What we’re about
Established - May 2024
http://novatrailblazers.com/
Trying to find hike-minded people? Look no further.
This group is for hiking and backpacking enthusiasts in their 20s to 40s, though we do accept people of all ages. Our group is largely informal, with events mostly consisting of backpacking trips with day hikes as schedules permit. New members are always welcome regardless of skill level.
If you think you might be interested but aren't quite sure, feel free to attend one of our occasional informal meetings/happy hours to meet some organizers and find out what we have scheduled.
INHERENT RISK: Organizers carefully plan events and check public sources for weather and safety. Conditions may change or reports may contain errors. Inherent natural hazards are associated with backcountry travel. Organizers do not accept any liability for accidents/injuries in connection with the activities published herein or on linked sites.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Day Hike - Patapsco Valley State Park (11 Miles) + Jailbreak FoodworksGreenbelt Metro Parking Lot, Greenbelt, MA
Patapsco Valley State Park is a 16,000-acre property located near Ellicott City, MD. The park's 70 miles of maintained trails showcase its industrial past with remnants of mills, factories, railroads, and dams. However, thanks to time and the efforts of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) the park now has a wealth of natural resources and outdoor recreation opportunities.
We will meet at the Greenbelt Metro Station at 9:00 AM and carpool to the trailhead. Drive time is about 30 minutes. There is ample parking at the backup trailhead parking location if you wish to drive there directly. You are also welcome to organize carpools from other locations in the comments section below. Please post a comment if you are willing to drive. Carpooling saves the environment and makes friends.
## Trail Facts
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Length: 11 Miles
- Duration: 4-5 hrs
- Elevation Gain: 1,329 Feet
- Permits: None
- Parking: Greenbelt Metro Station
- Dogs: Must be leashed and under control at all times.
- Trailhead Coordinates: 39.24531535369895, -76.71963177976626 (If the trailhead lot is full, go to the Catonsville Park & Ride lot across the road: 39.2466908297143, -76.71954608557395)
- AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/map-april-7-2025-174b395?u=i&sh=kucj8c
Trail Details:
While Patapsco State Park is so large that it is broken up into eight named areas, we will be seeing just three of them -- Glen Artney, Hilton, and Orange Grove. Our hike will mostly go through forested areas, which should make for nice hiking even during the peak of summer. However, we will cross the Patapsco River twice and will walk along it for part of the trip. We will also see some historical structures throughout the journey.
On the way back, I plan to stop at Jailbreak Foodworks in Laurel, MD. The address is 9445 Washington Blvd N Ste F, Laurel, MD 20723.
LIABILITY NOTICE:
Please remember that this group operates under the common adventurer model. We are a group of friends and volunteers organizing trips for fun and shared experience. Participants are expected to be familiar with best hiking practices and choose hikes that align with their physical abilities and experience. Organizers and members are not liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to persons or property arising from group activities. By attending this event, you agree to assume all risks associated with the activity.For more information on the common adventurer model, please see Ron Watters' definition.
If you believe you may be lost during the hike, follow the advice of the US Forest Service.
See you on the trail!
- Day Hike/Swim - Whiteoak Canyon Loop (8.3 Miles) + Bar LouieVienna Metro Station, Fairfax, VA
Whiteoak Canyon is an awesome day hike with about 30 waterfalls and several swimming holes. It's a great place for a summer hike - bring a swimsuit on this one.
We will meet at Vienna Metro at 9AM and carpool to the trailhead. Drive time is about 1 hour and 50 mins - Please post a comment below if you are willing to drive. Carpooling saves the environment and makes friends.
## Trail Facts
- Difficulty Level: Strenuous
- Length: 8.3 Miles
- Duration: 5-6 hrs
- Elevation Gain: 2,329 Feet
- Permits: Shenandoah Park Pass ($30 per car) or America The Beautiful Pass
- Parking: Vienna Metro Station
- Dogs: Allowed
- Trailhead Coordinates: 38.539495, -78.349128
- AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/white-oak-canyon-and-cedar-run-trail-loop?u=i&sh=rak641
Trail Details:
This hike is a combination of Whiteoak Canyon and Cedar Run trails to create a loop. It considered challenging, but those who do it are rewarded with exceptional cascades and waterfalls. Be prepared for several stream crossings. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash.
We are leaving the area early as this is a challenging hike that will take most of the day, especially if we stop to swim or enjoy the waterfalls. It is highly recommended that you bring plenty of water as well as snacks and electrolytes (i.e. Gatorade). This trail has tons of shade and places to take a dip, so bring a swimsuit and let's enjoy the summer vibes.
After the hike, we'll stop at Bar Louie in Gainsville for food and drinks (14081 Promenade Commons St, Gainesville, VA 20155)
PARK ENTRANCE PASS: Shenandoah National Park charges a fee to enter. An annual pass is also available for purchase. For more information, please see https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/fees.htm
LIABILITY NOTICE:
Please remember that this group operates under the common adventurer model. We are a group of friends and volunteers organizing trips for fun and shared experience. Participants are expected to be familiar with best hiking practices and choose hikes that align with their physical abilities and experience. Organizers and members are not liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to persons or property arising from group activities. By attending this event, you agree to assume all risks associated with the activity.For more information on the common adventurer model, please see Ron Watters' definition.
If you believe you may be lost during the hike, follow the advice of the US Forest Service.
See you on the trail! - Day Hike - Rock Creek Park (3.5 Miles)Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium, Washington, DC
## Details
Rock Creek Park is a 1,755-acre wooded oasis in the heart of Washington, DC. Beyond the main block of land along Rock Creek, the park includes parcels scattered across northwest Washington. Archeology has brought many untold stories of this park's long and fascinating history to light. People lived on the land for thousands of years before the park was established in 1890 and, even then, dozens of people still lived within its boundaries. Archeologists found Native American camp sites dating between 2,500 BCE and 1,400 CE, colonial tenancies, nineteenth-century dwellings, and Civil War military artifacts. Rock Creek Park's archeological resources thus preserve significant points in Washington's regional history.
We will meet at the Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium at 11:00 AM and walk to the trailhead. Free parking is available at any of the numbered picnic areas, the Rock Creek Park Nature Center, and off of 16th Street near the Rock Creek Tennis Center. You are welcome to organize carpools in the comments section below. Please post a comment if you are willing to drive.
## Trail Facts
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Length: 3.5 Miles
- Duration: 1-2 hrs
- Elevation Gain: 337 Feet
- Permits: None
- Parking: Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium
- Dogs: Must be leashed and under control at all times.
- Trailhead Coordinates: 38.95869094449462, -77.04918954511426
- AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington-dc/boulder-bridge-loop
Trail Details:
We'll be doing the Boulder Bridge Hike. The trail is marked with pink blazes on posts for the entire loop. It starts at the White Horse Trail trailhead. It is generally considered an easy route. It is a popular area for hiking and walking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. This area is closed to vehicular traffic from 7 AM on Saturdays to 7 PM on Sundays and holidays but on weekdays the route is shared with vehicles. The path is wide and well-cleared, but steep and uneven in the beginning and ending sections. The entrance can be a bit tricky to find - it is by the horse stable. This loop is a combination of established trails in Rock Creek Park.LIABILITY NOTICE:
Please remember that this group operates under the common adventurer model. We are a group of friends and volunteers organizing trips for fun and shared experience. Participants are expected to be familiar with best hiking practices and choose hikes that align with their physical abilities and experience. Organizers and members are not liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to persons or property arising from group activities. By attending this event, you agree to assume all risks associated with the activity.For more information on the common adventurer model, please see Ron Watters' definition.
If you believe you may be lost during the hike, follow the advice of the US Forest Service.
See you on the trail!
