What we’re about
Washington Women Outdoors (WWO) is a non-profit organization founded in the Fall of 1977 and recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) in the Spring of 1979, that is run almost entirely by volunteers. We engage in outdoor activities in the Washington, DC area where women share skills, experience, strengths, and support to enhance and expand each woman's world. We welcome women of diverse ages, races, and lifestyles. WWO provides instruction by women for women. Activities are available for all skill levels to inspire the beginner and to challenge the more advanced.
WWO members are independent women who seek adventure in the outdoors. We have a passion for hiking, biking, rock climbing, caving, backpacking, kayaking, cross country skiing, horseback riding, hang gliding, and anything that tests our strength and broadens our horizons. We enjoy meeting new people who want to travel with us to beautiful places in the wilderness. If you are open to learning new things in a supportive environment and enjoy sharing the outdoors with other women, we invite you to join us.
WWO is different than typical Meetup groups. We scout our hiking and biking trips. Each trip is led by two leaders. One leader stays at the front of the group and the second leader is the sweep. Each participant is encouraged to participate at her own pace, and the sweep is there to ensure that no one is left behind. We want each participant to go at their own pace so that they enjoy their experience and come back to the outdoors.
Please visit our website: https://washingtonwomenoutdoors.org/ for more information and to register for events.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- WWO Annual Picnic plus Hike and Yoga!Hillsboro, VA, Hillsboro, VA
Picnic and Fun! 5 miles of easy/moderate hiking, a yoga class for all experience levels, outdoor games, and great food and conversation.
Register here: WWO Annual Picnic
Join us for our always fun Annual Picnic and help us celebrate WWO’s 45th Anniversary! We will begin with a scenic 2.5-mile hike to a hilltop retreat overlooking the valley and participate in a 30-minute yoga class (no prior experience necessary). We’ll hike back down the hill (2.5 miles) and return to a Board Member’s country home for a picnic where we’ll socialize with old and new friends. If you’ve never joined us before, this is a great opportunity to 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. Come for all or part of the day!- You must register for this event on our website at this link: WWO Annual Picnic. Register early on our website to reserve your spot!
- No further trip details will be provided on Meetup. Upon completion of registration and the waiver, trip information will be forwarded by email. If you do not see confirmation email from Washington Women Outdoors in your in-box, immediately check your spam folder.
If you're not ready to register for this event and would like more information, please email: info@washingtonwomenoutdoors.org
Find out about WWO Member benefits at this link: WWO Membership Information
- Weverton Cliffs via Gathland State Park (car shuttle)Gathland State Park, Jefferson, MD
Gathland State Park is home to a large stone monumental arch dedicated to the memory of Civil War correspondents. The land was owned by George Alfred Townsend, a Civil War journalist. Several buildings and structures were designed by Townsend in the late 1800s, two of which remain today and one of them is a museum. We will begin our hike southbound on The Appalachian National Scenic Trail (AT) which passes through the park. We’ll traverse the mostly rocky ridgetop surface through deciduous woodlands as we make our way to the cliffs. Optional stop at the Ed Garvey Memorial Shelter which is very nice. The cliffs rise above the Potomac River at South Mountain’s southernmost portion. They offer a panoramic view of the Potomac River Valley including Buzzard Rock and Short Hill Mountain in Virginia. We’ll descend about a mile down a series of switchbacks to the Weverton Park-n-ride and shuttle back to Gathland.
This hike is suitable for advanced beginner to intermediate level hikers.
Miles: 6.5
Rating: 5 (View Hiking Rating Scale)
$10 basic members; $15 non-members. This hike is FREE for Premium Members! Find out about WWO Member benefits here:
https://washingtonwomenoutdoors.org/membership-fees/- Register for this event on our website with this link: Weverton Cliffs via Gathland State Park
- Complete the online Waiver here: https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/v/wwotripwaiver/
- Upon completion of registration and the waiver, trip information will be forwarded by email. If you do not see confirmation email from Washington Women Outdoors in your in-box, please check your spam folder. No further trip details will be provided on Meetup.
There is limited space on this event. Register early on our website to reserve your spot! If you're not ready to register for this event but would like more information, please email:
hike@washingtonwomenoutdoors.org - Dolly Sods Beginner Backpacking TripNeeds location
Join us for an exhilarating adventure through Rohrbaugh Plains, set in the stunning Dolly Sods Wilderness of West Virginia. This backpacking trip promises an unforgettable experience with breathtaking rewards for minimal effort. Just a 3-mile hike from the trailhead brings you to the edge of the awe-inspiring Rohrbaugh Cliffs, offering a sweeping 270-degree view of the beautiful Red Creek Valley below. As the day draws to a close, we'll settle into a nearby campsite to witness a spectacular sunset that will be the highlight of the evening. Don’t be fooled by the flat terrain—this trek is ideal for both beginners and seasoned backpackers. Explore the wonders of the Monongahela National Forest and let its beauty captivate you.
Miles: 6.0
Rating: Level 4 (View Hiking Rating Scale)
$20 members; $30 non-members
Register for this event on our website here.All trip details including equipment list, meetup spot, and driving directions will be provided by email the week prior to the trip.
NOTE: No further trip details will be provided on Meetup.
There is limited space for this event.
Register early on our website to reserve your spot! If you're not ready to register for this event but would like more information, please email: backpack@washingtontonwomenoutdoors.org.
Find out about WWO Member benefits here:
https://washingtonwomenoutdoors.org/membership-fees/. - Beginners Road Cycling RideReston, Reston, VA
8 or 16 miles, mostly on lightly trafficked roads in the Reston area with just a few small hills. For Beginner and Advanced Beginners who want experience riding on roads.
Register and pay here: Beginners Road Cycling Ride
Are you "Road Curious" - want to ride on the roads but aren't sure if you're ready, or how to do it safely? This ride is for you! We mostly will ride on lightly trafficked roads in Reston but also experience some bike lanes and a small amount of moderately trafficked roads. You'll learn about laws applying to road cycling, techniques for riding safely, and tips for riding in a group. We will also discuss basic bicycle maintenance and bike accessories to aid your safety on roads. One of our leaders for this ride is a League Cycling Instructor (LCI) certified by the Bicycle League of America.
To participate:- You must register and pay for this event on our website at this link: Beginners Road Cycling Ride. Although this ride is FREE for Premium Members, please register! Register early on our website to reserve your spot!
- No further trip details will be provided on Meetup. Upon completion of registration and the waiver, additional information will be forwarded by email. If you do not see confirmation email from Washington Women Outdoors in your in-box, immediately check your spam folder.
If you're not ready to register for this event and would like more information, please email: bike@washingtonwomenoutdoors.org
Find out about WWO Member benefits at this link: WWO Membership Information