Savor the beauty of the winter season with a walk in Rock Creek Park. We will ramble the trails, cross meadows and at times be flanking the beauty of Rock Creek.

Elements will do the guiding so you can relax your mind, authentically connect with your friends and enjoy the journey.

FAQ’s 

Wednesday, December 6; 10:00 - 11:30

• Schedule:

  • Meet: We will meet (see map) at the Rock Creek Park Nature Center

  • Hike: 10:00 - 11:30

• Route: Trails of Rock Creek Park (mid-section)

• Mileage & Trail Conditions; This route gives us a lot of everything: meandering trails, rocky scrambles, woodland shade and creek vistas.

• BYO: Daypack for:

  • Water & creature comforts: sunglasses, brimmed hat, sunblock,

• WEAR: As we always say: “dress for the weather'“

  • trail shoes/boots or running shoes

  • wicking base layers

  • insulating and/or wind/water layers + hat/gloves to add or shed as needed (for colder season hikes)

• ELEMENTS will provide:

  • Led by Margaret Rietano, founder & director of the Elements DC, LLC

  • Basic 1st aid kit

  • Additional walking poles

  • Trail-side treats: Hot Ele’MINT tea

• WEATHER: If the forecast is for heavy rain, storms or strong winds, we will reschedule within next 12 months

December Weekend Walk

Let’s celebrate the season OUTSIDE!

Do the shopping. Deck the halls. Then take a break from the ‘to do’s’ and join Margaret in the elements for a brisk walk, fresh air and time to savor all the winter wonders of Rock Creek Park.

LOCATION and ROUTE: See address and map above for driving and parking details. Once gathered, we will head off on a 6+/- mile walk on some of my favorite trails of Rock Creek Park.

TIME: We will start walk promptly so plan to arrive a few minutes early.

WHAT TO WEAR: we always say dress for the weather:

• running/hiking/trail shoes or boots

• wicking base layers

• insulating and/or wind/water layers + hat/gloves to add or shed as needed

• ELEMENTS will provide:

  • Guide: Margaret Rietano, founder & director of The Elements DC, LLC

  • Basic 1st aid kit, map, electrolyte tabs, sunblock, bug spray

  • Additional walking poles

FOR QUESTIONS: click here: FAQ’s

COST: $40/walker for 90 minute to 2 hours walk

December Weekend Walk

Let’s celebrate the season OUTSIDE!

Do the shopping. Deck the halls. Then take a break from the ‘to do’s’ and join Margaret in the elements for a brisk walk, fresh air and time to savor all the winter wonders of our local woods.

LOCATION and ROUTE: See address and map above for driving and parking details. Once gathered, we will head off to ramble on the amazing trails of the Brookmont woods and along the Little Falls tributary and then down to the Potomac River Trail.

TIME: We will start walk promptly so plan to arrive a few minutes early.

WHAT TO WEAR: we always say dress for the weather:

• running/hiking/trail shoes or boots

• wicking base layers

• insulating and/or wind/water layers + hat/gloves to add or shed as needed

• ELEMENTS will provide:

  • Guide: Margaret Rietano, founder & director of The Elements DC, LLC

  • Basic 1st aid kit, map, electrolyte tabs, sunblock, bug spray

  • Additional walking poles

FOR QUESTIONS: click here: FAQ’s

COST: $40/walker for 90 minute +/- walk

Let’s get ready for your summer hiking adventures. Break in the shoes, test out the pack, build up the muscles all while exploring our regions trails.

Elements will do the guiding so you can relax your mind, authentically connect with your friends and enjoy the journey.

Register by clicking yellow button.

1. Enter contact details

2. At step 2.1 enter Custom Contact Code

3. Choose applicable custom session.

4. All registered will receive an email the day before the walk with further logistics and last-minute details.

FAQ’s 

Thursday, June 23; 9:30 - 11:30

• Schedule:

  • Meet: We will meet (see map) at the Rock Creek Park Nature Center

  • Hike: 9:30 - 11:30

• Route: Trails of Rock Creek Park (northern-section)

• Mileage & Trail Conditions; This route gives us a lot of everything: meandering trails, rocky scrambles, woodland shade and creek vistas.

• BYO: Daypack for:

  • Water, creature comforts: sunglasses, brimmed hat, sunblock, bug spray

• WEAR: As we always say: “dress for the weather'“

  • trail shoes/boots or running shoes

  • wicking base layers

  • insulating and/or wind/water layers + hat/gloves to add or shed as needed (for colder season hikes)

  • post-hike off-trail shoes

• ELEMENTS will provide:

  • Led by Margaret Rietano, founder & director of the Elements DC, LLC

  • Basic 1st aid kit, map, electrolyte tabs, sunblock, bug spray

  • Additional walking poles

• WEATHER: If the forecast is for heavy rain, storms or strong winds, we will reschedule within next 12 months

• COST: $50/participant (minimum of 4 participants/max of 6’ish)

Let’s get ready for your summer hiking adventures. Break in the shoes, test out the pack, build up the muscles all while exploring our regions trails.

Elements will do the guiding so you can relax your mind, authentically connect with your friends and enjoy the journey.

Register by clicking yellow button.

1. Enter contact details

2. At step 2.1 enter Custom Contact Code

3. Choose applicable custom session.

4. All registered will receive an email the day before the walk with further logistics and last-minute details.

FAQ’s 

Thursday, June 16; 9:30 - 11:30

• Schedule:

  • Meet: We will meet (see map) at the Rock Creek Park Nature Center

  • Hike: 9:30 - 11:30

• Route: Trails of Rock Creek Park (mid-section)

• Mileage & Trail Conditions; This route gives us a lot of everything: meandering trails, rocky scrambles, woodland shade and creek vistas.

• BYO: Daypack for:

  • Water, creature comforts: sunglasses, brimmed hat, sunblock, bug spray

• WEAR: As we always say: “dress for the weather'“

  • trail shoes/boots or running shoes

  • wicking base layers

  • insulating and/or wind/water layers + hat/gloves to add or shed as needed (for colder season hikes)

  • post-hike off-trail shoes

• ELEMENTS will provide:

  • Led by Margaret Rietano, founder & director of the Elements DC, LLC

  • Basic 1st aid kit, map, electrolyte tabs, sunblock, bug spray

  • Additional walking poles

• WEATHER: If the forecast is for heavy rain, storms or strong winds, we will reschedule within next 12 months

• COST: $50/participant (minimum of 4 participants/max of 6’ish)

Join Elements and Margaret Rietano for a full-day of hiking (plus drive time) of Old Rag Mountain in Shenadoah National Park. We will lead you on a hike so that you can enjoy the benefits of exerting, great company and the beauty of the spring.

Please read National Park Service description:

‘Featuring hikes with adventurous rock scrambles and 360-degree views that make you feel like you're on top of the world, there's no wonder why Old Rag is the most popular destination in Shenandoah National Park. 

While highly rewarding, hiking to the summit of Old Rag is also very physically demanding and can be dangerous if you have not planned properly. In order to ensure your safety and make the most out of your hike, be sure that you understand the basics of hiking safety before you set out on your adventure. Aside from these basics, there are a few more things that you need to know before hiking Old Rag:

Know Your Limits

Be sure that you are physically able to complete the hikes on Old Rag Mountain. Most hikes in this area are long, and there is significant elevation change with a strenuous rock scramble that requires good upper body strength. Often, children and shorter adults need assistance navigating the rock scramble.’

Register:

• Please email Margaret at mrietano@theelementsdc.com for further details and registration instructions.

  • Space will be limited to a very small group.

  • Elements has reserved advance Day Passes for this hike.

• Registered hikers will receive an email the day before the hike with updates and final logistics.

• Additional Elements FAQ’s 

• Meet: 9:30 at Sperryville Corner Store & Provisions

• Start: 10:00 am

  • average hiking time is 5+ hours. We will allow time for ‘breather breaks’ and enjoy our picnics on the saddle.

• Mileage and Trail Conditions; 9.5 mile loop with elevation gain/loss of 2683’ with terrain that is at times technical and exposed. (see above National Park Service description)

  • Please note, there is limited to no cell service in region of Old Rag

• BYO: :

  • day pack or fanny pack. There are narrow passages and some technical ‘reaches’ on this hike. Be prepared but not overly encumbered.

  • snacks, picnic lunch and WATER (recommend 2 liters, especially if its a warm day)

  • Creature comforts: walking poles, sunglasses, brimmed hat, sunblock, bug spray, binoculars, walking poles

• WEAR: We always say dress for the weather:

  • hiking boots or trail shoes with Vibram sole

  • wicking base layers

  • insulating and/or wind/water layers + hat/gloves to add or shed as needed

• ELEMENTS will provide:

  • Guide: Margaret Rietano, founder & director of The Elements DC, LLC

  • Basic 1st aid kit, map, electrolyte tabs, sunblock, bug spray

  • Additional walking poles

• COST: $65

• WEATHER: If the forecast is for heavy rain, storms or strong winds, we will reschedule spring of 2022

Join Elements for a guided walk and spirited talk with acclaimed author, Florence Williams. We will travel the DC trails that inspired Florence as she wrote The Nature Fix and her latest book, Heartbreak.

Click here (Florence Williams) to learn more about Williams and her writings. And come join us for this unique opportunity to walk, listen, learn and converse.

Pre-order copies of The Nature Fix and Heartbreak through Elements and get your copy signed at the end of our walk.

Register:

• Please register:

  • click on yellow button below.

  • Choose Elements 4 ADULTS, 2022 Season, Seasonal Walk & Book Talk with Florence Williams

  • Proceed accordingly. Registration is quick and easy!

  • Registered hikers will receive an email the day before the walk with any extra details. Email me at mrietano@theelementsdc.com and I can share deets and answer any q’s that are not covered here: FAQ’s 

• Meet: See location and parking details above.

• Start: We will start our walk promptly at 8:00am

• Mileage and Trail Conditions; 4+/- miles of wooded paths with terrain that is flat and rooty, rocky, and hilly.

• BYO: Daypack for:

  • Water, creature comforts: sunglasses, brimmed hat, sunblock, bug spray

• WEAR: We always say dress for the weather

• WEATHER: For heavy rain, storms for heavy winds, this event will pivot to our indoor location in in the Cleveland Park neighborhood.

• ELEMENTS will provide:

  • Guide: Margaret Rietano, founder & director of The Elements DC

  • Basic 1st aid kit

  • Additional walking poles

• Cost: $35

Spring is in the air. Let’s break out in sync with the overstory and stride in style with Mama Nature.

Don't miss this popular Potomac School event in its fourth year running -- blazing new trails this year! Explore the woodland wonders of Rock Creek Park with a guided hike and trail side treats. Ramble along the trails, savor the spring ephemerals, and listen to the babbles of Rock Creek. Margaret Rietano, past Potomac parent and founder of the Elements DC, will be co-leading this adventure with Lissa Potter, Potomac parent and co-chair of Parents for Environmental Action.

We will get you and your friends outside, active and grounded

Register:

• Please register click on yellow button below.

  • Choose Elements 4 ADULTS, 2022 Season, Custom Sessions

  • At Step 2.1, when asked for the Custom Registration Code: type in Potomac

  • Proceed accordingly. Registration is quick and easy!

  • Registered hikers will receive an email the day before the walk with any extra details. Email me at mrietano@theelementsdc.com and I can share deets and answer any q’s that are not covered here: FAQ’s 

Thursday, April 7: 9:30 - 11:30am

• Meet: at 5100 Glover road which is the parking lot for the Rock Creek Park Stable and Nature Center

• Start: We will start our walk promptly at 9:30am

• Mileage and Trail Conditions; 3+ miles of wooded paths with terrain that is flat and rooty, rocky, and hilly.

• BYO: Daypack for:

  • Water, creature comforts: sunglasses, brimmed hat, sunblock, bug spray prescription meds (if needed). Walking poles (if desired)

• WEAR: We always say dress for the weather:

  • trail or running shoes

  • wicking base layers

  • insulating and/or wind/water layers + hat/gloves to add or shed as needed

  • post-hike off-trail shoes

• ELEMENTS will provide:

  • Led by Margaret Rietano, founder & director of The Elements DC, LLC

  • Basic 1st aid kit, map, electrolyte tabs, sunblock, bug spray

  • Additional walking poles

• WEATHER: If the forecast is for heavy rain, storms or strong winds, we will reschedule spring of 2022

Join Elements and Betsy Lovejoy for a guided walk and birding adventure. We will lead you on a hike so that you can enjoy the benefits of movement and the beauty of the spring neotropical migrants that flock to the region during their journey north. We will be listening for birdsong as we hike and pause long enough to catch sight of these vibrantly colored birds. Betsy will also give some advice along the way as to how to begin to identify birds using certain characteristics. After spending time exercising in the woods with a pair of binoculars you will never go on a trail run or hike again without feeling a deeper awareness, connection and gratitude for nature and all it has to offer.

Betsy’s interest in birds came later in life - after years of running trails and a life-long passion for conservation. Betsy has never officially studied ornithology, but the hours she spends running in Rock Creek Park and connecting with nature were the perfect introduction to train herself how to identify birds by both sight and sound. All it took was one Myrtle Yellow-rumped Warbler and she was hooked. 

Hopefully everyone will come away with their "spark bird" that hooks them into a lifetime of birding.

Register:

• Please register click on yellow button below.

  • Choose Elements 4 ADULTS, 2022 Season, Seasonal Experience, Birding with Betsy on May 2

  • Proceed accordingly. Registration is quick and easy!

  • Registered hikers will receive an email the day before the walk with any extra details. Email me at mrietano@theelementsdc.com and I can share deets and answer any q’s that are not covered here: FAQ’s 

• Meet: park on side streets near intersection of Potomac Ave and Norton Place, NW in Palisades neighborhood. We will gather at trailhead (grassy area next to reservoir)

• Start: We will start our walk promptly at 7:00am

• Mileage and Trail Conditions; 4+ miles of wooded paths with terrain that is flat and rooty, rocky, and hilly.

• BYO: Daypack for:

  • Binoculars, if you own them. No worries if not, we have some to share.

  • Water, creature comforts: sunglasses, brimmed hat, sunblock, bug spray

• WEAR: We always say dress for the weather:

  • trail or running shoes

  • wicking base layers

  • insulating and/or wind/water layers + hat/gloves to add or shed as needed

• ELEMENTS will provide:

  • Led by Margaret Rietano, founder & director of The Elements DC, LLC

  • Basic 1st aid kit, map, electrolyte tabs, sunblock, bug spray

  • Additional walking poles

• WEATHER: If the forecast is for heavy rain, storms or strong winds, we will reschedule spring of 2022

• Cost: $45

Spring is in the air. Let’s break out in sync with the overstory and stride in style with Mama Nature. Join the Elements DC for a few hours of unique, local adventure. We will get outside, active and grounded and send you back ready to tackle the 'to do's'.

• $25/walker -

Once registered you will receive an email the day before the walk with any extra details. Email me at mrietano@theelementsdc.com and I can share deets and answer any q’s that are not covered here: FAQ’s 

Friday, April 22: Ephemerals of Scotts Run

• 9:00 - 10:30 am

• Meet in parking lot for Langley Swim and Tennis Club.

• Route: Trails of Scotts Run Nature Preserve

• Mileage and Trail Conditions; 4 (+/-) miles round trip. Mostly woodland trails, hilly, single track trails. Rock scrambles and occasional stream crossings. Please wear shoes with a grippy sole!!!

• BYO: Water, sunblock, bug spray, and walking poles (if desired)

• WEATHER: If the forecast is for heavy rain, storms or strong winds, we will reschedule or refund.

• Led by Margaret Rietano

Join Elements and Betsy Lovejoy for a guided walk and birding adventure. We will lead you on a hike so that you can enjoy the benefits of movement and the beauty of the spring neotropical migrants that flock to the region during their journey north. We will be listening for birdsong as we hike and pause long enough to catch sight of these vibrantly colored birds. Betsy will also give some advice along the way as to how to begin to identify birds using certain characteristics. After spending time exercising in the woods with a pair of binoculars you will never go on a trail run or hike again without feeling a deeper awareness, connection and gratitude for nature and all it has to offer.

Betsy’s interest in birds came later in life - after years of running trails and a life-long passion for conservation. Betsy has never officially studied ornithology, but the hours she spends running in Rock Creek Park and connecting with nature were the perfect introduction to train herself how to identify birds by both sight and sound. All it took was one Myrtle Yellow-rumped Warbler and she was hooked. 

Hopefully everyone will come away with their "spark bird" that hooks them into a lifetime of birding.

Register:

• Please register click on yellow button below.

  • Choose Elements 4 ADULTS, 2022 Season, Seasonal Experience, Birding with Betsy on April 15

  • Proceed accordingly. Registration is quick and easy!

  • Registered hikers will receive an email the day before the walk with any extra details. Email me at mrietano@theelementsdc.com and I can share deets and answer any q’s that are not covered here: FAQ’s 

• Meet: at 5100 Glover road which is the parking lot for the Rock Creek Park Stable and Nature Center

• Start: We will start our walk promptly at 7:30am

• Mileage and Trail Conditions; 3+ miles of wooded paths with terrain that is flat and rooty, rocky, and hilly.

• BYO: Daypack for:

  • Water, creature comforts: sunglasses, brimmed hat, sunblock, bug spray

• WEAR: We always say dress for the weather:

  • trail or running shoes

  • wicking base layers

  • insulating and/or wind/water layers + hat/gloves to add or shed as needed

• ELEMENTS will provide:

  • Led by Margaret Rietano, founder & director of The Elements DC, LLC

  • Basic 1st aid kit, map, electrolyte tabs, sunblock, bug spray

  • Additional walking poles

• WEATHER: If the forecast is for heavy rain, storms or strong winds, we will reschedule spring of 2022

• Cost: $45

Spring is in the air. Let’s break out in sync with the overstory and stride in style with Mama Nature. Join the Elements DC for a full day hike in Shenandoah National Park. We will get you and your friends outside, active and grounded

Registered hikers will receive an email the day before the walk with any extra details. Email me at mrietano@theelementsdc.com and I can share deets and answer any q’s that are not covered here: FAQ’s 

Wednesday, April 13: 10:00 - 5:00 (+/-)

• Meet: We will meet at 10am for a pit stop at Before & After in Sperryville (see address and map upper left). We will then drive cars the final few miles to the trail-head.

  • Drive mileage/time from DC: 78 miles and approx 1 hr 40 minutes. Please note: there is limited/no cell service once you pass Warrenton, VA

• Hiking Route: Buck Ridge & Mary’s Rock region; exact route will be relayed to registered hikers

• Mileage and Trail Conditions; 9 mile lollipop loop with elevation gain/loss of 2600’

  • This route gives us a lot of everything: great climbs, great summit views, and downhill rocky ramble home.

• Training Tips: The best way to get ready for a hike is to hike or walk/run/move a lot! So live your life, kick up the exercise regime a few notches. Take the stairs. Park a bit farther from your destination and enjoy the process.

• BYO: Daypack for:

  • Water (recommend 1 to 2 liters), picnic lunch & snack, creature comforts: sunglasses, brimmed hat, sunblock, bug spray prescription meds (if needed). Walking poles (if desired) are recommended for this hike.

• WEAR: (check the ‘day of’ forecast for the region and dress for the weather)

  • hiking shoes or boots (running shoes are not appropriate for this terrain) and hiking socks

    • The most important thing is to please test out your shoes/boots and sock combo. Confirm that there are NO spots that rub or give you any pain or discomfort.

  • wicking base layers

  • insulating and/or wind/water layers + hat/gloves to add or shed as needed

  • post-hike off-trail shoes

• ELEMENTS will provide:

  • Led by Margaret Rietano, founder & director of The Elements DC, LLC

  • Basic 1st aid kit, map, electrolyte tabs, sunblock, bug spray

  • Additional walking poles

• WEATHER: If the forecast is for heavy rain, storms or strong winds, we will reschedule within next 12 months

April Walk

Spring is in the air. Let’s break out in sync with the overstory and stride in style with Mama Nature. Join the Elements DC for a few hours of unique, local adventure. We will get outside, active and grounded and send you back ready to tackle the 'to do's'.

Register:

• Please register click on yellow button below.

  • Choose Elements 4 ADULTS, 2022 Season, Seasonal Experience, Difficult Run + Great Falls = AMAZING

  • Proceed accordingly. Registration is quick and easy!

  • Registered hikers will receive an email the day before the walk with any extra details. Email me at mrietano@theelementsdc.com and I can share deets and answer any q’s that are not covered here: FAQ’s 

• Meet: at Difficult Run Parking Lot (GPS: Difficult Run Parking or 8801 Georgetown Pike, McLEan, VA 22102) Please Note: The name of the primary creek along this trail is called Difficult Run. This walk is a gorgeous walk (not a run)

• Start: We will start our walk promptly at 9:30am

• Route: Great Falls (VA) woods/trail to Potomac River to Difficult Run route

• Mileage and Trail Conditions; 5+ miles of wooded paths with terrain that is flat and rooty, rocky, and hilly.

• BYO: Daypack for:

  • Water, creature comforts: sunglasses, brimmed hat, sunblock, bug spray

• WEAR: We always say dress for the weather:

  • trail or running shoes

  • wicking base layers

  • insulating and/or wind/water layers + hat/gloves to add or shed as needed

• ELEMENTS will provide:

  • Led by Margaret Rietano, founder & director of The Elements DC, LLC

  • Basic 1st aid kit, map, electrolyte tabs, sunblock, bug spray

  • Additional walking poles

• WEATHER: If the forecast is for heavy rain, storms or strong winds, we will reschedule spring of 2022

• Cost: $25

Spring is in the air. Let’s break out in sync with the overstory and stride in style with Mama Nature. We will celebrate our Birthday girl in Elements style: outside, active and grounded!

Once registered you will receive an advance email with final logistics. Email me at mrietano@theelementsdc.com and I can share deets and answer any q’s that are not covered here: FAQ’s 

Sunday, April 10; 9am to 1pm

• Schedule:

  • Meet: We will meet (see map) at 9am

  • Hike: 9:15 - 11:15

  • Post-hike: 11:30 - 1:00: drive 3 miles to surprise picnic-lunch location.

• Route: Trails of Scotts Run Nature Preserve

• Mileage & Trail Conditions; This route gives us a lot of everything: meandering trails, rocky scrambles, woodland shade and river vistas. If we time it right, we may even get the beauty of Bluebells blossom and emerging ephemerals.

• BYO: Daypack for:

  • Water, creature comforts: sunglasses, brimmed hat, sunblock, bug spray

• WEAR: As we always say: “dress for the weather'“

  • trail shoes/boots or running shoes

  • wicking base layers

  • insulating and/or wind/water layers + hat/gloves to add or shed as needed

  • post-hike off-trail shoes

• ELEMENTS will provide:

  • Led by Margaret Rietano, founder & director of the Elements DC, LLC

  • Basic 1st aid kit, map, electrolyte tabs, sunblock, bug spray

  • Additional walking poles

  • Picnic Lunch

• WEATHER: If the forecast is for heavy rain, storms or strong winds, we will reschedule within next 12 months

April Walk

Spring is in the air. Let’s break out in sync with the overstory and stride in style with Mama Nature. Join the Elements DC for a few hours of unique, local adventure. We will get outside, active and grounded and send you back ready to tackle the 'to do's'.

Register:

• Please register click on yellow button below.

  • Choose Elements 4 ADULTS, 2022 Season, Seasonal Experience, Tregaron, Klingle Valley,Linnean Hill April 5

  • Proceed accordingly. Registration is quick and easy!

  • Registered hikers will receive an email the day before the walk with any extra details. Email me at mrietano@theelementsdc.com and I can share deets and answer any q’s that are not covered here: FAQ’s 

• Meet: on Trail Head at end of Klingle Road Please Note: Parking is typically plentiful on the side of a dead end road. For navigation purposes use this address: 3030 Klingle Road, NW

• Start: We will start our walk promptly at 9:30am

• Route: Klingle Valley Trail to Rock Creek to Linnean Hill to Tregaron Conservancy

• Mileage and Trail Conditions; 4+ miles of wooded paths with terrain that is flat and rooty, rocky, and hilly.

• BYO: Daypack for:

  • Water, creature comforts: sunglasses, brimmed hat, sunblock, bug spray

• WEAR: We always say dress for the weather:

  • trail or running shoes

  • wicking base layers

  • insulating and/or wind/water layers + hat/gloves to add or shed as needed

• ELEMENTS will provide:

  • Led by Margaret Rietano, founder & director of The Elements DC, LLC

  • Basic 1st aid kit, map, electrolyte tabs, sunblock, bug spray

  • Additional walking poles

• WEATHER: If the forecast is for heavy rain, storms or strong winds, we will reschedule spring of 2022

• Cost: $25

April Walk

Spring is in the air. Let’s break out in sync with the overstory and stride in style with Mama Nature. Join the Elements DC for a few hours of unique, local adventure. We will get outside, active and grounded and send you back ready to tackle the 'to do's'.

Register:

• Please register click on yellow button below.

  • Choose Elements 4 ADULTS, 2022 Season, Seasonal Experience, Bluebells of Turkey Run : April 4

  • Proceed accordingly. Registration is quick and easy!

  • Registered hikers will receive an email the day before the walk with any extra details. Email me at mrietano@theelementsdc.com and I can share deets and answer any q’s that are not covered here: FAQ’s 

• Meet: on Trail Head at end of Turkey Run Road (For GPS plug in 800 Turkey Run Road, McLEan, VA 22101) Please Note: Parking is on the side of a dead end road and very limited. If there is no room, please park further up the road and walk down to trail head.

• Start: We will start our walk promptly at 9:30am

• Route: Turkey Run to Potomac Heritage Trail loops and out and backs.

• Mileage and Trail Conditions; 4+ miles of wooded paths with terrain that is flat and rooty, rocky, and hilly.

• BYO: Daypack for:

  • Water, creature comforts: sunglasses, brimmed hat, sunblock, bug spray

• WEAR: We always say dress for the weather:

  • trail or running shoes

  • wicking base layers

  • insulating and/or wind/water layers + hat/gloves to add or shed as needed

• ELEMENTS will provide:

  • Led by Margaret Rietano, founder & director of The Elements DC, LLC

  • Basic 1st aid kit, map, electrolyte tabs, sunblock, bug spray

  • Additional walking poles

• WEATHER: If the forecast is for heavy rain, storms or strong winds, we will reschedule spring of 2022

• Cost: $25

She might not be going to Everest but she’s tackling the vertical of Everest. Let’s help her reach her 29,000’ goal, one step at a time!

Elements will do the guiding so you can relax your mind, authentically connect with your friends and enjoy the journey.

Register by clicking yellow button.

1. Enter contact details

2. At step 2.1 enter Custom Contact Code

3. Choose applicable custom session.

4. All registered will receive an email the day before the walk with further logistics and last-minute details.

FAQ’s 

Friday, March 17; 9:00 - 11:00

• Schedule:

  • Meet: We will meet (see map) at 9am

  • Hike: 9:00 - 11:00

• Route: Trails of Rock Creek Park (mid-section)

• Mileage & Trail Conditions; This route gives us a lot of everything: meandering trails, rocky scrambles, woodland shade and creek vistas.

• BYO: Daypack for:

  • Water, creature comforts: sunglasses, brimmed hat, sunblock, bug spray

• WEAR: As we always say: “dress for the weather'“

  • trail shoes/boots or running shoes

  • wicking base layers

  • insulating and/or wind/water layers + hat/gloves to add or shed as needed

  • post-hike off-trail shoes

• ELEMENTS will provide:

  • Led by Margaret Rietano, founder & director of the Elements DC, LLC

  • Basic 1st aid kit, map, electrolyte tabs, sunblock, bug spray

  • Additional walking poles

• WEATHER: If the forecast is for heavy rain, storms or strong winds, we will reschedule within next 12 months

• COST: $50/participant (minimum of 4 participants/max of 6’ish)

April Walk

Spring is in the air. Let’s break out in sync with the overstory and stride in style with Mama Nature. Join the Elements DC for a few hours of unique, local adventure. We will get outside, active and grounded and send you back ready to tackle the 'to do's'.

• $25/walker -

Once registered you will receive an email the day before the walk with any extra details. Email me at mrietano@theelementsdc.com and I can share deets and answer any q’s that are not covered here: FAQ’s 

Thursday, April 15: 9:30 - 11:00 am

• Meet on Trail Head at the intersection of Klingle Road, NW and Cortlandt Place, NW

• Route: Trails of the Tregaron Conservancy, Klingle Valley, Linnean Hill . . ..

• Mileage and Trail Conditions; 4 (+/-) miles round trip. Mostly woodland trails, hilly, single track trails. Rock scrambles and occasional stream crossings. Please wear shoes with a grippy sole!!!

• In an effort to comply with the CDC’s best practices re the spread of virus, we will:

  • require masks

  • limit number of walkers to 8

• BYO: Water, sunblock, bug spray, snack and walking poles (if desired)

• WEATHER: If the forecast is for heavy rain, storms or strong winds, we will reschedule or refund.

• Led by Margaret Rietano

April Walk

Spring is in the air. Let’s break out in sync with the overstory and stride in style with Mama Nature. Join the Elements DC for a few hours of unique, local adventure. We will get outside, active and grounded and send you back ready to tackle the 'to do's'.

• $25/walker -

Once registered you will receive an email the day before the walk with any extra details. Email me at mrietano@theelementsdc.com and I can share deets and answer any q’s that are not covered here: FAQ’s 

Monday, April 12: Ephemerals & Bluebells Galore, DC

• 9:30 - 11:00 am

• Meet on Trail Head at the intersection of Potomac Avenue and Norton Street, NW in the Palisades neighborhood.

• Route: Trails of Palisades, Brookmont, C & O Canal and along banks of the Potomac River

• Mileage and Trail Conditions; 4 (+/-) miles round trip. Mostly woodland trails, hilly, single track trails. Rock scrambles and occasional stream crossings. Please wear shoes with a grippy sole!!!

• In an effort to comply with the CDC’s best practices re the spread of virus, we will:

  • require masks

  • limit number of walkers to 8

• BYO: Water, sunblock, bug spray, snack and walking poles (if desired)

• WEATHER: If the forecast is for heavy rain, storms or strong winds, we will reschedule or refund.

• Led by Margaret Rietano

April Walk

Spring is in the air. Let’s break out in sync with the overstory and stride in style with Mama Nature. Join the Elements DC for a few hours of unique, local adventure. We will get outside, active and grounded and send you back ready to tackle the 'to do's'.

• $25/walker -

Once registered you will receive an email the day before the walk with any extra details. Email me at mrietano@theelementsdc.com and I can share deets and answer any q’s that are not covered here: FAQ’s 

Tuesday, April 6: The Adventures of Turkey Run

• 9:30 - 11:00 am

• Meet on Trail Head at end of Turkey Run Road (For GPS plug in 800 Turkey Run Road, McLEan, VA 22101) Please Note: Parking is on the side of a dead end road and very limited. If there is no room, please park further up the road and walk down to trail head.

• Route: Turkey Run to Potomac Heritage Trail loops and out and backs.

• Mileage and Trail Conditions; 4 (+/-) miles round trip. Mostly woodland trails, hilly, single track trails. Rock scrambles and occasional stream crossings. Please wear shoes with a grippy sole!!!

• In an effort to comply with the CDC’s best practices re the spread of virus, we will:

  • require masks

  • limit number of walkers to 8

• BYO: Water, sunblock, bug spray, snack and walking poles (if desired)

• Weather: We will reschedule or refund you if the weather forecast calls for heavy rains, strong winds or storms.

• Led by Margaret Rietano