GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT MWROP EVENTS
MWROP 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 MWROP outings, except on outings formally advertised (in this calendar or elsewhere) as being open to pets.
MWROP suggests that each event participant make a $2 donation to help defray MWROP expenses (the organization is wholly self-supporting). Similarly, for events involving a carpool, MWROP suggests each rider pay the driver $0.06 a mile for day trips and $0.07 a mile for canoe and backpacking trips. MWROP 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 MWROP. MWROP leaders and officials shall not be liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to people or property arising from MWROP 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 MWROP 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 MWROP 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 MWROP 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
C&O Canal Cleanup at Edwards Ferry. See Sat. May 11 entry.
On-going. The Sierra Club Inner City Outings (ICO) is looking for outings volunteers. If you are interested, contact Scott Johnson, (585) 738-4413, WashingtonDCICO@gmail.com.
MULTI-DAY EVENTS
Sat. June 21–Sun. June 29. Backpack Great Smoky Mountains. See June listing.
See Future Events at the end of this calendar and go to www.MWROP.org for additional events and details.
HIKE SERIES
Conservation hikes are generally slow-paced, family-friendly walks of 2–7 mi., rated A or B, with an emphasis on the environment. They usually focus on the natural history and conservation problems of the areas they explore. Sometimes a local expert accompanies the MWROP leader.
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.
GPS hikes are led by a veteran user of the satellite-guided Global Positioning System. All hikers are welcome, whether they want to learn more about ways to use this equipment, test their own gear, or just enjoy the walk and watch the electrons play. (See Apr. 27–29, June 7–10 and June 29–July 1 listings.)
Change of Seasons Hikes use the C&O Canal towpath and other trails along the Potomac River to explore what happens to local flora and fauna as we move from one season to the next.
Appalachian Trail Mega-Transect Hikers place motion- and heat-detector-equipped cameras at intervals near the AT and upload digital images to the Smithsonian Institution’s Center for Research and Conservation. There, analysts will review the photos and assess the ranges and relative abundance of predators in the region. Some Sierra outings will include camera checkups and moves, on a schedule to be released in March.
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.
MAY EVENTS
Sat. May 10. Rated B. Old Lorton Prison Area. Join us on a historic 7 mi. moderately paced hike along Fairfax Cross County Trail (CCT) and recently opened Giles Run Meadow–Laurel Hills Park in Fairfax, VA. Bring lunch and water. A joint hike with PATC. Meet at 9:30 am at 8400 Lorton Rd., Lorton, VA, in Giles Run Meadow parking lot. Leaders: Henri Comeau, hencom75@msn.com, and Frank Wodarczyk, fwhiker44@cox.net or 703/569-6737 (before 9:30 pm).
Sat. May 10. Rated B. Midtown Manhattan. This 8 mi. hike with negligible elevation gain in Midtown Manhattan will pass many New York City icons. See http://snipr.com/nycmt for more information. Call leader for reservations and details. Leader: Mike Gingerich, 2023707957@grandcentral.com or 202/370-7957.
Sat. May 10. Rated D. Thompson Wildlife Management Area (Conservation Hike). This is one of the best hikes for viewing beautiful wildflowers and forests. Hike/stroll a loop of approx. 7 or 8 miles that will focus on the wildflowers and trees of the Virginia forests; 2800 ft. elev. change. We may encounter fishermen, waterfowl, shore birds, many songbirds; and numerous species of trees, shrubs and rare wildflowers. Meet at 9 am at Vienna Metro north parking lot or at 10 am at Thompson WMA fishing pond. Leaders: Bruce Baraniak, 540/347-6888 or 540/514-5557, and Marcia Wolf, 301/565-3165 (before 9 pm) or wolfmk@comcast.net.
Sat. May 10. Rated H. Central SNP: Conway River and Pocosin Hollow. This 16 mi. hike will ascend Conway River Trail to the AT, proceed south over Bear Fence Mountain with excellent 360 degree views of the Blue Ridge, then return via the Pocosin Trail; 3500 ft. elev. gain. Moderate pace with stops for flora and fungi of interest. To carpool, meet at 7:30 am at Oakton Shopping Center. Inexperienced hikers call for hiker requirements. Joint event with PATC. Leader: William Needham, 410/884-9127 or needham82@aol.com.
Sun., May 11. Not Rated. Edwards Ferry Cleanup. We need help! We’ll be working to clear out a lot of riverborne debris around milepost 30 of the towpath, and there’s quite a lot so the more people, the merrier. We’ll work until noon, then (optional) have lunch at Bassett’s in nearby Poolesville, MD. Leaders will supply trash bags; please bring your own work gloves. Meet at 9 am at Edwards Ferry; driving directions at www.mwrop.org/directions but please contact one of the leaders so they will know how many people to expect. Leaders: Pat Hopson, 703/379-1795 (9 am–10 pm), and Carol Ivory, carolivory@verizon.net.
Sun. May 11. Not Rated. AT Trail Work in Northern SNP. We’ll work on a section of the AT for a couple of hours and then do a circuit hike down Rose River Canyon for a picnic and possible swim. Leader: Jim Finucane, 301/365-3485 (before 9 pm) or jim.finucane@yahoo.com.
Tues. May 13. Rated H+. Central SNP: Three Big Peaks Circuit (Vigorous Hike). From White Oak Canyon parking lot, we’ll climb up Cedar Run to Hawksbill Summit, on to Stony Man via AT, down Old Rag Fire Road to Robertson Mtn. Trail, up and over Robertson, and complete the loop via Weakley and Berry Hollow fire roads; 17 mi. with 5500 ft. elev. gain. Ref: PATC Map 10. Leader: Bob Livezey, 301/320-4679 or bobbilbo@msn.com.
Sat. May 17. Rated B. C&O Canal and Potomac River Trails (Change of Seasons). This 9 mi. out and back along river trails mixed with segments of the C&O Canal Towpath will explore the most sensual month as “April showers bring May flowers.” Trees and birds and even toadstools join in. Friendly dogs can bring their owners, and all should bring a good lunch for a riverside interlude. Midpoint is Carderock Recreation Area, which has (f)lush facilities. Meet at 9:30 am at the pedestrian bridge over Minnehaha Creek at corner of Glen Echo Park’s parking lot (same location as Clara Barton National Historic Site/House) where MacArthur Blvd. meets Goldsboro Rd. Leader: Dave Burd, 703/998-9390 or dave.burd@verizon.net.
Sat. May 17. Rated B. Pohick and South Run Valley Stream Parks. Enjoy spring flowers with a 10mi. one-way hike at a moderate pace following the scenic water flow from Mercer and Burke Lakes toward Chesapeake Bay. For more on the bay watershed, visit www.chesapeakebay.net. To find out what a watershed is, go to http://www.co.fairfax.va.us/dpwes/watersheds/whatis.htm. Bring water and lunch but no pets. Meet at 9:30 am in cul de sac nearest 78700 Creekside View Ln, Springfield, VA. Joint event with PATC. Leaders: Henri Comeau, HenCom75@msn.com, and Frank Wodarczyk, 703/569-6737 or fwhiker44@cox.net
Sat. May 17. Rated F or D. Maryland Heights & Harpers Ferry. [New] Scale the Heights of Maryland and spend quality time in picturesque Harpers Ferry. We'll visit the often overlooked treasures of the place, including Virginius Island, the Stone Fort, the Appalachian Trail, Jefferson Rock, St Peter's Church, Harper Cemetery, and Storer College, many of which afford spectacular views, and wander around the historic part of town. The hike is about 11 miles long and 4100 feet of elevation change, although you can reduce this to 8 miles and 3200 feet by spending more time enjoying the view from the overlook cliffs. Bring a bag lunch and at least two quarts of water; more, if it's hot. Well behaved dogs may bring along their owners if accompanied on a leash. We'll meet at 8:45 am at the Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro station's open-sky Park & Ride lot in back of the garage, and be gone by 9:01 am. Leader: Mike Darzi, 301/580-9387 or michael.darzi@saic.com.
Sun. May 18. Rated B. Hike DC Trails to St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Then Eat (Get to Know DC). This 6–7 mi. hike on various trails and several streets in Northwest DC stops about a mile from the end of the hike for food and dancing (if the Greek band is playing) at St. Sophia's annual spring festival. Learn how much of DC you can traverse on forested trails. Meet at 10 am at trailhead of Glover Archbold Park on Van Ness Street NW, about 100 yd. west of Wisconsin Ave. and half a mile south of the Tenleytown Metro station (red line). Leader: Helen Epps, 202/363-1278 (leave message).
Tues. May 20. Rated H. Central SNP: Corbin Mt/Hannah Run (Vigorous Hike). This circuit begins by ascending Nicholson Hollow Trail, turns onto Corbin Mountain Trail to Indian Run Trail to Corbin Mountain Cutoff Trail, then turns north onto the AT, and finally descends via Hannah Run Trail; about 16 mi. with 3500 ft. of ascent. Ref: PATC Map 10. Leader: Carol Parker, 703/819-8332 (before 9 pm) or c.christensen@comcast.net.
Sat. May 24. Rated B. Rock Creek Park, Maryland Style (Get to Know DC). Explore the beauty of Rock Creek Park in Maryland. We'll visit the National Park Seminary, the Audubon Society, and the Washington D.C. Mormon Temple. Bring water and lunch. Meet at 10 am at the parking lot entrance to the Forest Glen Metro (red line). Leader: Jane Hudson, 301/589-8708 or janedc2002@yahoo.com.
Sunday, May 25, Rated C. Bull Run Mountain. About 9 miles; A stimulating upward trek cresting with cool mountain breezes for lunch on the gigantic White Rocks' Boulders offering spectacular views looking west to the Blue Ridge (close-by soaring hawks and/or vultures watching us eat). We take regrowth oak/hickory forest trails, and see historic quarry sites. Meet at 9:00 am at Starbucks (next to Giant Supermarket), at Oakton Shopping Center, Rt. 123, Vienna, Virginia. Leader: Dave Burd, 703-998-9390; email dburd26@hotmail.com.
Tue. May 27. Rated D. Great Falls Area in Maryland (Vigorous Hike). This circuit will take Billy Goat Trails A, B, and C, go out to the Mather Gorge overlook, continue on to River Tr., and return on the Gold Mine Loop trail; about 15 mi. Leader: Mike Moran, 703/281-4630 or mjm.9406@cox.net.
Sat. May 31. Rated B. Accotink Bay Wildlife Refuge. Encounter a variety of wildlife habitats on this 8 mi., easy- to moderately paced land-side exploration of the Refuge at Fort Belvoir. Along the way, we’ll discuss what the U.S. Army has been doing in its role as steward for the refuge. Hike limited to 25 people; long trousers recommended. We’ll meet at 8:30 am. Contact leader by May 29 for reservations, directions and/or carpool arrangements. Leader: Gary Kosciusko, 703/765-0306.
Sat. May 31. Rated H. Harpers Ferry. View confluence of Potomac and Shenandoah rivers from Loudoun Heights and Maryland Heights on this three-state hike of about 16 miles with 3000 ft. climb. To carpool, meet at 7:30 am at Shady Grove Metro station, old parking garage, lower level, near Garage Office sign. Leader: Russ Norfleet, 703/294-6068 or russnorfleet@verizon.net.
Sun. May 31. Rated B. National Arboretum (Get to Know DC). Leisurely paced and riot-of-color educational hike that will show off an exotic mix of native and foreign blooming plants such as mountain laurels, Chinese dogwoods, Satsuki azaleas, Ashe magnolias, fringe-trees, peonies, lilies, antique roses, viburnums, and herbs galore—beneath a canopy of tall trees and blue sky. Other sights will include the new Flowering Tree Walk, a special exhibit of azaleas trained as bonsai, and a demonstration of the art of making tussie-mussies. We’ll do two separate loops of roughly 3.6 mi. each. To do first loop or both, meet at 10 am in the main parking lot just inside the arboretum’s R Street entrance; to do second loop only, be there by 12:30 pm. Call for driving directions or if carless. Leashed pets and accompanied children are welcome. Joint event with AMC/DC. Leaders: Paul Elliott, 703/256-6351, and Frank Wodarczyk 703/569-6737 (before 10 pm).
Sat. May 31. Not Rated. Scouting Trip by Canoe for Seneca Creek Cleanup Project. See June 14 entry for details. Leader: Jim Finucane 301/365-3485 (before 9 pm) or jim.finucane@yahoo.com.
JUNE EVENTS
Sun. June 1. Rated E. Northern SNP: Little Devils Stairs. This is a steep and scenic, moderately paced 9 mi. loop with 2000 ft. of elev. gain. We’ll hike up a beautiful gorge, crossing the stream many times. Some rock scrambling required. To carpool, meet at 8:30 am at the Vienna Metro station’s north parking lot. Leader: Janet Conley, jconley333@yahoo.com or 202/758-2355 (before 10 pm), and Ray Evert, hikerdude22@msn.com or 703/893-3792 (before 9 pm).
Sun. June 1. Rated B. Rock Creek Park. Explore the beauty of Rock Creek Park in the spring. Kids who can walk 7+ miles on relatively level terrain are welcome. Bring water and a snack. Meet at 1 pm at Rock Creek Nature Center (Military Rd. and Oregon Ave. NW). Leader: Jim Finucane 301/365-3485 (before 9 pm) or jim.finucane@yahoo.com.
Tues. June 3. Rated H. Northern SNP: Big Devils Stairs (Vigorous Hike). This circuit includes the AT between Jenkins Gap and Gravel Springs Gap and a descent to the depths of Big Devils Stairs; about 16 mi. with 3500 ft. of ascent. Leader: Dave Green, 703/536-5189 or dkgreenva@hotmail.com.
Sat. June 7. Rated A. Tree ID Hike: River Bend Park. Bring your field guides and see how many trees you can identify. Discuss unique features of trees along the Potomac River. Meet at the visitor’s center at 9 am. From Riverbend Road turn right on Jeffery Road and follow for approximately 1 mile to the park entrance. Leader: Carol Ivory, carolivory@verizon.net or 703/476-8730.
Sat. June 7. Not Rated. Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area. Actively celebrate National Trails Day by joining other volunteers to spend the morning doing trailwork on this Bureau of Land Management (BLM) property located on VA’s Northern Neck, about 20 miles south of the Capital Beltway. As Meadowood’s Jeff McCusker says, this is “a great way to get some outdoor exercise, work in some beautiful settings, learn some new skills, and make a contribution to your public lands that will benefit the community.” At noon, we’ll down tools, enjoy a BLM-supplied lunch, and then have the option of doing a short hike without having to use our arms. Joint event with AMC/DC. Contact the leader for details, including carpooling from Alexandria. Leader: Paul Elliott, 703/256-6351.
Sat. June 7. Not Rated. Scouting Trip by Canoe for Seneca Creek Cleanup Project for 2008. See June 14 entry for details. Leader: Jim Finucane 301/365-3485 (before 9 pm) or jim.finucane@yahoo.com.
Sun. June 8. Rated B. C&O Canal Towpath and Carderock Picnic. Enjoy an open-to-all and lovely spring outing on the scenic stretch of the Potomac River shoreline between Carderock and Great Falls by doing this out-and-back hike of up to 10 mi. We’ll start at 9:30 am and finish by noon, with each of us choosing our own pace and distance. Then we’ll have the traditional and optional potluck picnic and cookout to celebrate this year’s One Day Hike to Harpers Ferry by bringing together ODH veterans and volunteers, along with the curious and ambitious destined to do the hike next year. Call for details, driving directions, or if carless. Leaders: Paul Elliott, 703/256-6351, and Gary Kosciusko, 703/650-306.
Tues. June 10. Rated H+. Northern Virginia AT: Roller Coaster (Vigorous Hike). We'll use an easy car shuttle to do ups and downs from Snickers Gap to Ashby Gap; 14 mi. with 4000 ft. elev. gain. Ref: PATC Map 8. Leader: Bob Livezey, 301/320-4679 or bobbilbo@msn.com.
Sat. June 14. Rated B. Manassas Battlefield. Travel the battlefield of the 1st Battle of Manassas for a 6-mile loop. Easy walk with relatively level terrain. Meet at 10 am at the Manassas Battlefield Visitor Center (on Rte. 234 just north of Rte. 66); $3 park fee. Leader: Pam Wilkie, 703/263-3139 (before 9pm).
Sat. June 14. Rated H. GWNF: Great North Mountain. This 17 mi. circuit hike will start at Waite's Run and proceed up the Pond Run Trail to The Tuscarora Trail, completing the circuit through Vance Cove; elev. gain 4000 ft. Moderate pace with stops for flora and fungi of interest. To carpool, meet at 7:30 am at Oakton Shopping Center. Inexperienced hikers call for hiker requirements. Joint event with PATC. Leader: William Needham, 410/884-9127 or needham82@aol.com.
Sat. June 14. Not Rated. Seneca Creek Cleanup by Canoe. Join Sierras and volunteers from other environmental organizations to clean up Seneca Creek from Seneca Creek State Park (near Montgomery Village) to the mouth of the Seneca Creek,where it empties into the Potomac River. We will cut out major logs, take out smaller branches, and de-trash this beautiful nearby creek (full of wildlife) to make it canoe accessible over this stretch. A picnic celebration will follow. Leader: Jim Finucane, 301/365-3485 (before 9 pm) or jim.finucane@yahoo.com.
Sun. June 15. Rated C. Get to Know the Inner Harbor of Baltimore. Explore historical Baltimore and learn about conservation efforts in the Inner Harbor/Chesapeake Bay by hiking around the inner harbor from the Korean War Memorial to Ft. McHenry. We'll take a water taxi ride back to the Korean War Memorial. Bring water and lunch. To carpool, meet at 8:30 am at the Grovesnor/Strathmore Metro (red line). Leader: Jane Hudson, 301/589-8708 or janedc2002@yahoo.com.
Sun. June 15. Rated A (hike only). Lands and Waters of American Chestnut Land Trust: Hike, Paddle, or Do Both. We’ll start with a moderately paced hike of about 5 mi. on the ACLT’s hilly and wooded North Side property overlooking Parkers Creek in Calvert Co., MD. Then, after lunch, there will be a by-reservation-only and educational two-hour canoe/kayak trip on the creek, which is the last remaining undeveloped tributary on Chesapeake Bay’s western shore. Call the leader for details, boat reservations ($10 donation requested; boat availability limited), carpooling options, and optional meeting places and times (including for the hike only). Joint event with AMC/DC. Leader: Paul Elliott, 703/256-6351.
Tue. June 17. Rated H. Central SNP: Old Rag and Robertson Mountains (Vigorous Hike). We’ll ascend Old Rag Ridge Trail, descend Saddle Trail to Weakley Hollow, then go up Robertson Mountain to the ridge. Our return will be via Corbin Mountain and Nicholson Trail; about 15 mi. and 4000 ft. climb. Leader: Mike Moran, 703/281-4630 or mjm.9406@cox.net.
Sat. June 21–Sun. June 29 (tentative dates, dependent on permit availability). Not Rated. Backpack in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Total distance 60 mi. Leader: Ted Fryberger, 410/312-2982 (before 9:30 pm) or tkfryberger@comcast.net.
Sat. June 21. Rated D. Cedarville State Forest. Brandywine, MD. Circuit hike from headwaters of state’s largest freshwater swamp, the Zekiah, former CCC camp; lake, bald cypress, and pitcher plant; 14 miles with minimal elev. change. To carpool, meet at 8 am at Huntington Metro Station, Kings Highway parking lot. Leader: Russ Norfleet, 703/294-6068 or russnorfleet@verizon.net.
Sat. June 21. Rated A. Hike & Ride Outing #2: Lake Accotink Park. This event will start with a leisurely, all-ages circuit hike of 5 mi. in the woodlands around a lovely 70-acre lake in wilds of Springfield, VA. Highlights en route will include nature- and history-related stops and the story of the park’s role in the earning of a Darwin Award. After lunch at the marina (bring or buy), it’ll be time to go riding on the park’s 1920’s Herschell carousel—and to learn about carousels and their long-ago role in training cavalrymen. Leashed dogs are welcome (on hike only), as are accompanied children. Meet at 10 am at the marina. Call for driving directions or if carless. Joint event with AMC/DC. Leaders: Paul Elliott, 703/256-6351, and Helen Epps, 202/363-1278 (leave message).
Sun. June 22. Leader’s Choice. Moderate hike (rated D, E, or F) of 8–12 miles, with significant elevation change and beautiful overlooks. Check back on web site (www.mwrop.org) by June 8 to see possibly surprising choice that so-far-indecisive leader has made. Leader: Mike Darzi, 301/580-9387 or michael.darzi@saic.com.
Tues. June 24. Rated H. Central SNP: Rose River Fire Road (Vigorous Hike). This circuit begins with ascent of Rose River Fire Road to Rose River Loop Trail and then to the AT at Fishers Gap. From there, we'll go south on the AT to Lewis Falls Trail, cross the AT to descend Rapidan Fire Road , follow Dark Hollow Falls Trail to Rose River Fire Road , and finish by going back down Rose River Fire Road; about 18 mi. with 4300 ft. elev. changes. Leader: Tom Kloster, 304/535-2576 or twk07@comcast.net.
Sat. June 28. Rated B. Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail in Great Falls Park, VA. Enjoy a 5 mi. afternoon roundtrip hike on most of the short stretch of the PHNST that lies within this scenic riverside park. From the park visitor center, we’ll go down the steep canyon of Mather Gorge to the historic Potowmack Canal before returning past the most spectacular waterfall in the mid-Atlantic region. Arrive early to participate in the park’s Potomac Heritage Trailfest festivities (see below under Events Sponsored by Affiliates and other Organizations). Meet at 2 pm at the visitor center ramp near the snack bar. Joint event with AMC/DC. Leader: Glenn Gillis, 703/430-0568 or glennpotomacfalls@yahoo.com.
Sat. June 28. Rated B. The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail in Riverbend and Great Falls Parks, VA. [New] Enjoy a 6 mi. morning-plus hike that’ll take you the hilly inland way from Riverbend Park’s former nature center to the falls overlooks near the visitor center in Great Falls Park and then take you back to the trailhead on a gorgeous riverbank segment of the PHNST, with possible sightings of the eagles that nest on Cobb Island. Also, pause on the way back at Riverbend’s visitor center to participate in the Potomac Heritage Trailfest festivities (see below under Events Sponsored by Affiliates and other Organizations). Meet at 9 am at the Riverbend nature center. Call for directions or if carless. Joint event with AMC/DC. Leader: Paul Elliott, 703/256-6351.
Sun. June 29. Rated B. Greenwell State Park and Sotterly Plantation. Venture forth to St. Mary’s Co. in southern MD to do a moderately paced 9 mi. hike in a nonmountainous 500-acre state park on the banks of the lower Patuxent River. You can expect good trails and views and many birds and wildflowers to please or baffle you. After the hike, we’ll make an optional and educational visit to nearby Sotterly Plantation’s 95 redolent-of-history riverfront acres (a national historic landmark, as you can learn at http://www.sotterley.com). Possible dinner stop on return trip. Joint event with AMC/DC. Leader: Paul Ellott, 703-256-6351.
EVENTS SPONSORED BY AFFILIATES AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
The following events are not run by MWROP. Neither MWROP 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.
Sat. June 28. Potomac Heritage Trailfest. You’re invited to help celebrate the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail at a trailfest extravaganza in Northern VA that will take place along the Potomac River at Algonkian Regional Park, Riverbend Park, and Great Falls Park between 9 am and 4 pm. The event will include hiking, biking, canoeing, and horseback riding trips, with each of the three parks also offering its own special program array, including a variety of family-oriented activities and also an REI-presented environmental expo and related activities. Food and drinks also will be available.The trailfest is being sponsored by REI and the Potomac Heritage Trail Association (PHTA), with the support of the National Park Service, Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority, and Fairfax County Park Authority. Among the dozen other participating outdoors organizations are the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, the Piedmont Environmental Council, the Potomac Conservancy, the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Washington, DC Chapter, the Canoe Cruisers Association, the Great Falls Trail Blazers, the MORE biking club, and the Sierra Club’s MWROP (see above for MWROP’s Trailfest hikes). For more information, contact the event coordinator and visit the PHTA’s website www.potomactrail.org. Event coordinator: Glenn Gillis, 703/430-0568 or glennpotomacfalls@yahoo.com.
Tuesday Evening Canoe and Kayak Lessons and Picnic. The canoe class will start on Tues, June 3, and continue every Tuesday through Aug. 26. Join any of these 6:30–8:00 pm classes on the C&O Canal at Fletcher’s Boat House. Fletcher's Boat House is off Canal Road about one mile below Chain Bridge in NW DC. (Note: Canal road is one way going west out of Georgetown from 3–7 pm weekdays). The class covers kayaking/canoeing at all levels. Bring food to share at the post-class potluck picnic. Cost for canoe, paddle, life jacket, and lessons is $4/person. Kids most welcome and free. For more information, contact Jim Finucane, 301/365-3485 (before 9 pm) or jim.finucane@yahoo.com.
FUTURE EVENTS
Sat. Aug. 24–Sun. Sep. 7. Not Rated. Backpack on the Continental Divide Trail in Glacier National Park and Waterton Lakes National Park. See details on this page. Total distance: 94 mi. Leader: Ted Fryberger, 410/312-2982 (before 9:30 pm) or tkfryberger@comcast.net.
Fri.–Mon. Aug. 29–Sep. 1. Not Rated. Natural Wonders of Eastern West Virginia. Using moderate (rated C–E) day hikes (no backpacking), we’ll explore natural wonders of eastern West Virginia: Blackwater River Canyon, Blackwater Falls, Dolly Sods or Otter Creek Wildernesses, Seneca Rocks, Spruce Knob, and Sinks of Gandy, among others. We’ll stay in fully furnished and equipped (not rustic!) vacation cabins of beautiful Blackwater Falls State Park. No kids or pets. Limited space available, so you must reserve early. Contact leaders for information about logistics and trip options. Leaders: Mike Darzi, 301/593-4551 or michael.darzi@saic.com, and Marjorie Richman, 301/770-3608 (until 9 pm).
Fri.–Sun. Oct. 10–12. Not Rated. Outdoor Leadership 101 and 201 Training. Check future calendars and www.mwrop.org for more on this regional training event, hosted by Sierra Club PRO and sponsored by the National Training Department of the Sierra Club.