National Capital Area Council > Activities > HOST Hikes

HOST Hikes

The History of Scouting Trail (HOST Hike) is a multi-hike series that honors the founders of Scouting America while taking hikers through Scouting-related landmarks and sites in Washington, DC.

The HOST Hikes are:

  • Baden-Powell Hike: This 7.2-mile hike takes most units 4 to 6 hours to complete, and the route takes you from the FDR Memorial on a historic trail by the Smithsonian Museums, behind the Capitol, and follows the path up Pennsylvania Ave. of the Suffrage parade. The Baden-Powell Hike starts at the FDR Memorial, and all challenges lead you to additional stops.
  • History Hike: This 2.5-mile hike takes most units 1–2 hours to complete, and the route takes you from the National Geographic Museum and through the area around the White House. The History Hike starts in the courtyard of the National Geographic Building near 15th and M Street.
  • James E. West Hike: This 5.4-mile hike takes most units 4 to 5 hours to complete, and the route takes you from the small park near the south side of the Air & Space Museum and ends at the National Museum of the American Indian. The James E. West / OA 100th Centennial Hike starts at the south side of the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, and challenges lead you to additional stops.
  • Colin Livingstone Hike: This 5.9-mile hike takes most units 4-6 hours to complete, and the route takes you across the historic Taft Memorial Bridge, which includes fantastic and unique views of the city and monuments. The Colin Livingstone Hike starts near the National Zoo, north of the Taft Bridge.

All Hikes will end near Metro Center Metro Station and will also be only a short walk to Gallery Place China Town Station and Archives-Navy Memorial Stations for easy access to every color Metro line.

BONUS: STEM Trek: DC STEM Trek This hike is similar to the HOST Hikes but emphasizes exploration of the nation’s capital from a STEM perspective. There are Cub Scout and Scouts BSA-level STEM questions at each stop! There is an abbreviated 4-mile trek option as well as a 10+ mile trek option (for Scouts looking to fulfill a requirement of their Hiking Merit Badge). 

What to bring on the Hike:

Each hiker (including adults) should have:

  1. Two pencils or pens
  2. A camera (each hiker must be able to take 6 photos individually; sharing is okay; cell phones with cameras are fine)
  3. Full Uniform (if you have one)
  4. 4-foot string or rope (James E. West Hike Only)
  5. A watch (any kind)
  6. One empty plastic bag (supermarket-type)
  7. Appropriate weather gear and water bottle
  8. Sunscreen
  9. Compass
  10. Curiosity and sense of adventure

You’ll need at least one of these for the whole group:

  1. Baden-Powell & James E. West Hike Only: One crisp $1 bill (for one of the clues – you keep it)
  2. Baden-Powell Hike Only: One crisp $5 bill (for one of the clues – you keep it)
  3. History & Colin Livingstone Hike Only: One crisp $10 bill (for one of the clues – you keep it)
  4. Small magnifying glass
  5. Binoculars (Recommended)

Downloads:

All HOST Challenge Questions and response cards are now available below. You can download them and print them as needed.

All Hike medals will be available for purchase after being successfully earned by completing 85% or more of the activities associated with the hike.

Our NEW Online Store is up and running! When you complete the HOST hikes, you can purchase the patches and medals online or at the Marriott Scout Service Center at 9190 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20814.

(If you have a prior clue sheet, the National Crime Museum closed and the International Spy Museum and Wax Museum do not sell Scouting America patches and medals any longer.)