Celebrating
Our
79th
Year / CAPITAL HIKING CLUB
Summer 2016 Schedule
June, July, August, and early September 2016

ReservationsCapital Hiking Club is a non-profit group, and the public is invited to join on all trips. We are set up to take prepaid reservations for our bus hikes on CHC's Meetup site: If contacting hike leaders during the week of the hike, please call prior to 9:30 p.m. As a courtesy to others, please let us know if you must cancel, as early as possible (see posted refund policy), to give another hiker the chance to join the hike.

DeparturesBus leaves from 16th and I Streets, NW, at 8:00 a.m. (VERY limited parking) Additional pick-up points are as follows:

MD Bus / VA Bus
Wisconsin Avenue and Woodley Road / Rosslyn – Key Bridge Marriott Hotel Bus Stop
Friendship Heights Metro, Western Avenue exit / Vienna Metro – North Lot, Bus Bay F (free parking)
Bethesda Metro (by reservation only) / (Nutley St. exit off Interstate 66)
Grosvenor Metro (free parking) / Centreville Commuter Lot (by reservation only)

Cost, what to wear,

what to bringTransportation costs are listed for each hike. Bring sufficient food and water for a day's outing in a day pack or fanny pack with individual First Aid articles, a whistle, and extra clothing according to the season. Sturdy boots or shoes are a necessity. It is recommended to carry 8 oz. of water per mile to be hiked. Gatorade or other electrolyte replacement drinks are also recommended. For more information, visit our website and refer to our Frequently Asked Questions at

LiabilityHikers are responsible for their own safety and must assume risks and liability for all outings. CHC leaders, officers, and representatives shall not be liable for any injuries, loss or damage to persons or property, direct or consequential, arising out of any trips or Club activities. Hikers are expected to be able to keep a 2 mph pace.

Membership$10.00 per year. See CHC’s Meetup site to join and for more information.

Club Officers
President
Web Admin/Publicity
Membership
Treasurer
Trails Director
Hike Leader Coordinator
Technology Officer
Secretary
Archivist
TrainingSpecial Events / Andy Bily
Bao Le (incoming)
Pat Holobaugh
AllaDoroshko
Brian O’Konski
Lorraine Ettaro
Andy Bily (acting)
Fabiola Anzola
Joe Sendry
Vickie Soderberg /








/ 703/836-0065
301/530-8633
301/908-2637
301/816-0631
202/362-2982
412/302/8938
703/836-0065
213/595-6279
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Our hike descriptions are written by long-time CHC member Bill Miller.

Sat., June 11, 2016: C&O Canal Towpath: Hancock to Fort Frederick, MDPark Map / MD Bus

$23 (nonmembers $28). Long hike: 11½ mi. Moderate hike: 8 mi. Both with minimal elevation change.June will be bustin’ out all over on this leg-stretcher on a scenic section of the canal’s upper reaches. We’ll hit the Towpath near the historic train station at Hancock, MD, and, with the Potomac River as a companion, traipse eastbound to Licking Creek Aqueduct, the biggest aqueduct on the canal and a 19th Century engineering marvel. Moderate hikers stop there; long hikers continue on the Towpath to Fort Frederick, a restored French & Indian War fort.Leaders: Joe Sendry and Vickie S. vrsode<at>gmail.com

Fri., June 17, 2016: Moonlight Hike, C&O Canal Towpath, Great Falls, MDMeet at parking lot across from Old Angler’s Inn by 8:30 p.m. 4 miles,level.Leaders: Sarah S. and and Susan Klein 703/399-4317

Sat., June 18, 2016: Bluff Trail / Big Devil Stairs / AT, Shenandoah Nat’l Park, VAPATC Map 9 / VA Bus

$23 (nonmembers $28) + park fee/pass. Long hike: 12 mi., 2700 ft. ascent, 1700 ft. descent. Moderate hike: 9 mi., 1700 ft. ascent, 1300 ft. descent.Mountain laurel may still be in late bloom on this high-elevation Capital favorite in Shenandoah’s North District. Starting at Jenkins Gap on the Skyline Drive, we’ll traverse North Marshall Mtn. in a southward trek on the Mt. Marshall and Bluff Trails. After a few miles we’ll make an out-and-back side trip on the Big Devil Stairs Trail to a rocky overlook to view the Stairs, one of the Park’s premier attractions. We’ll then resume on the Bluff Trail to Gravel Springs Gap, where the moderate hike ends. Long hikers join the Appalachian Trail and follow it southbound to Big Hogback Overlook.

Leaders:Josh Silverman betula54<a>msn.com and Jeff jeff.oser<a>gmail.com

Sat., June 18, 2016: Full Moon Hike – Washington, DCMeet across from Mall exit of the Smithsonian Metro Station by 8:00 p.m.

4 miles, level.Leaders: Danielle F. and Fabiola fanzola<at>yahoo.com

Sat., June 25, 2016: AT: Keys Gap / Loudoun Heights / Harpers Ferry, WV/MDPATC Map 7 / MD Bus

$23 (nonmembers $28). Long hike: 12½ mi., 1600 ft. ascent, 2200 ft. descent. Moderate hike: 9½ mi., 1000 ft. ascent, 1600 ft. descent.Our first hike of official summer, and it’s a good one! We’ll start at Keys Gap on Rt. 7 with a northbound jaunt on the Appalachian Trail atop the Blue Ridge crest to Loudoun Heights. There long hikers veer off to follow the blue and orange trails to Split Rock and its iconic view of Harpers Ferry and the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers. After absorbing the view, they return to the AT and follow the moderate hikers through the historic section of Harpers Ferry and on to Weverton beside the raging Potomac River.

Leaders: Alberto D. 202/716-1130 and Andy andybily<at>yahoo.com

Sat., July 2, 2016: Jeremys Run, Shenandoah National Park, VAPATC Map 9 / VA Bus

$23 members (nonmembers $28) + park fee/pass. Long hike: 11 mi., 2200 ft. ascent, 700 ft. descent. Moderate hike: 7½ mi., 1800 ft. ascent, 300 ft. descent.For remote backcountry hiking, it doesn’t get any better than this! We return to Shenandoah’s North District for a long, gradual ascent of the idyllic Jeremys Run Trail, starting at Rt. 611 on the west side of the Blue Ridge. Our route crosses the babbling stream, strewn with moss-covered boulders, 13 times en route to the Knob Mtn. Cutoff Trail, which long hikers ascend to the Knob Mtn. ridge crest and then follow the Knob Mtn. and Elkwallow Trails to Elkwallow Wayside on the Skyline Drive. Moderate hikers continue on the Jeremys Run Trail and reach the wayside after a short stint on the Appalachian Trail.

Leaders: Sanjeev odospamkill<at>gmail.com and Mitch Baer 703/278-9358

Sat., July 9, 2016: Conestoga Trail, PA Park Map / MD Bus

$23 members (nonmembers $28). Long hike: Up to 9 mi., 1800 ft. ascent, 1700 ft. descent. Moderate hike: 5 mi., 1400 ft. ascent, 1300 ft. descent.Looking for something new? This hike may be for you, for the Conestoga Trail, a little-known jewel through a hilly, woodsy part of Pennsylvania Dutch Country is off the radar screen of most D.C. hikers. Here’s your chance to sample some of its 63 miles as we return for a southbound ramble on the trail from Pequea. We’ll pass Wind Cave and House Rock (great view of the Susquehanna River!) on our way to picturesque Tucquan Glen, then continue to the Conservancy parking area. From there, long hikers log extra mileage with a roundtrip hike in the Conservancy. (Note: this hike is more difficult than the above statistics indicate.)

Leaders: Brian O’Konski 202/362-2982 and Pat 301/908-2637

Fri., July 15, 2016: Moonlight Hike, C&O Canal Towpath, Great Falls, MDMeet at parking lot across from Old Angler’s Inn by 8:30 p.m.

4 miles, level.Leaders: [2 leaders needed; please contact lrest3<a>pitt.edu to volunteer to lead]

Sat., July 16, 2016: AT: Hazeltop/BearfenceMtn/Lewis Mtn Picnic Area, Shenandoah Nat’l Park, VA PATC Map 10/VA Bus

$23 (nonmembers $28) + park fee/pass. Long hike: 10½ mi., 1800 ft. ascent, 2200 ft. descent. Moderate hike: 7½ mi., 1500 ft. ascent, 1600 ft. descent.There’s no cooler place around in July than the Appalachian Trail atop the Blue Ridge. We head there today for a breezy, southbound hike on the Appalachian Trail in Shenandoah’s Central District, starting at Tanner Ridge Overlook on the Skyline Drive and taking us over one of the highest parts of the park. We’ll cross 3,812-ft. Hazeltop Mtn. and stop at Bearfence Mtn. for its 360-degree panoramic view, where you also can join a fun, optional rock scramble over its summit-ridge boulders. Moderate hikers end at the Lewis Mtn. Picnic Area; long hikers continue to the Pocosin area and theOaks Overlook.

Leaders: [2 leaders needed; please contact lrest3<a>pitt.edu to volunteer to lead]

Sat., July 23, 2016: Calvert Cliffs State Park / Flag Ponds / MD – SWIMPark Maps / MD Bus

$23 (nonmembers $28). Two routes totaling 9 mi., 800 ft. ascent/descent. Short cuts available.Added attraction! Calvert Cliffs State Park, whose limestone cliffs are a famous landmark of the Chesapeake Bay and the State of Maryland, long has been a popular Capital destination. But today we add a new attraction to the outing: a visit to nearby Flag Ponds Nature Park. We’ll go to Flag Ponds first for a circuit hike, and then proceed to Calvert Cliffs for another circuit. During our latter hike, we’ll observe wildlife in the park’s numerous marshes and spend time at the beach below the cliffs, where we’ll examine fossils imbedded in the limestone rocks (including prehistoric shark teeth) and enjoy a swim in the bay. Leaders: Pat 301/908 2637 and Stephanie Allgaier 301/530-8633

Sat., July 30, 2016: Sherman Gap /Elizabeth Furnace /Massanutten Mountains, GWNF, VA PATC Map G / VA Bus

$23 (nonmembers $28). Long hike: 10½ mi., 2400 ft. ascent, 2200 ft. descent. Moderate hike: 6 mi., 1600 ft. ascent, 1400 ft. descent.

The upper end of the rugged MassanuttenMtns. offers some of the best hiking in George Washington National Forest. A maze of trails beckon, and we’ll cover several of them today on our route that starts on Rt. 613 on the east side of Massanutten Mtn. We’ll first ascend the Sherman Gap Trail to the ridgeline, then take the Botts Trail to Elizabeth Furnace. Long hikers add a loop on the Tuscarora, Sidewinder, and Mudhole Gap Trails. Leaders: Mary mary.zell<at>gmail.com and Ade Sawyer adeamsawyer<at>gmail.com

Sat., Aug. 6, 2016: AT: Elkwallow Gap / Hogback Mountain, SNP, VAPATC Map 9 / VA Bus

$23 (nonmembers $28) + park fee/pass. Long hike: 10½ mi., 2800 ft. ascent, 1800 ft. descent. Moderate hike: 6 mi., 1800 ft. ascent, 800 ft. descent.Escape D.C.’s August steambathin Shenandoah’s North District. Our northbound excursion on the Appalachian Trail starts at theThornton River trailhead on the Skyline Drive and follows the view-filled trail through Elkwallow Gap. Moderate hikers end at Big Hogback Overlook, while long hikers add a loop on the Sugarloaf Trail, Pole Bridge Link Trail, Keyser Run Fire Rd., and the AT.

Leaders: Sanjeev odospamkill <at> gmail.com, 571-353-4975 and Marika O.marika.oliff<at>gmail.com

Fri., Aug. 12, 2016: Moonlight Hike, C&O Canal Towpath, Great Falls, MDMeet at parking lot across from Old Angler’s Inn by 8:30 p.m. 4 miles, level.Leaders: Sarah S. and [please contact lrest3<a>pitt.edu to volunteer to lead]

Sat., Aug. 13, 2016: Kennedy Peak / Massanutten Mountains, GWNF, VAPATC Map G / VA Bus

$23 (nonmembers $28). Long hike: 11½ mi., 2800 ft. ascent/descent. Moderate hike: 9½ mi., 2300 ft. ascent/descent.The stunning view from the lookout tower atop Kennedy Peak highlights this oft-repeated gem in George Washington National Forest. Starting at Camp Roosevelt, we’ll ascend the Stephens Trail to its junction with the Massanutten Trail. There moderate hikers turn south on the Massanutten Trail to the tower, ogle the view, and continue on the trail back to Camp Roosevelt. Long hikers turn north at the junction and follow the Massanutten Trail northbound along the Massanutten Mtn. ridgeline before returning to the junction and following the route of the moderate hikers over Kennedy Peak. Leaders: Anne Taylor 240/687-0884 or attraveler30<at>gmail.com and Rick W.

Sat., Aug. 20, 2016: Riprap Hollow / Swimming Hole, Shenandoah Natl Park, VAPATC Map 11 / VA Bus

$23 (nonmembers $28) + park fee/pass. Long hike: 10 mi., 2400 ft. ascent, 2400 ft. descent. Moderate hike: 7 mi., 2000 ft. ascent, 1700 ft. descent.This strikingly beautiful hike in Shenandoah’s rocky, uncrowded South District has everything: inspiring vistas from Calvary and Chimney Rocks, picturesque Cold Spring Canyon, a tumbling waterfall, a narrow box canyon, one of the park’s few stands of rhododendron, and a swim. Moderate hikers start at the Riprap Trail parking area on the Skyline Drive and briefly take the Appalachian Trail northbound before descending the Riprap Trail. We’ll pause for views at the rocks and later for a dip in the swimming hole, then climb the Wildcat Ridge Trail to Moormans River Overlook. Long hikers make a circuit from Moormans River Overlook, then head north on the AT before joining the moderate hike route. Leaders: Doug R.dougreas<at>gmail.com and Maryanne L.

Sat., Aug. 27, 2016: Appalachian Trail: South Mtn. / Gathland State Park, MDPATC Map 6 & Canal Map / MD Bus

$23 (nonmembers $28). Long hike: 10½ mi., 1000 ft. ascent, 1700 ft. descent. Moderate hike 7 mi., 1000 ft. ascent, 1700 ft. descent.

In the dog days of August, a few delightful hours on the Appalachian Trail certainly tops a sweltering day in D.C. Our journey on the trail today starts at Gathland State Park in Maryland and takes us south along the South Mtn. ridge to Weverton Cliffs, where we’ll ooh and ahh over a sublime view of the Potomac River and surroundings. After a steep descent to the river, moderate hikers stop at the crossroads of Weverton; long hikers meet the C&O Canal Towpath and troop eastbound to Brunswick.

Leaders: [please contact lrest3<a>pitt.edu to volunteer to lead] and Samir K. 925/726-4717

Sunday, Sept. 4, 2016: Assateague Island Beach Excursion, MD DC Stop Only

$35 (nonmembers $40). Leaves 16th and I St., NW at 8:00 a.m. (no other pick-up point). End the summer with a relaxing day on this 31-mile long barrier island, the longest undeveloped beach on the Atlantic Coast. Activities include a stop at the Visitor Center, a hike along the beach and among the dunes, viewing (hopefully) some of the island’s wild ponies, and enjoying the expansive beach, where there’s a convenient bathhouse. By traveling on the middle day of the Labor Day weekend, we’ll miss the holiday traffic.

Leaders: Vera Gordon veragordonus<a>gmail.com and Stan Scott sscott915<a>gmail.com