National Capital Area Construction Hike for Hope

Join us on May 31, 2025

2025 National Capital Area Construction Hike for Hope
05/31/2025

Hike with us to fight suicide!

Event Overview:

Date: 05/31/2025
Location: Riverbend Park, Pavilion Shelter B, Great Falls, VA
Check-in/On-Site Registration Starts: 9:30 am
Program: 10:30 am
Post-Hike Picnic: 12:00 PM

Contact: Kelly Mahoney (she/her), 571-329-0229, kmahoney@afsp.org

Today, support for mental health is needed more than ever before, and we are asking you to join us in the fight to stop suicide. According to the CDC's data on suicide risk within occupational groups, the construction and extraction industries have the highest rates of suicide in the United States. But there is hope because research shows that suicide is preventable, and YOU can play an important role in saving lives.

The National Capital Area (NCA) Construction Hike for Hope brings people from the construction industry, their loved ones, and our community together in nature to foster connection and support among participants, survivors, and those affected by suicide. We hope you will join us at the beautiful Riverbend Park for this important community event acknowledging how suicide and mental health conditions have affected our lives and the lives we care about.

Get Started

Register now! There is no fee or
fundraising minimum to participate.
Share your fundraising page
link on social media,
via text, or by email.

Spread the Word!

Spread the word with
social shareables and be sure
to include a link to your Hike fundraising page!

Download and print the Hike for Hope Flyer and distribute it throughout our community!

Earn a T-Shirt

Individually raise $150+
by 05/31/2025 to receive a
Hike for Hope t-shirt at the event.

Become a Sponsor

Sponsoring Construction HIke for Hope shows the Construction Industry community that you care about their mental health and well-being.

Early Bird Sponsor Special!

Reach out to kmahoney@afsp.org to learn more about the exciting "Bonus Benefits" we are offering through 3/21/2025!

Sponsor T-Shirt Deadline: 4/18/2025

Overall Sponsor Deadline: 5/16/2025

Sponsor The HIke

Fundraise on Facebook

Creating a Facebook Fundraiser
through your AFSP DonorDrive
account is easy!
Do not create a fundraiser
through Facebook directly.

Note: Sharing a Facebook
Fundraiser on Instagram will not
connect with your fundraising page.

Volunteer

Construction Hike for Hope Committee and Day-of Hike volunteers make this important community event a success.

To join the NCA Construction Hike for Hope planning committee or to volunteer with the AFSP National Capital Area Chapter, please complete our Volunteer Application.

Download the App

Hike Day Activities

On-Site

Check out our family-friendly onsite activities:

Mental Health Resources Fair
Children's Construction Corner (fun building activities)
Fun Family Games
Hope & Healing Activities
Photo Booth
Post-Hike Picnic
And More!

Honor Beads

Complimentary Honor Beads
will be available on-site to show
your connection(s) to the cause.

Hope & Healing

Stop by our Hope & Healing area
to share messages of hope and remembrance.

Hiking Trail Map

Beginning and ending at Shelter B, this 2.4-mile loop trail is generally considered an easy route and takes an average of 51 minutes to complete.
The trail is fairly flat and well-maintained, making for easier travel, and part of it follows along the Potomac River.

Download the Trail Map

FAQs

Is there a registration fee?

No! However, while there is no registration fee or fundraising minimum to participate, we encourage each participant to set a $150 fundraising goal to help support AFSP's work to stop suicide and receive the official hike t-shirt!

Is the event family-friendly?

Yes! We will have games and activities, including a Children's Construction Corner, to keep the little ones entertained. Please note that while the Hike is relatively flat, it is not wheelchair or stroller accessible. See Trail Map for details.

Are dogs allowed?

Yes! Friendly, leashed dogs are allowed at the event and along the trail.

Where do I park?

Yes! There are two parking lots at the nearby Visitors Center (just 1.8 mi away). See Hike Event & Parking Map for details.

Where is Shelter B?

After you enter the park, Shelter B is located on the right-hand/south side of Potomac Hills Street, just before you get to the parking areas and Nature Center. See Hike Event & Parking Map for details.

Do you have to work in construction to attend the Construction Hike for Hope?

No! This event brings awareness and resources to employees of the construction industry, but also to their families, loved ones, and friends. It is open to anyone in the community who would like to participate.

If I come alone, will someone hike with me?

Yes! We will have volunteer "Hike Buddies" ready to walk with anyone who does not want to walk alone or needs assistance navigating the walk route.

Can I bring my own table, tent, or chairs to the event?

No. However, you do have the opportunity to earn a table or tent if you Sponsor the Hike (in accordance with sposnor-level benefits). We will have plenty of chairs at the event for those who need seating accommodations.

How do I make an offline donation?

To send a donation by check, please complete the Offline Donation Form
and send it with your check to the
address provided on the form.

Will there be refreshments or food available?

Prior to the Hike, complimentary water and light snacks will be provided for registered participants. Following the Hike, a complimentary picnic (lunch and refreshments) will be provided for all registered participants. Picnic details coming soon!

Will there be restrooms on-site?

Yes! Restrooms are located at the nearby Visitors Center (just 1.8 mi away). See Hike Event & Parking Map for details.

Where can I find more information about Riverbend Park and/or the Hike event?

You can visit the official FCPA Riverbend Park website or contact Kelly Mahoney at kmahoney@afsp.or

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