Get to know this 9.5-mile loop trail near Etlan, Virginia. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of
5 h 0 min
to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring.
Where do you park to hike Old Rag?
Parking. 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 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.
What should I bring to an 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.
Can you hike 20 miles a day?
Yes, you can hike 20 miles a day
, but you need the right kind of fitness in order to back it up day after day. It is possible to hike 20 miles without being super fit, although you most likely will be quite sore the next day.
How long does it take to hike 10k?
1 hour /3km and 1 additional hour for each 1000ft or 300m elevation gain. So if you have 10km and 1500ft elevation gain over all you would estimate
4.5 to 5 hours
. This works for most groups and is a comfortable pace that most could manage even with a pack for an extended day.
How long is the Old Rag fire road?
| Length 9.8 mi | Elev. Gain 2883.1 ft | Est. Steps 23000 |
|---|
Can dogs hike Old Rag?
Pets are prohibited on the following trails:
Limberlost Trail (mile 43) Post Office Junction to Old Rag Shelter
.
Old Rag Ridge Trail
.
Old Rag Saddle Trail
.
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.
Why is it called Old Rag granite?
Old Rag Mountain is underlain by Old Rag Granite,
named for its ubiquitous exposure on the mountain
, formed during the Grenville Orogeny about a billion years ago.
How many miles a day should you walk on the Appalachian Trail?
Most hikers start out slow, averaging eight to 10 miles a day. They will eventually work up to
12 to 16 miles a day
. Don’t worry if you end up doing less some days and more on other days; as long as you set a goal for where you need to be each month, you will survive and successfully complete the trail before winter.
What famous very long hiking trail passes through Shenandoah National Park?
The Appalachian Trail
is like a hiking highway through Shenandoah National Park, with scenic trails sprouting out to the overlooks and waterfalls. The main road through the park is Skyline Drive, and almost all the best hikes can be accessed from this route.
Do you need a reservation to hike Old Rag?
Hikers must purchase their tickets in advance via www.recreation.gov
. Tickets will not be available at the Old Rag fee station, and there is very little cell phone coverage in the area. Tickets may be purchased up to 30 days in advance and are valid for the day of arrival only.
How can I hike 25 miles a day?
Hike More Hours:
Start Early and Finish Late
To hike 25 miles at an average of 3 mph would take only 8 hours and 20 minutes. If you want to hike long distances, then hiking during daylight hours is a great goal to aim for. Depending on the time of year, that could be 14-plus hours of hiking.
Is 8 miles a long hike?
An 8 mile hike can easily take 4 to 7 hours
depending on the speed, terrain surface, pack weight, elevation gain, and the number of rest breaks you need to take. There are several variables that will determine your actual hiking time.
Is 7 miles a long hike?
Hiking 7 miles will take approximately 2 to 7 hours
, depending on the pace, trail surface, and pack weight. Additional variables such as the elevation gain and the number of breaks you will take during the hike can affect how long it takes to hike 7 miles.
How long does it take to hike 4.5 miles?
Your hikes moving time based on this correction to Naismith’s Rule. Naismith’s Rule: is
191⁄2 minutes per mile, plus 30 minutes for every 1,000 feet of ascent
. A good rough estimate on reasonably easy ground with well marked trails.
How long would it take to hike 12 miles?
If you know you tend to slow down after 8 miles (or 4 hours), allow 33 minutes for each subsequent mile. This means a 12-mile hike would take closer to
6h 12m
without stops.
How can I hike 30 miles a day?
Pacing is the key to accomplishing a 30-mile hike
. Without a formal plan in place for your pacing and timing, your odds of success will be drastically lessened. The first step is to start the day off right. Wake up early, 30 minutes before sunrise, and give yourself time to pack and prepare for the day.
What is the elevation of Old Rag Mountain?
3,284′
Can you hike to Old Rag from Skyline Drive?
From our knowledge,
this is one of the only ways to access Old Rag Mountain from Skyline
. We recorded about 18.7 miles and 7 1/2 hours of hiking with pretty minimal breaks and a fast pace.
Why is Shenandoah National Park closed?
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the Shenandoah National Park is closing to all visitors.
What is a switchback in hiking?
The North American usage of the term switchback means a 180-degree bend in a road or path, and in hiking it refers to
the zigzag-like route a hiking trail often takes
. Ancient humans recognized that the best way up a steep slope is to wind up it, as evidenced in trails like the Inca Trail.
