Hi Mark -- have you tried to hook up with local hiking clubs or groups? I'm not from around there, otherwise I'd offer more specific help.

You're probably in PATC or RATC territory, so you might want to start there.

patc.net

ratc.org/

i agree with the suggestion to look into the atc trail maintaining clubs. the georgia club has something every weekend.

also check out meetup. do a search on "backpacking" within 50 miles of your residence.

meetup.com/

What the others have said plus.........
I know that the REI stores in my area sometimes have beginner backpacking "classes".
I've never been on one of those trips, but if you have an REI near you, check with them.

As already suggested check into the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club. Also do a Google search for the PATC's individual chapters which organize various day and overnight hikes -- google.com/search?client=table…ts=1444734316038&devloc=0

Also look into the classes offered by REI. There are 4 stores in northern Virginia and a Richmond store.

The Tysons store, for example has a hiking basics class coming up -- rei.com/events/hiking-basics/tysons/128321

While the Fairfax store has a overnight class -- rei.com/events/shenandoah-over…ge-edition/fairfax/113570

At the Woodbridge store they have both a hiking basics and a camping basics class scheduled --
rei.com/events/mid-atlantic-ba…-basics/woodbridge/128249
rei.com/events/mid-atlantic-camping-basics/woodbridge/128319

Howdy and welcome to the forum !