Backpack - Old Rag + Whiteoak Canyon - 2 Days - 23 Miles

Got to love an Old Rag backpacking trip. This one is not for the faint of heart - but, oh man, the views...

IMPORTANT - READ
This trip is very challenging and is NOT appropriate for inexperienced hikers. First time backpackers will not be allowed to join this one, sorry.

## Trail Facts

• Difficulty Level: Extremely Strenuous
• Length: 23 Miles
• Duration: 2 Days
• Elevation Gain: 6,411 Feet
• Bear Canisters: Not Required
• Permits: Pre-Purchased - Please bring $10
• Parking: Lower Whiteoak Canyon Parking Lot
• Coordinates: 38.539472, -78.349190
• AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/saddle-ridge-corbin-hollow-corbin-mountain-indian-run-nicholson-hollow-appalachian-and-w?u=i&sh=rak641

This is a hard one. It will require stamina and spunk. But this backpacking trip goes through the best Shenandoah has to offer.

This route is brutal and is NOT recommended for inexperienced hikers. First time backpackers will not be allowed to join this one, sorry. Please ensure you are able to manage 10-15 miles per day.

Trail Details:
On Saturday morning, we will meet at the trailhead at 9am. If you're driving from the DC area, it might be easier to stay in the area the night before. We will need to get an early start so dont be late.

Day 1 (13.75 miles)
On the first day, we will leave the parking lot and travel up the Whiteoak Canyon trail. This trail is steep, but amazing - it includes 20-30 waterfalls and a great swimming hole, complete with a slide. Call it nature's water park. At roughly 5.5 miles, we can optionally stop at a bar at Skyland Resort for food/drink. At 6.6 miles we will arrive at Stony Man Lookout, a beautiful view. We will then continue another ~7 miles to our campsite on the Corbin Hollow trail.

Day 2 (9.51 miles)
Day 2 is shorter, but requires us to summit Old Rag - no easy feat with gear. For those that haven't hiked Old Rag, expect decently vertical scrambles and a trail that meanders through interesting crevasses and along cliffsides. We will reach the summit after roughly 6 miles. The last 2.6 miles to the car should be easy.

Depending on how late we get to the cars, I may stop for food and drink at Rappahannock Pizza Kitchen (RPK), 3710 Sperryville Pike, Sperryville, VA 22740.

I've purchased backcountry permits for this trip - please bring $10. Also, Shenandoah requires drivers to have a park pass to enter the park (I have an America the Beautiful Pass). There are no entrance stations to get to the parking lot - but I'd recommend drivers have a park pass to leave with the car.

(Event is crossposted)

LIABILITY NOTICE:
Please remember that this group operates under the common adventurer model. We are a group of friends and volunteers organizing trips for fun and shared experience. Participants are expected to be familiar with best hiking practices and choose hikes that align with their physical abilities and experience. Organizers and members are not liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to persons or property arising from group activities. By attending this event, you agree to assume all risks associated with the activity.​

For more information on the common adventurer model, please see Ron Watters' definition.​

If you believe you may be lost during the hike, follow the advice of the US Forest Service.
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See you on the trail!