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Wanderbirds Hiking Club, Washington DC: hiking in the Washington DC area

Founded in 1934, the Wanderbirds Hiking Club is a non-profit, all volunteer club that organizes day hikes every Sunday, year round, for energetic folks in the Washington, DC area. You do not have to be a member of the Club to hike with us.

Our hikers range in age from 7 to over 80, and we welcome fast, experienced hikers as well as slower or beginning hikers. There's room for all on the trail!

We charter a bus for nearly all hikes; occasionally we go by car pool. Relax while our experienced coach driver transports you to the trailhead. Enjoy snacks, beverages, and maybe a snooze on your way home. Beats driving yourself !!

Bus fare is $27. This price is competitive with the cost of driving your own car with today's fuel prices. Shenandoah National Park charges an additional fee of $8.00 for hikes beginning inside the park during March through November, and $5.00 during December through February. Holders of annual, Golden Eagle, or Golden Age passes do not pay these fees.

We offer two hikes each Sunday:

A moderate, comfortably paced hike of 6 - 9 miles which may have up to 2000 feet of ascent, but generally less. Easier hikes can usually be arranged.
A longer, faster paced hike of 10 - 13 miles with more climbing but usually less than 3000 feet. Longer extensions can be arranged for very fit, fast, experienced hikers.

Our hikes will take you to trails in mountainous areas of:

Virginia (including Shenandoah National Park and Massanutten Mtns)
West Virginia (George Washington National Forest)
Maryland (including Catoctin National Park, Cunningham Falls State Park and the Appalachian Trail)
Pennsylvania (various State parks and the Appalachian and Tuscarora Trails)
Local hikes in Rock Creek Park, along the C & O Canal, and elsewhere

We provide experienced hike leaders and trail maps. Refreshments are available on the bus after the hike and during the ride home.