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Old Rag Mountain Last reviewed:
01/07 |
Description:
This is a strenuous 7.0 mile loop (Add 1.4 miles if you start at the
overflow parking lot!) in the
I would like to mention that there are many tales of calamity on treks up Old Rag found here on the net. Some might be true. Most are due to a lack of preparedness. First, since this is a strenuous hike, it is not for beginners or folks out of shape. Also, if you have balance issues, height phobias, etc. this hike will probably worry you to death. There are places where you’ll have to take your pack off to slither through |
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cracks in the rocks, shush along on your butt around a boulder with
little or nothing to hold onto, lower yourself down a crag and
hip-hop across rocks. I can honestly say this is the only hike I’ve
done where upper body strength and arm strength might be issues. I’m
not trying to turn you off. I just want to make sure you’re
prepared. If you are then the trip will be an enjoyable one.
OK
… that was the bad side. The good side is all of this happens as you
near the top. Before that is a pretty steady ascent up a
switch-backed footpath. Once to the top, if you picked a clear day,
you’ll enjoy a 360 degree panoramic view of the
Google Custom Directions (To the upper lot) ______________________________________ |
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Zipped National Geographic. TOPO! GPS and Universal GPX Files |
Trail Notes: Starting at the trailhead parking lot take the blue blazed Ridge Trail. At 2.2 miles you’ll come to an open, rocky area. Continue to follow the blazes through, around, under and between the boulders and fissures in the rock. Blazes will be painted on the rocks. Although this portion is difficult it’s hard to get lost. Take your time!
At about 3 miles you’ll reach the summit and the fantastic views that this hike is all about.
After
relaxing a bit continue along the trail. Ridge Trail will become
Saddle Trail at a concrete post. Follow Saddle Trail (also blue
blazed) steeply down the backside of the mountain, passing
Descend quickly on switchbacks. Soon pass Old Rag Shelter on the left. Turn right onto a blue blazed forest road and descend.
0.6
miles after passing the shelter arrive at the junction of 3 fire
roads: Weakley Hollow, Old Rag and
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Name: Travis
Hike: Old Rag ________________________________________ Name: Mark
Raven
Hike: Old Rag ________________________________________
Name: Faye
Hike: Old Rag ________________________________________
Name: Andrew
Hike: Old Rag ________________________________________
Name: Josh Vaugh
Hike: Old Rag ________________________________________
Name: Jeff
Hike: Old Rag ________________________________________
Name: Kelly
Hike: Old Rag ________________________________________
Name: brad
Hike: Old Rag Mountain ________________________________________
Name: Brad
Nicholson
Hike: Old Rag ________________________________________
Name: Joe
Hike:
Old Rag ________________________________________
Name: ElliottsKnob
Hike:
Old Rag Mountain
Name: Scott
Hike:
Old Rag Mountain ________________________________________
Name: Jean-Louis
Hike name:
Old Rag Mountain
Date: 7/2/05
Ranking: 4
comment: This hike is hyped way too much for what it is. The boulders, a small part of the hike, are the main attraction but they are smeared by the mark of hands and shoes making it difficult to find peaceful solitude, even if you beat the crowds. The rock trail provides a varied obstacle course requiring hands in a few places and good balance. This in itself is worth the hike. The trail and summit area are trash-free despite the traffic and the views from the top are nice, particularly when the morning humidity is rising in the valley. The circuit took me 2:45hr starting at 7am and I was back in DC for lunch. ________________________________________
Name: Dawn
Hike:
Old Rag Mountain ________________________________________
Name: Greg
Hike:
Old Rag ________________________________________ |
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