Old Rag! The rock scramble! There is good reason that this hike is the most popular one in
the Shenandoah. First off, there is a 3/4 mile section of rocks that is this amazing maze.
Then, this maze is along the ridge with beautiful views East to the Valley and West to the
Skyline Drive area of Shenandoah. Finally the ridge leads you to the summit with 360 views
of the area. There really is no other place like it. If you like rock scrambles and
gorgeous views, you will love Old Rag.
Keep in mind that this hike is so popular that they had to build a different parking
area to accommodate more cars. So, the hike is now 2 miles longer than it used to be
because you have to hike up and past the old trailhead. Also, because there are several
spots along the rock scramble that are 'one at a time', queues can develop. So, starting
early and avoiding weekends is the best bet to avoid this start and stop waiting.
Debbie, Sheri and I arrived at about 8AM and with bags packed (and our $10 parking fee
paid), we headed up. There is no water on the way so you want to bring lots. But keep in mind
that if you are thinner (referring to your pack!), it may be easier to make it through some of
the obstacles. If not, you
may have to take your pack off several times to make it through as we did.
From the actual trailhead (meaning, the old trailhead), the hike is a 6.8 mile loop.
Most people take the loop clockwise. This gives you the rock scramble on the way
up to the summit. Going in this direction, the way down ends up on a long mountain road.
This report will describe the hike in that clockwise direction.
Past the trailhead, the first couple of miles are what you would consider normal
trails..... a good uphill pitch and good switchbacks to move you up the mountain.
You begin to see overlooks to the West (right) and East and begin to see some rock
slabs you can walk onto. Yep, you are approaching the rock scramble!!
First Overlook Looking East - Old Rag Mountain - Nethers, VA
The Views Get Better - Old Rag Mountain - Nethers, VA
The rock scramble is so neat! Most of the time the blue blazes lead you through
the best way to go but occasionally it can be tricky.
There are all sorts of mini-obstacles and challenges.
One of the first is where you have to climb down into a crevasse, then traverse, then
climb out. Note: (as in this first section), there IS exposure on this mountain.
So, one must hike with caution and make sure to follow the proper blazes.
Ups, Downs, Cracks, Ledges, Bouldering...lots
of rocks, lots of variety. One really neat place there is a rock staircase you
maneuver up. Then after that there is a little cave the trail passes through.
Another fun area has an uphill through a skinny crack area. This was one of the
most challenging obstacles as you had to position yourself sideways through the
crack and then shimmy up where the footholds aren't that great. I wouldn't say
it's dangerous as you can't really fall because 1) you are stuck in a crack
and 2) there will inevitable be people right behind you who would spot you.
But still this is definitely where one of the bottlenecks can develop.
The Steps On The Rock Scramble - Old Rag Mountain - Nethers, VA
Going Through The Cave - Old Rag Mountain - Nethers, VA
Challenging Rock Section on The Scramble - Old Rag Mountain - Nethers, VA
More Beautiful Views - Old Rag Mountain - Nethers, VA
The Crab Manuever - Old Rag Mountain - Nethers, VA
On and on, you make your way to the summit. There a quite a few false summits
that really get you. And the first time up, it is longer than you might think.
So, once you start scrambling, be prepared to be up there a while. Most
literature describes the hike as 'strenuous'. I guess so, but stopping and
starting is what makes it so lengthy (timewise) which adds to the strenuousness
in my opinion. But there are plenty of young kids and older people up there.
You wouldn't want to be out of shape to try this, but you don't need to be a
triathalete either!
The summit is so gorgeous. You can see in all directions. And there is
plenty of room to relax at the top, find a perch, have some food, and soak
up the views. It can be windy up on top though as you are in the wide open.
And again, watch for sketchy areas. Many people have been hurt on this
mountain! But with caution, it's nothing but pure pleasure.
The Summit - Old Rag Mountain - Nethers, VA
As I mentioned, the road on the way down is long where by the time you get
to the upper trailhead you are like 'alright, I'm ready for this to be
over', but you still have to walk the mile down the road to the lower
trailhead. It's so worth it though. On the way home, all you will be
able to think of is how proud you are of yourself that you made it!!
Hope this has been enjoyable and / or helpful to anyone reading it!!
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