Northern Virginia Volksmarchers
Joining the local chapter of the American Volkssport Association is a great way to find new places to walk, meet other walkers, and walk towards a goal -- through a nifty incentive program.
The Northern Virginia Volksmarchers (NVV) serves Arlington, Alexandria and Fairfax County. The club sponsors scheduled, organized group walks by day and by night (extra enjoyable!) spring, summer and fall. They also hold scripted year-round walking events, or YRE's, of around six miles in length. For these treks, which can be done solo or in groups, many instructions, including one for the Ballston area route, are now available online. The Ballston walks typically include a variety of environments, natural and man-made, and are considered appropriate for walkers of all abilities, though parts may pose some difficulties for wheelchair users.
Typically, five or so are available in the Northern Virginia area each year. Because there are volksmarchers in most states in the US and in many locations around the world, there are plenty of opportunities to find "guided" walks wherever one roams. There is no charge for following a Volkssport walk anywhere in the world, but to receive credit towards a certificate, hat pin, or patch, there is a small fee.
Locally, in addition to NVV, there is an Alexandria club, a club in the District of Columbia, and several in suburban Maryland. Visit the American Volkssport Club website, or call the hotline--800.830.WALK (800.830. 9255)--for a list of clubs and upcoming events.
