Has anyone died Old Rag?
A man died over the weekend while hiking Old Rag. According to Shenandoah National Park Management Specialist Sally Hurlbert, a 42-year-old man collapsed Saturday afternoon while hiking with friends on Old Rag Mountain.
Does it cost money to hike Old Rag?
Although Old Rag Mountain is within the boundaries of Shenandoah National Park, most people approach it from the Park’s eastern boundary, instead of from Skyline Drive. You are still required to pay an entrance fee, but parking at the lots operated by the National Park Service is free.
Can I hike Old Rag alone?
Old Rag is one of the most popular hikes in Virginia. It’s 9ish miles, depending on how you hike it, there’s a 1.5 mile rock scramble I’d been repeatedly warned about and it’s listed as hard or very strenuous, depending on your reference. I rarely hike on trails where I’m completely alone.
Can you hike Old Rag at night?
Due to the popularity of this hike you are rarely alone on this rugged trail, even at night. Some people hike up in the early morning hours to watch the sunrise, and some people, like the Boots ‘n Beer club, like to hike Old Rag in moonlight. For six years Boots ‘n Beer has been hiking Old Rag in moonlight.
How long does it take to do old rag?
This route typically takes seven or eight hours to complete, and involves ascending to the summit on the Ridge Trail and utilizing the Saddle Trail and Weakley Hollow Fire Road to return to the trailhead.
Should I hike Old Rag?
Old Rag is the toughest but the most rewarding hike in Shenandoah National Park. Some people say it’s the best hike in the mid-Atlantic region. The Old Rag hike is strenuous, with lots of switchback trails and rock scrambling. The reward from the top of Old Rag is a 360° view of the Shenandoah Mountains.
How long does the Old Rag trail take?
Plan on this hike taking at least seven hours to complete. You will be using both upper and lower body strength due to the boulder scramble.
What is rock scrambling?
Rock scrambling is a method of ascending rocky faces and ridges. It’s not rock climbing, but it’s not walking either. Rock scrambles are typically associated with trails that offer ‘non-technical’ summits as a destination. A competent scrambler should have basic mountaineering, climbing, and hiking skills.
Can children hike Old Rag?
Old Rag is relatively easy for grown ups, but don’t expect to hike the entire trail with kids under maybe 9 or 10 years old. This depends on your child of course but there’s no getting around the fact that it’s 3 miles uphill with a rock climb at the end. But keep healthy snack and water rations high…
How long does a 9 mile hike take?
How Long Does It Take To Hike A Few Miles?
| How Many Miles | A Flat Hike Takes | A Gradual Hike Takes |
|---|---|---|
| 7 miles | 2 hrs 15 mins | 2 hrs 50 mins |
| 8 miles | 2 hrs 35 mins | 3 hrs 15 mins |
| 9 miles | 2 hrs 55 mins | 3 hrs 40 mins |
| 10 miles | 3 hrs 15 mins | 4 hrs |
What do you wear to Old Rag?
Other tips for hiking at Old Rag is to bring a pair of hiking gloves, and wear long sleeves clothes and long pants for skin protection. Many times you will have close contact with the rocks and sometimes on your knees. So wearing the right clothes would prevent you getting scraped by rocks.
How long does it take to do Old Rag?
Where is the parking lot for Old Rag Mountain?
There are numerous excellent hikes in the park with spectacular views that require much less time and exertion. Using Google Maps, poke in Old Rag Mountain Parking Lot, 3577 Nethers Rd, Etlan, VA 22719 or use GPS coordinates: 38.57036, -78.28705. Simple directions are found on the park website.
Is the Old Rag loop a good hike?
If you do not have confidence in your abilities, or have poor upper body strength, it may not be best to attempt the Old Rag loop. There are numerous excellent hikes in the park with spectacular views that require much less time and exertion.
How tall is Old Rag Mountain in Virginia?
At 3,284 feet above sea level, the top of Old Rag Mountain offers some of the most exquisite vistas in Virginia. Layers upon layers of the Blue Ridge Mountains stretch for as far as the eye can see, and it’s no wonder this hike is at the top of every outdoor enthusiast’s bucket list.
When is the best time to hike Old Rag Mountain?
Don’t expect cell phones to work, especially at lower elevations. Good hiking weather occurs in May & June coinciding with the bloom of mountain laurel and in Sept. & Oct. for fall colors. Weather Underground forecasts for Sperryville, VA can be used to pick a good day.