Watch the 7:09AM Sunrise from Old Rag Summit (5.4 miles, 1,750' gain)

DESCRIPTION
I just did this a few weeks ago and it was magical being in the park with no other people in the dark. The wildlife was everywhere: Deer, Fox, Owls, Rabbits, etc. We will park at the Berry Hollow Parking Lot (don't park at the Nethers Parking lot), and climb straight up to the summit. It's 2.7 miles up. Then, we will break out our hot thermoses and toast the beautiful sunrise with some hot coffee, mocha, espresso, or whatever suits you. Because we will be starting before any park rangers arrive, we don't really need tickets or park passes.

I recommend staying at a local motel the night before if you're coming a long way. That way, you can get a proper night's sleep and don't have to leave your house too early. Or if anybody wants to pitch a tent in my backyard, I'm 30 minutes from Old Rag. You are welcome to do that.

ALLTRAILS MAP for Old Rag from Berry Hollow: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/berry-hollow-to-old-rag-mountain-trail--3?u=i&sh=y1w9cy

BRING: Good Hiking Boots or Trail Shoes, trekking poles if you have them, plenty of water, and a thermos of hot drink of your choice.

PARKING/CARPOOLING/CARAVANING: Gather at the Berry Hollow Parking lot at 5:00 AM. We will walk straight up to the summit without doing the Old Rag Fire Road.

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 BREAKFAST & SOCIALIZATION:
We will stop to get breakfast 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.