Mappy Hour DC gathered in January at The North Face in Bethesda to kick off our Explore More Challenge and to learn from local adventurers about the best places to get outside in and around DC.
Shannon Orcutt shared with us her love for whitewater kayaking. If you want to explore whitewater kayaking in the area, Sharon recommends two local kayaking schools; Calleva and Potomac Paddle Sports. She also encouraged us to check out kayaking clubs including Canoe Cruisers Association, Mason Dixon Canoe Club, the Blue Ridge Voyageurs, Potomac Paddlers and Team River Runner for veterans.
Shannon also shared with us her new passion for rock climbing. The DC area has awesome indoor climbing gyms like Earth Treks and Sportrock. Gyms have intro to climbing classes so you can learn the ropes and trade-a-belay groups to find climbing partners.
Want to climb outside? Local climbing clubs and schools include PATC Mountain Section, American Alpine Club, DC Area Climbing Community,
Matt Moore is the owner of District Cycle Works. He shared his love of exploring in and around DC on two wheels. If you want to explore DC by bike, you should check out Potomac Pedalers for education and local rides, Rapha’s weekly rides for road bikers and Mid-Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts for mountain biking adventures.
Taylor Gilliland is a hiker, backpacker and paddler who loves to share his passion for the outdoors by organizing trips and local adventures with friends. Taylor’s favorite way to find hikes is through HikingUpward and the Hiking Project.
Don’t have a car? Taylor encouraged us to explore Rock Creek Park, the National Arboretum and the C&O canal. Want to camp? The Greenbelt Campgrounds are metro accessible!
Our lively discussion had both us and the audience ready to get outside and Explore More!
