Northern Virginia is home to diverse hiking clubs, with trail levels applicable to hikers of varying experience. From adventurous trailblazers to families with young children, hikers can make new friends and take in the picturesque views of Northern Virginia and its surrounding region. Hiking clubs are also ideal for those who are nervous about hiking independently - group hikes increase safety, especially during the cold winters.
Types
Chances are, you can easily find a hiking club in Northern Virginia that will suit your style. The Northern Virginia Hiking Club travels to other parts of the country to hike the highest points in the United States, while the NoVa Trail Dogs offers day hikes for those who want an easier jaunt that can include their four-legged friends. Since northern Virginia is located near other regions, such as Washington D.C., hiking clubs tend to attract a diverse array of outdoor enthusiasts, providing everyone with a group that will embrace their interests and skill level.
Combined Excursions
Sometimes, northern Virginia hiking clubs will mix up their routine and pair another activity with a hike. Referring back to the Northern Virginia Hiking Club, which boasts approximately 600 members, they will partake in both the standard day hike, but will also offer backpacking trips, cycling, canoeing, skiing, and white water rafting. Moonlight hiking is also popular with this group, and can be exciting for all members which include everyone from teens to senior citizens. Center Hiking Club is a non-profit group that schedules several different activities almost every weekend of the year. Camping, canoeing and biking is often included with their hike itineraries.
Benefits
Hiking clubs are ideal for a variety of reasons. One main goal is for camaraderie. If "wandering souls" can come alongside others, it can be more emotionally fulfilling than a solo hike. Physical fitness is another aspect of a hiking club that makes it desirable. Those who live in a metropolitan area such as Northern Virginia may find it difficult to exercise after spending all day at the office, on public transportation, or sitting in traffic. A club membership can bring accountability - knowing someone else is counting on them coming to events. Kids and teens living in low-income sections of the D.C. area can also benefit from hiking clubs, which can begin a love for the outdoors and provide them with exploration and intrigue they never thought possible. Finally, safety is a big factor, as a club can give you updates on snow closures, complex trails, and other aspects of outdoor hiking that can be precarious when going solo.
Conservation
Rails to Trails Conservancy does work in Northern Virginia, combining conservation efforts with hiking. Located in Washington D.C., they are continually creating a nationwide network of hiking trails from old rail lines. With over 150,000 members, Northern Virginia residents have the advantage of being able to get involved locally at the main offices of Rail to Trails. Work on conservation, and then enjoy bicycling or hiking with other No Va residents after completion. Most other hiking groups in Virginia also offer environmental opportunities, including the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, which keeps up and improves the trails throughout the region.
Membership
Northern California hiking clubs are open for membership year round. Planned outings tend to slow in the winter months, but you can still join up any time of the year. To join NOVA Trail Dogs, you simply join via Facebook or Meetup, and then pay the $10 membership fee, or $2 per hike. The Northern Virginia Hiking Club arranges membership via a paper application downloaded from their website. Both individual and family memberships are available for under $10 per year, and then members are asked to pitch in for gas money when carpooling.
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