Hike Old Rag from Nethers Parking (9.5 miles, 2,683' elevation gain)

DESCRIPTION
Time to bring back a big favorite. Old Rag is the most heavily hiked mountain on the east coast of the United States, and there is a good reason for it. It's challenging, rocky, and offers stellar 360-degree views and great rock scrambles at the top. Those who have hiked it know there is no better mountain around. The problem with it is typically the crowds. But the new ticketing system is designed to resolve this. In addition to signing up here on meetup, you also need to get your ticket Go here to read about the new tickets: https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/faqs-oldrag.htm and here to purchase them: https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/10088450/ticket/10088451

We will follow the classic loop with rock scramble, split into two groups based on speed. Groups will be formed to facilitate assistance and to coach the less experienced. We will all meet at the summit and head down together. Near the end of the hike, it is recommended to continue straight down the road to the parking lot and not follow the sign requesting hikers take the circuitous route back through the forest. The road is public and may be used.

BRING: good hiking boots or trail shoes. You need good traction. Bring plenty of water and a good lunch. We will eat at the summit. Also, if you have a National Park card or a Shenandoah National Park card, bring it and use it to get others in for free. Each cardholder will be able to bring 5 ppl in (covered by the cards). By the time everyone signs up, we anticipate enough cards to cover a larger group.

EXPECT: this is a tough hike. It is 10 miles up steep rocky terrain and you need the upper body strength to climb up some boulders. Don't attempt this if you aren't in good enough shape. Also, the temperature and wind at the top can be extreme. You must bring appropriate clothing for the weather.

TRAIL MAP: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/virginia/old-rag-mountain-loop-trail

PARKING/CARPOOLING/CARAVANING: Assemble in the upper parking lot near the Ranger booth at 9:30-9:45AM to be escorted in by cardholders or to escort others if you have a card. The upper parking lot is further up the road from the overflow lot. Please arrive at the trailhead 15 minutes before the start of the hike. Also, I encourage carpooling wherever possible. If you need a ride or want a ride, look at the list of attendees and where they live (it says in their profile). Then, for those who live near you, hit the "Chat" button to ask if they want or can offer a ride. Be sure you coordinate at least the day before with who you are riding with to ensure you are in sync. If you are a rider, please chip in towards gas (usually $5 - $20 depending on distance and # of riders). Additionally, you can post a request to give or receive a ride in the chat section of the event.

POST EVENT DINNER, DRINKS, & SOCIALIZATION:
We will stop to get dinner & drinks afterward at a place to be determined. Make sure whoever you ride with has the same plans as you so you can eat afterward if you want.

EXPECTATIONS: Download the trail map onto your phone before you arrive. Bring plenty of drinking water and a lunch/snacks. Know your physical limits and cardiovascular fitness. Bring proper clothing and gear for the weather. If you have any concerns or questions, don't hesitate to contact the hike leader via the chat feature or direct messaging.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY & ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT: By attending this hike, I acknowledge that hiking in nature carries the risk of potential harm to myself up to and including the risk of injuries such as broken bones or muscle/tendon injuries, illness, disability, or death. These can be caused by slipping or falling off rocks due to loss of balance or lack of coordination; twisting ankles on rocks, brush, limbs, or ice; Acts of nature such as rock falls, inclement weather, lightning, strong wind, extreme temperatures; drownings in rivers, streams, or other bodies of water; drinking unfiltered contaminated water or becoming dehydrated; succumbing to heat exhaustion; getting bit or stung by venomous reptiles, animals, or insects; and my own or other’s negligent or risky behaviors. This list is not exhaustive nor is it inclusive of all risks. In response, I release and hold harmless with respect to all injury, disability, death, or loss of property, whether caused by negligence or otherwise, the “Active Adventurers” meetup group’s leadership as well as the designated hike leaders for this hike.

SICKNESS (COVID/FLU/COLD): As always, if you have been exposed to a contagious illness, or are having any symptoms at all, please do not attend. There will be plenty of future events.

DOGS: Don't bring dogs. They can't handle the rock scramble.