Skills Development
APRIL 1-2 SAT-SUN
Wilderness First Aid. Wilderness First Aid This eighteen-hour program
in Arlington, VA includes classroom study, hands-on practice, and results
in a two-year certification. The cost is $140. Registration is on a first-come,
first-served basis. For additional information visit http://wfa.net or
call 703-836-8905.
Volunteer Opportunities
Construction Work on the new Ed Garvey log shelter will occur most weekends through April at a remote, wooded site south of Bowie, MD. Peel and notch logs for both shelter and outhouse. Be part of this unique, nearby volunteer opportunity - no prior construction experience necessary. Contact: Frank Turk (301) 249-8243, or email FrankTurk @ aol.com.
APRIL 8 & 22 SAT
Service Trips to Rock Creek Park. See Service Trip Entry in Future
Events Section of Calendar.. Leader: Walter Wells (202) 362-0250, mornings
or evenings till 10:00 pm. Call to confirm dates.
Multi-Day Events
MAY 13-21 SAT-SUN
Utah and Arizona. Moderate to strenuous backpacking trip to Paria Canyon-Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness in Utah & Arizona, through one of worldís most spectacular slot canyons. Anasazi petroglyphs, pictographs, eerie rock formations, abundant wildflowers, and natural springs. For experienced, physically fit backpackers only. Leader: Ted Fryberger, 410-312-2982 till 9:30pm; tkfsys@home.net; or website: http://members.home.net/tkfryberger
13-14 SAT-SUN
Beginners Backpack, Massanutten Mountain. Children (accompanied by adults!) most welcome. Group cooking for dinner on a wood fire; also marshmallows! Leader: Ernie Bauer, 301-469-6726 or Ernestbaue@aol.com.
27-28 SAT-SUN
Advanced Beginners Backpack, Massanutten Mountain. As always, children
(accompanied by adults) are most welcome, group cooking for dinner on a
wood fire. Leader: Ernie Bauer 301-469-6726 or Ernestbaue@aol.com.
March Events
Anytime: Cross Country Ski Trips.
We will ski locally when there is enough snow. Trips to Western Maryland
will be planned for January, February, and early March. Jack, 410-256-3963.
4 SAT
Old Rag Mountain in Virginia. This strenuous 7.5 mile hike includes
boulders, some climbing, and a great view. Bring lunch, water, and good
hiking shoes. Depart at 7:30 from the “bus” side of the park & ride
at Rt. 32 and Broken Land Parkway. Call Leslie Englehart at 301-854-0299,
lesliee@bellatlantic.net
Circuit Hike, Prince William Forest Park. C = 12 miles, H = 24 miles.
Both are briskly paced figure-8s on woodland trails with few hills. The
24 miler is the 2nd of 10 training hikes for the “100K,” a 62.5-mile, one-day
hike on C&O Canal towpath from DC to Harpers Ferry on May 6 (visit
http:\\members.tripod.com\onedayhike\index.html). Co-Leaders: Gary Chow
and Christine Ford. Contact: Gary Chow 703-356-8423.
5 SUN
Circuit around Lake Needwood and down Rock Creek to Lake Frank dam. Easy and close to DC, a good introduction for beginners and families. Leader: Larry Broadwell 301-215-7135 before 9 pm.
11 SAT
Massanutten Mountain, VA. A strenuous 9 mile hike on Massanutten East, Shaw’s Gap and Sherman’s Gap trails, with views of the Shenandoah river valley. Bring lunch and water. Depart at 8:00 from the “bus” side of the park & ride at Rt. 32 and Broken Land Parkway. Contact Mike Juskelis at 410-439-4964, skiwalk@smart.net.
Massanutten Mountain Dogwood Training Hike #3. 15+ mile circuit hike, 3,000+ ft elevation change. South along Massanutten West Trail from Ft. Powell to Lupton Trail. Meet 7:30 am at Oakton. Inexperienced hikers call for requirements and info on ìDogwood Half-Hundredî (50K, 1 day hike). Co-Leaders: William Needham 410-884-9127 and Jack Thorsen 703-339-6716.
Arlington Urban Marathon. Energetic 27 mile circuit hike on suburban bike trails, with a few minor hills and long level stretch along Potomac. Shorter, Metro-assisted version available. 3rd “100K” training hike (see Mar. 4 listing). Co-Leaders: Roger Clark and Paul Elliott. Contact: Roger Clark 703-329-7002.
Liberty Reservoir. 45 min. north of Beltway. 9 miles, mostly flat, out-and-back. Abandoned chromite mines & scenic Coot peninsula ridge of Liberty Reservoir. Leader: Dan Ryan 301-622-5259, 3 pm to 9 pm.
Fountainhead Regional Park. Moderately paced 8 mile circuit hike near Occoquan Reservoir. Mostly hilly terrain. Meet at 1st parking lot on right off entrance road at 10 am. 19875 Hampton Rd., Fairfax, VA. Bring lunch/water. Go rain or shine. No reservation needed. Leader: Henri Comeau 703-451-7965 henricomeau@aol.com.
Massanutten Mountain, VA. A strenuous 9 mile hike on Massanutten East,
Shaw's Gap and Sherman's Gap trails, with views of the Shenandoah river
valley. Bring lunch and water. Depart at 8:00 from the "bus" side of the
park & ride at Rt. 32 and Broken Land Parkway. Contact Mike Juskelis
at 410-439-4964, skiwalk@smart.net.
Dog Hike - Watkins Regional Park. Deede Miller is leading a dog hike
to Robert M. Watkins Regional Park in Upper Marlboro on Saturday, March
11, 2000. We will walk about four miles beginning at the Nature Center.
Call for times, (410) 268-2845.
12 SUN
Oregon Ridge. An easy 5 mile hike in Baltimore County, followed by pancakes. Every March, the park demonstrates the boiling down of maple syrup, which you can sample on pancakes for a small donation. Depart at 8:30 from Long Gate Parkway park & ride, off Rt. 100, just east of Rt. 29. Or meet us at the nature center at 9:30. Call Ken Clark at 301-725-3306, kclark@excalib.com.
14 TUE
Circuit Hike, Sky Meadows State Park. Off Rt.17 north of I-66. About 17 miles including an out-and-back on the AT. Enjoy expansive views from the upper part of the meadows. Leader: Cliff Noyes 703-451-5181 before 9:30 pm cliff.noyes@juno.com.
18 SAT
White Clay Creek Hike. Approximately 6 moderate miles in this Delaware Park. Meet at White Marsh Park& Ride 9am. Bill, 410-574-1453.
Potomac Gorge near DC. Explore both banks upstream from Theodore Roosevelt Island. 10 mile circuit follows the Potomac Heritage Trail to Chain Bridge and returns via C&O Canal. Lunch in Georgetown afterward. Leader: Glenn Gillis 7O3-430-0568.
Prince William Forest Park. Easy 8-9 mile hike in Virginia, near Quantico Marine Base. Meet at 8:30 am behind First Union Bank in Springfield Plaza just off I-95. Leader: Ray Abercrombie 703-569-2691.
Taste of the Towpath. Vigorous out-and-back hike of 26-28 miles (or less, if you prefer) on hard-packed but hill-free C&O Canal towpath from Fletcher’s Boathouse in DC upstream to beyond Beltway. Fourth of ten “100K” training hikes (see Mar. 4 listing). Co-Leaders: Gary Chow and Roger Clark. Contact: Gary Chow 703-356-8423.
19 SUN
Gettysburg battlefield hike. Approximately 7 * miles with a total elevation gain of about 400 feet. The most significant climb (up little round top) is optional. Moderate pace (2-1/2 mph). Well maintained trails. Bring lunch, drinking water and rain gear. We’ll also take a 20 mile auto tour of the rest of the battlefield. LEAVE: 7:30 AM Benfield Park & Ride or 8:15 AM route 32 and I-70 Park & Ride, LEADER: Art Hall (410) 647-6238, no calls after 10:00 PM, ESTIMATED COSTS: $1.00 hike fee and $3.00 for electronic battle presentation plus $8.00 from Benfield or $6.00 from route 32 & I-70 to reimburse drivers.
Stairmaster Poetry Hike. An 8 mile circuit including Little Devil Stairs in northern SNP. No TV in this gym, so bring poetry instead. Limited to 20 people. Leader: David Cheng 301-990-3689.
25-26 SAT-SUN
Backpack Shenandoah National Park.Ten mile, moderately difficult, late winter backpack. No beginners. Must bring your own food and camping equipment. For details call Ted, 410-239-4590.
25 SAT
Antietam Battlefield Hike. Moderate 7-8 miles through historic Civil War battlefield and along Antietam Creek. Bring lunch and water. Admission fee. Call for meeting place. Kathy, 410-828-0048.
Lake Roland Hike. Five mile hike around the lake. Bring lunch and water. Meet at Lake Roland parking lot at 10:00 am. Clint, 410-235-5835.
Conestoga Trail, PA. A strenuous 10 mile hike along two beautiful creeks, through a sleepy river town, and along a ridge with overlooks of Lake Aldred. Bring lunch and water. Depart at 8:00 from the park & ride just north of Rt. 175 on Snowden River Parkway. Contact Mike Juskelis at 410-439-4964, skiwalk@smart.net.
26 SUN
Gunpowder River State Park Hike. Moderate six miles along the Gunpowder River and side trails. Meet at Belair Road (Route 1) and the Gunpowder River at 11:00 am. Jack, 410-256-3963.
Bull Run/Occoquan Trail Out-and-Back Hike. Non-slow hike of 26-30 miles (or less, if you prefer) on mostly level exurban trail. Note: Sunday hike. Fifth of ten “100K” training hikes (see Mar. 4 listing). Co-Leaders: Paul Elliott and Christine Ford. Contact: Paul Elliott 703-256-6351.
28 TUE
A 20+ Mile Circuit Hike. Through a variety of parks in MD and DC. Should be excellent training for those planning to do PATC’s Dogwood 50K or the Sierra Clubís 100K hike. Try it, you’ll like it. Leader: Cliff Noyes 703-451-5181 before 9:30pm cliff.noyes@juno.com.
Due Date for leadersí outing entries to the March-April MWROP
calendar. Please email submissions (preferred) to editor@mwrop.org,
or mail PC-compatible floppies or typed entries to Larry Broadwell, 5306
Saratoga Ave., Chevy Chase, MD 20815.
April Events
1 SAT
Morgan’s Run at Liberty Reservoir. A moderate 10 mile hike. Bring lunch and water. Meet for breakfast at the Bagel Bin in the Enchanted Forest Shopping Center, for a 9:00 departure. Call Leslie Englehart at 301-854-0299, lesliee@bellatlantic.net.
A Fool’s Day Dog Hike to Patapsco River Park in Glen ARTney Area. Hike about 8 miles on varied terrain. Descend into the river valley from Rolling Road. Expect gently rolling to some steep hills up to 300 fee and some small stream crossings. Part of hike is along the river (flat) but some parts can be rocky and uneven. Dogs must be leashed . Please no aggressive or unneutered males. Owners bring lunch, water, and snacks for their pets.Hiking boots are required. Limited to 8 dogs. A $1 outing fee will be collected at the meeting place. Call Jane Story at 410 544 2361 to sign and get more information.
Hoover Camp, Central SNP. 10.2 miles, 2,400 feet of elev. change. Moderately paced circuit hike passes small waterfall and Hoover Camp, where Pres. Hoover fished for trout in streams that form Rapidan River. Co-Leaders: Pam Wilkie and Sam Rosenberg. Contact: Pam Wilkie at 703-331-0697.
Duncan Knob. 9 mile circuit near New Market Gap in Massanutten Mountains with some scrambling over rock slabs to reach great views. If the group is frisky, weíll add a 1 mile bushwhack to Strickler Knob & back, earning an F rating. Leader: Larry Broadwell 301-215-7135.
Doing the Towpath Lockstep. Speedy out-and-back, level, 32 mile hike on C&O Canal towpath from Pennyfield Lock to Whites Ferry (or turn around sooner, if you prefer). 6th of “10 -100K” training hikes (see Mar. 4 listing). Co-Leaders: Paul Elliott & Gary Chow. Contact: Paul Elliott 703-256-6351.
2 SUN
Cunningham Falls. A moderate 7 mile hike to the Cat Rock outcrop. Bring lunch and water. Depart at 9:30 from the park & ride just north of I-70 on Rt. 32. Call Ken Clark at 301-725-3306, kclark@excalib.com.
Corbin Hollow/Corbin Mountain Circuit. 10 moderately paced miles in
Central SNP. Some wading for stream crossings may be necessary. Leader:
Dirck Harris 703-787-3330 eves. 6 -9.
4 TUE
West Ridge of Massanuttens. 13 miles, end-to-end hike along the ridge, following part of the now-traditional Dogwood 50K route. We’ll try for 17-18 minutes per mile - a brisker pace than normal. Leader: Cliff Noyes 703-451-5181 before 9:30 pm cliff.noyes@juno.com
8 SAT
Kelly Run & Pinnacle Hike. Moderate 7-8 miles with a good view of the Susquehanna River. Meet at the K-mart on Belair Road at 10:00 am. Jack, 410-256-3963.
Beaver Trail Loop, Prince William’s Forest, VA. Moderate 7 mile hike through the woods along Quantico Creek. Bring lunch and water. Depart at 8:00 from the “bus” side of the park & ride at Rt. 32 and Broken Land Parkway. Contact Mike Juskelis at 410-439-4964, skiwalk@smart.net
Wildflower Walk. Leisurely 4 mile walk around the Turkey Run picnic area on the George Washington Parkway. Meet at 10 am in parking area B. Leader: Bill Keasbey 301-897-8318.
Massanutten Mountain Dogwood Training Hike #4. 15+ mile circuit hike, 3,000+ feet of elevation change. From Camp Roosevelt to Kennedy Peak and Duncan Knob. Meet 7:30 am at Oakton. Inexperienced hikers call for requirements. Co-Leaders: William Needham 410-884-9127 and Jack Thorsen 703-339-6716.
Parade of Parks. Fairly strenuous but scenic circuit hike of 34 miles through some of DC’s parks and zoo, starting at Fletcher’s Boathouse. Shortcuts available on request. 7th of ten “100K” training hikes (see Mar. 4 listing). Leader: Gary Chow 703-356-8423.
11 TUE
East Ridge of Massanuttens. 13 miles with a brisk (17-18 minutes per mile) pace for this end-to-end hike along the ridge south of Elizabeth Furnace. Leader: Cliff Noyes 703-451-5181 before 9:30pm cliff.noyes@juno.com
15 SAT
Loch Raven Hike. Six mile hike through the reservoir area. Bring lunch and water. Meet at Carver Center at 10:00 am. Clint, 410-235-5835.
Sky Meadows State Park Hike. Approximately six moderate miles in the hills of this Virginia State Park. Great views! Bring lunch and water. Possible dinner stop. Meet at Southwest Park & Ride at 9:00 am. Bill, 410-574-1453.
Fox Farm-Snead Farm Loop. Easy 5 mile hike with 1,000 feet elevation change around farmsteads near Dickey Ridge Visitors Center in Northern SNP. After-hike picnic lunch at visitors center or eat at Front Royal restaurant. Meet 8:30 am Oakton Shopping Center. Leader: Sam Rosenberg 703-823-7587 before 9 pm.
16 SUN
Introductory Hike. 4-5 miles through dales and over hills of Gunpowder Falls State Park. The trail is rocky in some places and muddy in others. Some stream crossings. Boots are helpful but not necessary. Ideal for new hikers. If we are lucky we will catch the spring wildflowers and find Lost Pond. Bring water and a snack. We can make an optional lunch stop afterwards. Meet at the Gunpowder Falls State Park lot on Belair Road and the Gunpowder River at 9:30 am. Rain date April 23. Joyce, 410-254-7240.
Appalachian Trail in Southern PA. Eleven mile point-to-point hike along a tried and true friend of the American walker. Meet at Montgomery Mall under the deck at 8:00 am. Leader: Ray Abercrombie 703-569-2691.
Old Rag. Eight miles to the top of the most popular peak in the Shenandoah. Great views and a couple of stunning rock formations. Meet at Oakton Shopping Center at 8 am. Leader: Carina Campobasso 202-332-4356.
Final Towpath Rehearsal. Crisply paced out-and-back hike of 30-36 miles on scenic stretch of C&O Canal towpath between Whites Ferry and turnaround upstream of Point of Rocks (or not so far, if you prefer). 8th of ten “100K” training hikes (see Mar. 4 listing). Co-Leaders: Roger Clark and Gary Chow. Contact: Roger Clark 703-329-7002.
18 TUE
Waites Run-Tuscarora Circuit. 18 mile hike from the Rt 55 VA/W.VA line south down the valley to Waites Run, then north on the Tuscorara Trail with one foot in W.VA, the other in VA. Leader: Cliff Noyes 703-451-5181 before 9:30 pm cliff.noyes@juno.com
22 SAT
Pyrite Mine Loop, Prince William’s Forest, VA. A moderate 7 mile hike. Bring lunch and water. Depart at 8:00 from the “bus” side of the park & ride at Rt. 32 and Broken Land Parkway. Contact Mike Juskelis at 410-439-4964, skiwalk@smart.net.
Shadbush Half Hundred. Challenging circuit of 21, 25, 29, or 33 miles on hilly back roads in Poolesville area on C&O Canal tow-path. Fine views of Potomac, farms, and maybe a blooming shadbush. 9th of ten “100K” training hikes (see Mar. 4 listing). Leader: Paul Elliott 703-256-6351.
25 TUE
C&O Canal Towpath. A 16 mile out-and-back hike along the tow path from Carderock - to get the kinks out before the Dogwood. Leader: Cliff Noyes 703-451-5181 before 9:30 pm cliff.noyes@juno.com.
29-30 SAT-SUN
Backpack at Big Schloss. Features a great view from this outcrop on the Virginia / West Virginia border. Six miles of backpacking each day. You must provide your own equipment, food, and water. Call Leslie Englehart at 301-854-0299, lesliee@bellatlantic.net.
Chincoteague Bike & Hike Weekend.
Come explore the marsh and ocean beach. Migrating birds, wild ponies,
and Sika Elk make this a special weekend. Space limited and advanced registration
required. Kathy, 410-828-0048
29 SAT
Final Tune-Up. Reasonably fast paced circuit hike of a mere 25 miles on undulating Frederick County back roads. Last of ten “100K” training hikes (see Mar. 4 listing). Leader: Paul Kovenock 703-525-5221.
Dogwood Half-Hundred. NOT an MWROP event. Those interested see www.patc.net.
Hogback-Sugarloaf, North SNP. 9.7 miles, 3200' elevation change. This circuit hike forms a figure eight. First half climbs Hogback Mountain’s highest peak; the second climbs to the AT near Sugarloaf. Co-Leaders: Pam Wilkie and Christine Ford. Contact Pam Wilkie at 703-331-0697.
30 SUN
Flowery Poetry Hike. A 9 mile linear hike along the AT near Sky
Meadows Park and Paris, VA. We should see lots of wildflowers. You
should bring some poetry. Limited to 20 people. Leader: David
Cheng 301-990-3689.
May Events
6 SAT
Cape Henlopen State Park, Delaware. Easy slow-paced walk on the beach, observing horseshoe crabs and birds. Optional camping. Bring binoculars, lunch and water. Depart at 8:00 from the “bus” side of the park & ride at Rt. 32 and Broken Land Parkway. Call Ken Clark at 301-725-3306, kclark@excalib.com.
Ocean City Hike. Hike the boardwalk. Side trip to Assateague or Rehobeth Beach. Breakfast and dinner stops. Meet at Southwest Park & Ride at 7:00 am. John, 410-780-8853.
7 SUN
Help maintain trails in the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area. Meet at 2:30 PM, 0.8 mile south of Rt. 108 on Trotter Road, at the gravel parking lot on the left (east). Bring work gloves. Call Ken Clark at 301-725-3306, kclark@excalib.com. Saturday, May 13: Hemlock Gorge. Moderate 7 mile hike along the headwaters of the Gunpowder river above Pretty Boy Reservoir. Includes a beautiful rocky gorge full of Hemlocks and cascades. Bring lunch and water. Depart at 8:00 from the park & ride just north of Rt. 175 on Snowden River Parkway. Contact Mike Juskelis at 410-439-4964, skiwalk@smart.net.
13 SAT
Little Devil’s Stairs, SNP. A moderately strenuous circuit hike of approximately 12 York Heritage Trail Bike Trip. Bike 20 flat miles through rolling farm land from Hanover Junction to York. Pass through oldest railroad tunnel in USA. Bring lunch and water or buy lunch at York central farmers market. Carroll, 410-828-0048.
17 WED
Gunpowder River Hike. Easy two miles along the river. Meet at the parking lot on Route 1 and the Gunpowder River at 7:00 pm. Jack, 410-256-3963.
27 SAT
Gunpowder River Hike. Ten miles from Belair road to Route 40 and back. Bring lunch and water. Meet at Carver Center at 10:00 am. Clint, 410-235-5835.
27-29 SAT-MON
Dolly Sods Wilderness Backpack.
Short mileage to base camp. Exploring ridges and valleys on Sunday.
Moderately difficult. For info call Ted, 410-239-4590.
Future Events
APRIL-OCTOBER
Joint Sierra Club/PATC/NPS Service Trips in Rock Creek Park. Scheduled for 1 or 2 Saturdays each month. Meet at Rock Creek Park Nature Center off Military Road on Glover Road, Northwest DC at 8:15 am. Bring work gloves. Tools provided by National Park Service. Work planned to be completed by 11:30 am. Leader: Walter Wells (202) 362-0250, mornings or evenings till 10:00 pm. Call to confirm dates. q