Hiking Groups at the Senior Center

For those interested in a vigorous outdoor activity, the Senior Center has 50 - 60 members involved in various hiking groups.

On Mondays and Wednesdays, there are two groups each day. There is one group on Thursdays for shorter, local hikes. Click to see the schedule for the Monday and Wednesday hikes.

One Monday group hikes about 3 to 5 miles at a relatively moderate pace, while the other hikes from 6 to 9 miles and at a slightly faster pace. The later group usually offers intermediate-length (5 -7 miles) alternatives for those interested. Both the Monday groups meet at the Senior Center at 8 a.m. to carpool to trailheads, mostly in Shenandoah National Park and the George Washington National Forest areas.

On Wednesdays, there are also two groups, with length expectations of about 4 to 6 miles and 6 to 9 miles. Both of these groups currently are offering slightly shorter alternative hikes most of the time, too. Both groups meet for carpooling at 8 a.m. at the Senior Center parking lot.

Persons wanting to participate with these hikers should show up at the noted meeting locations wearing appropriate clothing for the weather, and appropriate footwear. Sneakers or tennis shoes are not adequate, in most cases. Also, you'll need to have a lunch and sufficient water for 4 to 5 hours of vigorous exercise.

On Thursday mornings, another group hikes about 2 miles in the Ivy Creek Natural Area. They start promptly at 9 a.m. from the area's parking lot. Look for the Ivy Creek Natural Area sign on the left of Earlysville Road, 1/2 mile north of the intersection where Rio and Hydraulic Road meet.

In each group, there are Senior Center volunteers planning and leading the hikes, and they emphasize fellowship, fun, exercise, and safety in the wonderful natural areas of Central Virginia. Sometimes, there are extended travel itineraries scheduled for other hiking and walking trips out of the area.

Monday/Wednesday Schedule