Old Rag Mountain Hike!



After last week's successful Great Falls Hike, it's time to kick it into high gear and hike one of the most popular trails in the Shenandoah National Park. First off, while the hike is beautiful and absolutely worth it, it can be strenuous at times and should only be attempted by people in reasonable shape. There is a lot of uphill climbing and you will have to navigate some rocks. That being said, last time I went, there were 12 year old kids and 60 year old ladies hiking the trail, but only you know your own capabilities. The Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group offers a nice description here (http://www.midatlantichiking.com/events/109277692/).



The hike will take a minimum of 4 hours and you should bring some lunch items to eat on the trail. We will meet in the Old Rag Mountain parking lot at 10:30 am. Please note that it will take at least an hour and 45 minutes driving from D.C. It is important that you arrive on time (or better yet, early) because we will be starting promptly at 10:30 am!



Hike Info (borrowed from Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group)



Nearby City: Sperryville

Length: 8 total miles

Trail Type: Loop

Skill Level: Strenuous due to some rock scrambling to the summit (no special gear required for the rock scramble).

Trailhead Elev: 1200 feet

Elevation Gain: 2200 feet

Elevation at Summit: 3291 feet

Highlights: Mile long rock scramble and vistas

Wildlife: Deer, foxes, black bears, skunks, and bobcats



-- IMPORTANT MEETUP INFORMATION ---



TRANSPORTATION: You will need a car to get to the trail head. I can offer rides for up to three people in my car. Please leave a message/text me if you would like to grab a ride with me (I'm near the Medical Center Metro on the Red Line).



If you still need a ride, or can offer a ride, please leave a comment below. Note that you will need to get an early start to make it to the trail on time.



LENGTH/DIFFICULTY: The hike will take a minimum of 4 hours to complete. This will be an all day event, so plan accordingly. The hike can be strenuous, but if you are in reasonable shape you'll be fine.



DIRECTIONS: I am borrowing the directions provided by the Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group. Please note that it's 1 hour and 45 minutes from DC to the hike parking lot. Factor in travel time:



Mid-Atlantic Hiking Group Directions (http://www.midatlantichiking.com/pages/Old_Rag_Parking_Lot%3A_Used_for_Several_Unique_Hikes/)



Google Driving Directions (https://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=parking+lots+near+Old+Rag+Mountain,+Robertson,+VA&aq=1&oq=old+rag+mountain+parking+&sll=38.53635,-78.316383&sspn=0.219675,0.308647&vpsrc=0&t=h&ie=UTF8&hq=parking+lots&hnear=Old+Rag+Mountain&ll=38.487995,-78.318787&spn=1.758557,2.469177&z=9&cid=662760923410685828&iwloc=A)



We will meet in the parking lot and walk to the trail head together. If you can't find us, give me a call on my cellphone.



PARK FEE: There is a $15 fee to park and use the trail. It can be paid at the ranger station at the parking lot.



CONTACT: Please do not hesitate to call or text me. My number is (301)[masked]