About us
Central Virginia Trailblazers was established in 2011 as an activity based hiking and outdoor adventure group in Richmond, Virginia. At the time, there were few if any active groups in the area that welcomed hikers and adventure lovers of all experience levels. Over the years, we have brought together over 3,000 like-minded individuals throughout Greater Richmond and beyond who have taken part in over 1,000 adventures.
Our activities reflect the diversity of our members. The hikes on our calendar range from casual, beginner-level strolls through local parks and neighborhoods to strenuous overnight backpacking trips in the Blue Ridge Mountains. In addition to hiking, other popular activities include car camping, kayaking, recreational biking, and social gatherings. Most activities and trips are within an hour or two of Richmond, but we often travel beyond Virginia’s borders for multi-day trips to other states.
A tremendous amount of planning and coordination is required to make these events happen. We are extremely fortunate to have an exceptional group of volunteer organizers (“Adventure Specialists”), all of whom donate their time, effort, talent, and experience to make these amazing trips possible. Their loyalty and dedication is one of the key reasons that CVT stands out from other groups.
Upcoming events
8
Scrambling fun! Great Falls, MD Billy Goat Trail
Food Lion, 253 N Washington Hwy, Ashland, VA, USBilly Goat Trail A is a FUN rock scramble, but is subject to flood related closures. I will keep my eye out for closings, etc. If all goes as planned we will complete Loops A, B and C along the C&O towpath and make a loop of about 7 miles.
We will meet at the Ashland Food Lion on RT. 54 for carpooling and pull out at 8am sharp.Optional food stop after the hike for dinner.
HIKE DETAILS
Difficulty: moderate mostly due to rock scramble
Hike Distance: 7ish miles if all trails are open
Elevation Change: +-1000'
Hike Pace: Moderate
Terrain: rocky, possibly muddy or wet
Trail Map:https://www.hikingupward.com/OMH/BillyGoatTrail/
Dogs Allowed: no
What to bring: Wear broken in hiking shoes or boots; bring a daypack with water, snacks, lunch, rain gear, insect repellant, sunscreen, ID, and basic first aid supplies.
Carpool fee for this hike: $12 per person assuming a full car load
Cancellation: If weather becomes an issue, please check the event comments prior to heading out12 attendees
Jenkins Gap to Hogwallows Gap - (11.0 miles)
Mount Marshall, Virginia, VA, USThis is a shuttle hike. I want to check out two different camping spots for a future Mt Marshall longer loop backpack trip. This is SOBO on Mt Marshall and Bluff Trails, then back NOBO on AT to end point.
HIKE DETAILS
Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous BRING YOUR HIKING POLES
Hike Distance: 11 miles
Elevation Change: + 1000 ft
Hike Pace: 2.0 - 2.5 mph
Terrain: Typical SNP rocky and narrow
Trail Info: https://www.hikingupward.com/SNP/ThePeak/Recommended hiking gear: (Broken in hiking shoes/boots; backpack with water, hiking poles, snacks, rain gear, winter gear ( as appropriate: gloves, hat, layers), sunscreen, insect repellent, basic first aid kit)
Organizer will Provide: very basic first aid and send out additional hike details and carpool location the day before via email. (Check your notification settings)
Dogs Allowed: YES
Bring a snack or lunch for the trail - we will stop and eat/rest in a nice spot. It is typical to contribute $$ to driver to defray the cost of gas prices. Typically around $15 pp. depending on distance.
Pace will be closer to 1.5-2.5 mph as necessary.
No meeting at the trailhead.I will match the group’s pace to that of the slowest hiker.
11 miles @ 2.0 mph = 5.5 hours of hike time.Typically we combine these hikes with OPTIONAL visits to local wineries for tastings and bon vivanterie.
GENERAL DETAILS
Organizer will Provide: very basic first aid and send out additional hike details and carpool location the day before via email. (Check your notification settings)Dogs Allowed: yes
Cancellation: If weather becomes an issue, please check your email and group chat day of event or contact the organizer.
Max Group Size: 15
RSVPS close FRIDAY Nov 13th (day before) the event. This provides time for organizer to organize, settle things, and notify all of group plans. Organizer will send a DM Friday with the carpool location.
Please check your Meetup Site settings so that you get emails from event organizers.
Meeting at the trailhead is not an option for this event.
If you cannot sign up it most likely means that event is full, or you + number of guests exceeds max amount, or RSVPs are closed.
Send me a direct email from Meetup if you have any questions (my profile page has that option):
https://www.meetup.com/central-virginia-trailblazers/members/27493742/
CVTSteve
7 attendees
Past events
513
