Washington Women Outdoors upcoming events

Bicycle Ride - Magnificent Marshall (initially posted as Marshall Figure Eight) (20 Sep 2026)

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 14:00:00 GMT

34 miles, elevation 2,000 feet. For intermediate and advanced riders. Big rolling hills with several challenging climbs.

This is one of our favorite areas to ride--Fauquier County. The route is through the stunning Virginia countryside, past horse and cattle farms, apple orchards, vineyards, old churches and cemeteries. This ride is mostly rolling hills on country roads with a few tough climbs. We’ll stop for lunch at the Orleans Market where farmers, farriers and cyclists meet. This is a no- drop ride, with a leader and a sweep and no one will be left behind.

After completing your registration, you will receive a confirmation email with additional event details and start location. If you don't see it, check your junk mail folder.

There is limited space, so please register early. Although this ride is FREE for Members, you do need to register.

WWO at the Wild Goose Chase Women's Bicycle Ride (27 Sep 2026)

Sun, 27 Sep 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Choice of 18 ,32, 50 or 64 miles on paved, flat and scenic roads with little traffic. Suitable for all levels and all bicycle types. Register here.

Women cyclists from all over the Mid-Atlantic and beyond will converge on Dorchester County to ride in the annual Wild Goose Chase Women's Bicycle Ride on Sunday, September 27. Cyclists will ride along flat, low-traffic scenic county roads in and around Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge (NWR). This event, which was first held in 2008, is sponsored by the Friends of Blackwater to raise funds to support numerous Refuge projects. Most women come the day before and often participate in other events like a group dinner, kayaking, bike mechanic workshops, bird walks, nature photography and short rides led by naturalists and historians.

WWO members have participated in this fantastic ride for years and this year WWO is thrilled to be helping to support the event. We encourage you to join in the fun!

Registration for the Wild Goose Chase and related events is here. There is no registration on the WWO website. When you register, make sure you check Washington Women Outdoors as your team, and also email bike@washingtonwomenoutdoors.org to let us know you're joining the ride or if you have any questions. Before the ride, we will email you so WWO riders can plan to meet and start the ride together.

And look for the WWO table when you sign in for the ride at the Education Building!

Bicycle Ride: C&O Canal Towpath from Carderock, 18 or 33 miles (4 Oct 2026)

Sun, 04 Oct 2026 14:00:00 GMT

18 or 33 flat miles on the C&O Towpath. For beginner, advanced beginner and intermediate riders.

This ride will be entirely on the C&O canal towpath along the Potomac River. The path is flat and runs through rural landscapes with several locks and has great river views. We will start at Carderock recreation area and ride west (out and back). The shorter distance for beginner and advanced beginner riders will turn around at Pennyfield Lock and the longer distance for intermediate riders will turn around at Sycamore Landing. Both groups will stop by at the Great Falls Overlook trail (10 minute walk) to see the falls and spectacular early fall colors. The trail consists of hard-shaped clay, crushed stone, and gravel, featuring occasional tree roots. All bicycles with tires of 32 mm width or greater are suitable for this ride. This is a no-drop ride, with a leader and a sweep and no one will be left behind.

After completing your registration, you will receive a confirmation email with additional event details and start location. If you don't see it, check your junk mail folder.

There is limited space, so please register early. Although this ride is FREE for Members, you do need to register.

Washington Women Outdoors Annual Picnic (11 Oct 2026)

Sun, 11 Oct 2026 14:00:00 GMT

WWO Annual Picnic in Rock Creek Park. Take advantage of the location to hike, cycle or walk on traffic-free Beach Drive or on a path in the woods. Something for everyone plus great food and conversation.

Join us for our always fun Annual Anniversary Picnic and help us celebrate another great year. This year, we're holding the event in Rock Creek Park which means you might want to go for a bicycle ride, hike or walk in the park before the picnic. If you’ve never joined us before, this is a great opportunity to meet other women who enjoy the outdoors and learn what WWO is all about. Barbecue and drinks will be provided, but we invite you to bring a salad, side dish or dessert to share. We have reserved a covered pavilion, so this is a rain or shine event.

After you complete your registration, you will receive a confirmation email with additional event details and location.

Please register early. Registration fee includes a WWO string backpack. (You must attend to receive the backpack.)

Virtual Event:Book Club:Book Club Meeting and Social (13 Oct 2026)

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Join the WWO Virtual Book Club & Social! Offered virtually so all can join, we gather quarterly to socialize and discuss a book around the theme of women in the outdoors.

This quarter’s book is The Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan:

“A gorgeous, witty account of birding, nature, and the beauty around us that hides in plain sight.

Tracking the natural beauty that surrounds us, The Backyard Bird Chronicles maps the passage of time through daily entries, thoughtful questions, and beautiful original sketches. With boundless charm and wit, author Amy Tan charts her foray into birding and the natural wonders of the world.

In 2016, Amy Tan grew overwhelmed by the state of the Hatred and misinformation became a daily presence on social media, and the country felt more divisive than ever. In search of peace, Tan turned toward the natural world just beyond her window and, specifically, the birds visiting her yard. But what began as an attempt to find solace turned into something far greater—an opportunity to savor quiet moments during a volatile time, connect to nature in a meaningful way, and imagine the intricate lives of the birds she admired.”

Come join a community of women who share the outdoors in all ways possible! The Zoom logon information will be provided to you in an email the day before the meeting.

Although this event is FREE for Members, please register!

Dolly Sods Beginner Backpacking Trip (24 Oct 2026)

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT

This 6.0 mile trip suitable for beginner backpackers and above.

Experience the beauty of West Virginia's Dolly Sods Wilderness on this beginner-friendly, one-night backpacking adventure to Rohrbaugh Plains. This trip offers an incredible reward with relatively little mileage, making it an excellent introduction to backpacking for those looking to build confidence on the trail.

We'll hike approximately 3 miles from the trailhead through the unique landscapes of the Monongahela National Forest before reaching the stunning Rohrbaugh Cliffs. There, we'll enjoy sweeping views of the Red Creek Valley and some of the most spectacular scenery Dolly Sods has to offer.

After taking in the views, we'll continue to a nearby backcountry campsite where we'll settle in for the evening and, weather permitting, watch the sun set over the wilderness. Along the way, participants will gain experience with backpacking fundamentals, including packing, camp setup, trail travel, and Leave No Trace practices.

While the terrain is generally moderate, the wilderness environment provides a true backpacking experience in one of the Mid-Atlantic's most unique and scenic destinations. Whether this is your first backpacking trip or you're looking for a short overnight getaway, Rohrbaugh Plains is the perfect place to begin your backpacking journey.

Miles: 6.0 (roundtrip / 3.0 miles per day)

Rating: Level 4 (View Hiking Rating Scale)

For beginner backpackers and above.

There is limited space on this trip, so please register early!