A calorie calculator I found online estimated that the climb would burn over 2,000 calories! The last mile of the the hike, should you choose the blue trail as we did, consists of a rock scramble that requires some hand-over-hand climbing.
Geology. Old Rag Mountain is underlain by Old Rag Granite, named for its ubiquitous exposure on the mountain, formed during the Grenville Orogeny about a billion years ago.
It depends on your fitness in part, it also largely depends on the terrain and inclines you will be hiking over. A 10-mile hike that is relatively flat could take just 4-5 hours. A 10-mile hike that crosses steep hills, rough terrain, and requires constant breaks to rest and recover could take all day.
Shenandoah National ParkDogs must be on a leash no longer than six feet at all times, especially on the trails. Be sure to check the list of dog-friendly trails ahead of time, though, because several trails in the park—Old Rag Ridge, Ragged Run, Frazier Discovery, to name a few—do not allow dogs.
Scrambling (also known as alpine scrambling) is "a walk up steep terrain involving the use of one's hands". It is an ambiguous term that lies somewhere between hiking, hillwalking, mountaineering, and rock climbing. Canyoning often involves scrambling.
According to the Merriam Webster online dictionary, a switchback is “ a zigzag road, trail, or section of railroad tracks for climbing a steep hill”. As you can see, the word switchback can be used to refer to a road and railroad tracks as well as hiking.
Shenandoah National Park is always open, however, portions of Skyline Drive, the only public road through the Park, are periodically closed during inclement weather. Visitors may still enter the Park on foot to hike even when Skyline Drive is closed.
Dickey Ridge Visitor Center – is 4.7 miles along Skyline Drive and opens daily from 6 April through to 3 November between 8.30am and 5pm. From 4 until 25 November the visitor center is open except on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, it also closes for Thanksgiving Day.
As of February 22, 2010, federal law allows people who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal, state, and local laws, to legally possess firearms in this park. Please remember that federal law prohibits firearms in certain park facilities and buildings.
The Old Rag hike is strenuous, with lots of switchback trails and rock scrambling. The reward from the top of Old Rag is a 360° view of the Shenandoah Mountains. It's a fun, challenging hike that is great for adults and very adventurous kids.
Class 3. Climbing a steep hillside, moderate exposure, a rope may be carried but not used, and hands are used in climbing. A short fall could be possible. Class 4. It is steeper yet, exposed and most people use a rope due to the potential of long falls.
The average miles per day for a hiker on the A.T. is 12-16. Usually starting at a pace of 8-10 miles each day, and then slowly working upwards. Most will hit a few 20-25 mile days towards the end of their hike, but the average miles per day on the Appalachian Trail is 16.
Old Rag TrailThis 9.2-mile hike is a favorite trail with hikers looking for a longer and more strenuous trail. It contains a two- to three-mile rock scramble that runs through narrow rock corridors, over huge boulders and natural stairs, and across uneven, rocky ground.
Shenandoah National Park's entrance fee is $30 per vehicle, $25 per motorcycle and $15 per individual that covers entry for seven consecutive days. The Shenandoah Annual Pass is $55 and provides unlimited entry for one year to the pass owner and passengers in the same vehicle.
In general, alcohol is permitted in Shenandoah National Park by those over 21 years of age. Open containers of alcohol are not allowed in motor vehicles.
No, camping is not allowed along the road, in overlooks or in picnic grounds. Car camping is permitted only by registered campers in designated campgrounds only.
The Hawksbill Mountain hiking trail is about 65 miles from Asheville in Burke County. The shortest route is via I-40 east to Marion. Then take U.S. Highway 221 north to the Linville Falls area, then Highway 183 to Highway 181.
Humpback Rocks is a favorite destination in the fall to view migrating birds, especially hawks. Or, travel a little further to the Greenstone Parking Overlook for a low-key self-guiding nature hike at milepost 8.8. Although the trails are open year-round, most facilities close during the winter months.
Exit onto VA 56 going east and follow the signs to Crabtree Falls (about 6.3 miles). It is open from dawn to dusk daily.
