Old Rag Hiking Trip

We will meet up at Lake Ridge middle school at 6AM then drive up. If you are willing to carpool post a comment. Highlights: 1 mile rock scramble, beautiful views from peak, best hike in VA! Near: Luray, VA Scenery: Distance: 7 miles round trip Elevation Gain: 2200 ft Hike Time: 4 hours Difficulty: Strenuous Trail Condition: OK, but a few difficult spots HikeType: Loop -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Summary: Old Rag Mountain (3291ft) is the most spectacular mountain in the northern Virginia Blue Ridge. Unlike most of the mountains in the Blue Ridge, it stands alone as an outlying mountain rather than as part of a continuous chain. Old Rag is a popular hike in all seasons; on weekends it can be crowded. Old Rag's attractions include a rugged scramble over and through boulders on the Ridge Trail and spectacular views in all direction. This circuit includes two shelters with fireplaces that can be used for cooking. Camping is not permited above 2500 ft. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Trail Reviews Page 1 of 28 Submit your own review Reviewed by Whit on 9/6/2008 GREAT hike! Ran into a bear (yikes!) but just made it a better day! Have fun with this one, guaranteed to make you break a sweat climbing those rocks! Reviewed by Viewer on 8/19/2008 This is the most beautiful climb I've ever experienced. I plan to be cremated when I die and my ashes be sent to the winds on the top of old rag mountain. I have never felt such peace and serene. My first climb was in 1969. Reviewed by clf on 8/17/2008 I really liked the rocks, as I studied geology. Great stuff!!! The view was nice, too. Didn't quite make it up to the very top of old rag, but made it through the first group of rocks at the top. I plan on going back and trying again soon. Started raining when I went, and was kind of late, so turned back. Reviewed by Brittany on 8/16/2008 We ride Nethers to Weakley Hollow on our horses. It's a nice gravel fire trail the whole way. Going up we take a couple of breaks for the horses' sake. Streams along the way for drinking. Just one steel bridge with no sides. For the hikers... enjoy the views and take a picture of Junior. He has been to the shelter many times, but he is getting wiser. I'm sure you will see him on his rock in the middle of the day. His owner lives next to the parking lot and has no problems letting his dog hike up the trails instead of on the road. So leave him be and give him a pat, he is a sweetheart! Reviewed by Matt on 8/15/2008 I've hiked Old Rag three times this summer, once in July and twice in August. I plan on making it a third time out this month for good measure. How much do I like it? July was my first ever trip and it was so awesome I can't wait to get back for more! The view is breathtaking and the climb up the rock scramble is one of the most enjoyable excursions I've experienced. Wear good socks (wool) and shoes (sturdy- protection against rocks needed) and bring plenty of water (100oz camelbak is ideal). Snacks and Nuun hydration tabs are suggested. From experience I recommend Ridge Trail up & Weakley down, or Ridge both ways. Weakley fire road is anticlimactic but OK. I found the rock scramble much harder going down than coming up, fun either way Reviewed by Carolyn on 8/11/2008 I've hiked Old Rag 4 times now. The first time was when I was 48, and the last time I was 58. It's an awesome, strenuous and rewarding hike. I plan to do it again after I get me some new knees!! Reviewed by Chris on 8/5/2008 Hiked Old Rag as a kid. The view is definitely worth twice the hike. Back then I was in great shape (always playing sports year round) and now not so much. I am going this weekend so I hope I make it.