Old Rag Loop - Strenuous - ~9.4 mile /~2,600 feet elevation

IMPORTANT: Day use tickets are still required. You are responsible for the purchase of your own ticket. You can purchase your ticket in advance at the link below. https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/10088450/ticket/10088451

Parking: https://maps.app.goo.gl/hkZKEdJJiwUdBwBY8
Hike: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/old-rag-mountain-loop-trail?u=i&sh=jbc54i

The Old Rag hike is a challenging hike that includes a ~3 mile steady climb to a ~ 1 mile rock scramble. There are places where you may have to rely on a fellow hiker to assist you. Please do not sign up for this hike if you have doubts about your ability to to complete it or are uncomfortable with a potential "tush push" :)

A few things to keep in mind. Since it is December, a day ticket is no longer required. There are tight places so a lighter/smaller pack would be better. You will need to stow your poles through the rock scramble. Gloves with some type of palm grip/reinforcement are useful.

Hike Description: From the main lower parking lot we will start up the blue blazed Ridge Trail at about ¾ mile we will Pass the intersection of the Ridge Access Trail on the right. The trail will gradually increase in grade and make nine switch backs before reaching the first of many viewpoints. From this first vista to the west, the Ridge Trail will become rockier. At about the 3-mile mark we reach the main easterly vista on the ridge. From here the trail becomes a rock scramble for about 1 mile. Once we reach the summit, there are several points with 360° views where we will enjoy a well-deserved break. After our break, we will head south along the Ridge Trail to the intersection of the Saddle Trail. We will descend on the Saddle Trail to the intersection of the Berry Hollow Fire road (left), Old Rag Fire Road (straight), and Weakley Hollow Fire Road (right). We will head down the Weakly Hollow Fire Road to the intersection with the Ridge Access trail. At this point we may continue down the fire road to State Rd 600 and back to our cars or we may be diverted up the Ridge Access trail that will take us back to the Ridge trail which we will follow back to our cars.

Disclaimer: GetHiking Organizers are not professional guides. Expect the same risks and take the same precautions you would if you were hiking alone. You are solely responsible for your own safety and well-being. With your RSVP you agree to participate at your own risk and are solely responsible for any damage to your property and/or any injury to yourself or your guest. When joining GetHiking you affirm that you knowingly and voluntarily agree not to bring any type of claim arising out of/or related to this event against the organizers of this group.
Weather: If inclement weather necessitates canceling or postponing the hike, the decision will be made no later than 7:00AM - cancellations will be posted on the hike comments section. Steady rain with not much chance of clearing and/or dangerous conditions will call for postponing the hike.
RSVP: If you find that you are NOT going to be able to attend the hike, please update your RSVP to “No” as soon as possible. This allows those on the waitlist to have the opportunity to attend.
Recommended items - Broken in Hiking Boots, Trekking Poles, Lunch/Snacks, 2-3 Liters of Water, Good Day Pack, Layers of Clothing for Colder Winter Weather,