls Park along Potomac River, south along the River Trail and returning through the Matildaville Ruins. Meet at 9am at the Fairfax Co. Riverbend Park Visitor’s Center. Bring water and lunch. Dress appropriately for weather (think layers). Leader: John MacDowall, 301/963-1993 or jmacdowall@gmail.com.