Old Rag Circuit Hike - Strenuous

Old Rag Circuit Hike 9.1 miles Strenuous
Friday 12/6 8:30 am Carpool from South End Albemarle SQ

Not only is the Old Rag Mountain circuit hike the most popular hike in Shenandoah National Park, it was recently ranked one of the top 25 hikes in the world! And no wonder. It offers amazing views (rating: 6!). And then there's that hands over feet, up and down, through cracks rock scramble to reach the summit. We'll be taking the clockwise loop. It's 9.1 miles with 2,415 feet of elevation gain.

A SNP pass is required for this hike. Each pass allows three hikers.
Please bring your pass if you have one.

The top-25-worldwide story link: https://www.fredericksburg.com/lifestyles/old-rag-among-the-best-hikes-in-the-world-right/article_d7e53e67-6e48-5da4-a788-5fe3f7ed116e.html

The Hiking Upward link: https://www.hikingupward.com/snp/oldrag/

• This shouldn't be your first mountain hike:

To hike Old Rag, mountain-hiking experience is a must, period. You should be fit and more than capable of doing the 9.1-mile mountain hike with a challenging rock scramble from mile 3.0 to the summit at mile 4.1. The event host reserves the right to exclude you from this hike based on your experience or her opinion on your ability to handle this hike.

• Meeting us to carpool or drive?
1533 Rio Rd East AKA "Old" Fresh Market Parking Lot- https://goo.gl/maps/tfsiTFKwhjDzTPGo7
(copy and paste the url into your browser - not directly in Google Maps)

• Meeting us at the trailhead? Please be there at 9:30 am.
Old Rag parking lot.
SR600/Nethers Rd, Etlan, VA 22719
(GPS coordinates 38.57036, -78.28705)

Supplies: please bring plenty of water and wear sturdy hiking boots/shoes. Trekking poles are recommended.
We will be hiking about four hours, including eating lunch at the peak.

Weather: Presently, the forecast calls for partly sunny with temps in the low 50's. Come prepared for windy and colder conditions. If inclement weather necessitates canceling or postponing the hike, the decision will be made no later than 7:00 a.m. - cancellations will be posted on the hike comment section... Steady rain with not much chance for clearing and/or dangerous conditions will call for postponing the hike.

RSVP: If you find that you're not going to be able to attend the hike, please update your RSVP to "No" as soon as possible. This allows those on the wait list to have the opportunity to attend.

Fees & Such: Of course for the carpool to work, some have to offer to drive so others can ride. Riders, please give your driver $5.00 to cover their expenses.

Dog Policy: Sorry, Dogs are NOT allowed on this hike due to NPS rules.

Disclaimer: GetHiking Charlottesville's Organizers are not professional guides. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would take if you were hiking alone.With your RSVP you agree with this disclaimer - Disclaimer (https://www.meetup.com/GetHiking-Charlottesville-Charlottesville-VA/pages/21088739/Disclaimer/)