Hike Old Rag (Difficult 9.5 miles, 2,683' Elevation, Quick Pace, Sunday)

DESCRIPTION

Old Rag / Etlan is the most heavily hiked mountain on the east coast of the United States. It's challenging, rocky, and offers stellar 360-degree views and great rock scrambles at the top.

EXPECT: Old Rag involves rock scrambling, heights, and is generally challenging. You need upper body strength and to be able to do a pull up to complete this route. Not for beginners or people not in good physical shape. Expect a quick pace, over 2 miles an hour. *Experienced hikers only.*

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

Important note, individual tickets are required from NPS. In addition to signing up on meetup, you also need to get your ticket:
Info: https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/faqs-oldrag.htm
Purchase a ticket: https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/10088450/ticket/10088451

We will follow the classic loop with rock scramble. 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.

Where to meet:
Old Rag Ranger Station Parking lot
2577 Nethers Rd, Etlan, VA 22719
9:30-9:45 AM, Sunday, Sept 7.
38°34'17.6"N 78°17'35.4"W
(Note this is the new fee area parking lot, not the old NPS parking lot you'll pass down the street.)

BRING: Good trail shoes. You need good traction. Bring plenty of water and a good lunch. 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)

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): 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: No dogs allowed!