We are excited to offer this new opportunity to Women who are interested in learning more or getting involved with hiking here in Virginia. VOW has partnered with Girls Who Hike VA to offer an Intro to Hiking 3-part series. 3 separate sessions, at 3 different locations will be offered and cover all the beginner basics new hikers need to know. All information is broken up between the three sessions. Completing all three sessions is not required, but is highly recommended, unless pursuing a VOW Certificate* (see note below).
*Women who complete all three sessions in this series can qualify for the "VOW @ the Trail I" course required for the VOW Certificate in Outdoor Skills. For more information about VOW Certifications, or to download the curriculum tracker, please visit the VOW website at: https://dwr.virginia.gov/virginia-outdoor-women/
General Information for all three sessions is listed below, but additional information will be sent out via email prior to each scheduled event. By registering for this event, you automatically are registered for each session. Event Check-in and event waivers are required and will be available upon arrival at the event.
2/21 - Dorey Park, Henrico County - Picnic Pavillion 3 (Reserved), TIME: 1:00 - 2:00 pm - 30-minute hike to follow
Session 1: Planning & Preparation introduces participants to the fundamentals of getting ready for a safe and enjoyable hike. This workshop emphasizes why thoughtful planning matters by showing how it reduces risks and enhances overall enjoyment on the trail. Participants learn to interpret trail ratings and difficulty levels, choose appropriate clothing and footwear, and pack essential gear using the “Ten Essentials” framework. The session also covers food and hydration basics, navigation tools such as maps, apps, and trail signage, and the importance of sharing a hiking plan with a trusted contact. Through hands-on activities—including a show-and-tell of a properly packed daypack, small-group hike-planning exercises, and discussion of weather-change scenarios—participants build practical skills they can immediately apply. Supporting materials include a sample backpack with gear and take-home handouts with a Ten Essentials checklist and recommendations for local beginner-friendly trails.
2/28 - Pocahontas State Park - Picnic shelter TBD, TIME: 1:00 - 2:00 pm - 45-minute hike to follow
Session 2: Leave No Trace (LNT) Principles focuses on building environmental stewardship and responsible hiking habits through an introduction to the seven Leave No Trace principles as they apply to day hiking. Participants explore how thoughtful preparation, staying on durable surfaces, proper waste disposal, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of other visitors help protect natural spaces for everyone. The session emphasizes practical, real-world application through hands-on activities such as demonstrating “pack it in, pack it out” systems, reviewing a backcountry bathroom kit, and taking a short group hike to identify durable surfaces and appropriate rest areas. Visual aids, reusable containers, sample kits, and example “leave-it-behind” items reinforce key concepts and help participants develop a conservation-minded approach they can confidently use on every hike.
3/28 - Sky Meadows State Park - Exact Meeting Location TBD, TIME 1:00 - 2:00 pm - 1 hour hike to follow
Session 3: Safety & Trail Skills equips participants with essential skills and confidence to handle common challenges encountered on the trail. This session covers reading trail signs, blazes, and maps; basic first aid for common hiking injuries; wildlife awareness and safety; and adapting to changing weather conditions. Participants also discuss the differences between hiking solo and in groups, along with clear emergency procedures for situations such as getting lost or injured. Interactive demonstrations—including blister care, tick checks, and navigation app practice—combined with group problem-solving scenarios allow participants to apply safety knowledge in realistic contexts. Materials such as first aid kits, navigation tools, and safety demos support hands-on learning and prepare hikers to respond calmly and effectively in the outdoors.