Hang Out Outside – DC Meetups for Outdoor Adventurers

Hang Out Outside – DC Meetups for Outdoor Adventurers

Do you love to hike? Does waking up outdoors make your heart sing? Does watching the sunset from a hiking trail high above your office space sound like the ideal way to unwind? Join the club. Shoot, join a few. The DC area boasts some of the nation’s most picturesque outdoor spaces and is chock full of hiking trails offering breathtaking views, outdoor recreation, fitness and fun. The area is also home to several active hiking and outdoor adventure clubs that will keep you trekking, social, fit and happy. Many of the groups are sponsored by Meetup.com, a social networking company that brings people living in the increasingly virtual world together in real life settings to build community around their shared interests. Check out these highlighted DC adventure crews, then create a Meetup account, browse DC-area outdoor adventure groups of every variety and get out there!

Capital Hiking Club

Capital Hiking Club is a non-profit hiking group celebrating its 78^th year of creating community through love of the outdoors. The group gathers for weekly hikes in the 5-12 mile range and other organized outings include moonlight hikes, beach and swimming hole excursions, farmers’ market visits and more. Transportation is available from various DC area departure sites. Check out their website, their Meetup page and view the printable Spring 2015 schedule here.

Wanderbirds

The Wanderbirds is an all ages group of hikers that has been trekking the DC area since 1934. The group leads moderate (7-10 miles, about 2000 feet of elevation gain) and strenuous hikes (10-13 miles, with about 3000 feet of elevation gain) on Sundays year-round and welcomes members and non-members alike. See their website and schedule of hikes for more information.

Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group

This fun hiking crew proclaims that a sense of humor must be packed along on all events and their Meetup page warns: “Our calendar is very active all four seasons and may become addictive and beneficial to your health.” This group prioritizes safety and camaraderie while leading trekkers on hikes ranging from gentle river strolls to mountainous rock scrambles. Check their schedule, grab your hiking boots, a smile and go!

Hiking, Kayaking and Cultural Adventures

This outdoor adventure group offers organized hikes as well as a variety of other adventurous excursions including biking, kayaking, rafting, museum visits, private tours, self-defense classes, scientific presentations and more. Their activities focus more on enjoying nature than on strenuous athletics and aim to get area residents out, about and discovering. There are no membership dues and the group often gathers for a meal and socializing after events. See their Meetup page for info about upcoming events and more.

Washington Women Outdoors

Washington Women Outdoors is a non-profit organization that sponsors outdoor activities and trainings for women, led by women. The group celebrates diversity and welcomes members of all ages to “share skills, experience, strengths, and support to enhance and expand each woman's world.” Check out their schedule and join this adventurous community of women for hiking, biking, rock climbing, hang gliding and more.

Yoga Hikes

Enjoy a unique hiking experience with Yoga Hikes – a DC group that leads adventurers on a fitness-paced hikes with intermittent “YogaStops” where hikers are led in a brief yoga series at relaxing natural settings along the trail. Yoga hikes are limited to 12-15 yogi-hikers to keep the experience intimate, so visit the website to learn more and sign up today.

Adventuring: A DC-Based Lesbian and Gay Outdoor Group

Adventuring is a non-profit group dedicated to expanding opportunities for members of the LGBT community in the DC area to engage in outdoor activities. While the group focuses on strengthening the LGBT community, everyone is welcome to join. The group leads hikes year-round and also leads backpacking, camping and canoeing excursions among other activities.   See their Meetup page and their calendar of events to find out how to get involved.

DC Hiking and Backpacking Club LLC

From weeknight sneaker hikes in the city, to weekend backpacking trips, to stand up paddleboard excursions, DC Hiking and Backpacking Club LLC has got your outdoor adventure needs covered. The group offers various outdoor trainings and certifications, hosts a wide variety of outdoor activities for groups and sponsors volunteer trail maintenance projects. Check out their upcoming events here.

 Capital Area Hikers and History Buffs

Want to get your hike on with fellow history fanatics in the epically historic birthplace of our nation? The Capital Area Hikers and History Buffs explore the city and greater DC area in search of beautiful scenery and historic landmarks. See their calendar for upcoming events near you.

Wandering Soles

The Wandering Soles are a group of DC hikers committed to enjoying life, and the great outdoors, one step at a time. They rank their day hikes in difficulty on a 1 – 3.5+ blister scale (one blister equaling about 5 miles and 1000 feet of elevation gain) and the club also sponsors social gatherings and other outdoor activities from time to time. See the schedule of activities and join these Solemates on their next adventure!

(Picture source istockphoto #57991466 used with license)