Outdoor Blog

How Long Does It Take to Hike Old Rag?

Published

5 years ago

January 9, 2020

A man standing on a cliff overlooking a valley.

Tucked away in Shenandoah National Park, Old Rag Mountain is one of the many natural gems in the United States. Offering hiking trails and saddle trails all that way to the top, the climb to the summit of Old Rag rewards hikers with stunning panoramic views and a challenging hike that will reaffirm everything you love about trekking in the backcountry.

It’s a surprising feature for its location in Robertson, Virginia, about a 2.5-hour drive from Washington DC. Visitors might expect the rock scrambling and granite boulders on the ridge trails and switchbacks of Old Rag to be found somewhere on the west coast like Yosemite, but that’s just one feature that makes it such a great hike.

If you want to section-hike the Appalachian Trail or take a quick circuit hike around the grounds, then hiking Old Rag is a solid choice for a quick hike and has a parking area for easy access and exit. Hikers don’t have to climb to the top of Old Rag necessarily, as there are many other hiking trails in Shenandoah National Park ranging from the easy to the strenuous for all levels of hiking expertise.

It’s one of the most popular hikes in the parks for the stupendous 360-degree views from the summit and the challenging rock climbing required to navigate it through to the end. If you are looking to reach the summit, you’ll most likely be entering the park from the eastern side to reach the parking lot and trailhead of the Old Rag Mountain Loop.

While it is a challenging hike, the trek to the summit of Old Rag is one of the most fulfilling hiking experiences you can find.

The rock scrambling in the last ¼ of the trail requires lots of upper body strength and is definitely going to affect your hiking time. There are tons of switchbacks that also add to the total hiking time since hikers won’t be taking the most direct route up the mountain. Hikers can also customize their trip on Old Rag with a side-trek to Byrd’s Nest Area for additional rock scrambling. In short, the hike to the summit of Old Rag can be tackled as a day hike, a multi-day overnight hike, and all things in between.

Hiking Old Rag can be a thrilling hiking experience or it can overwhelm hikers with the sheer amount of options it presents. The best way to prevent your Old Rag Mountain hike is to plan ahead, and that’s why we’ve prepared this comprehensive guide on all things Old Rag. There are offshoots and side-trails you can take to add new dimensions to your trek and there are some time-saving tips you should take into account if you’re trying to reach the top on a day hike. Read on to find out about the trails to the summit of Old Rag, some practical considerations, and some safety tips to make to most of hiking Old Rag Mountain.

What to expect in Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah has over 500 miles of hiking trails through redwood forests that support populations of hundreds of different animal species. Part of the Blue Ridge Mountains comprise a section of the park; between them and the Shenandoah River and its valley, the national park sports a healthy variety of landscapes and natural features that are stunning from the summit of Old Rag. Hikers visiting Shenandoah National Park can expect to cut through lush forest hiking trails that scale and sink over some intense elevation gains. The highest point in the park, Hawksbill Mountain, rises up to 4,051 feet.

Some advantages of hiking in Shenandoah National Park are the various parking areas and facilities, including a visitor’s center. There are over 75 hiking trails inside the park, so if you’re looking to get a feel for the whole thing and not just tackle a circuit hike or make the summit of Old Rag Mountain, then you’ll definitely want to leave yourself plenty of time. It can take a few hours just to drive through the park, so if you really want to get around the hiking trails you should probably go ahead and plan on a multi-day hiking trip with camping at night.

Old Rag Mountain

So, what should you know about the mountain itself before you try to climb it? First of all, it isn’t the tallest peak in Shenandoah National Park but it is by far the more difficult of the two to scale and it is definitely the most popular hike in the park. The top of Old Rag reaches 3,284 feet and features bare rock rather than the more common tree-covered peaks in the rest of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

A geological event that happened about one billion years ago formed the granite of Old Rag, which you’ll see at the summit but also in rocky outcroppings and exposed sections along the many hiking trails. Greenstone, sandstone, limestone, and other minerals are also present in the mountain and the surrounding soil, so you can definitely expect a rocky hike. The rock climbing and scrambling on the way up makes for a challenging hike that’s left an impression on the roughly 100,000 people who attempt the hike each year.

Hiking in Shenandoah National Park offers some of the best fall foliage views in the United States.

Hiking Old Rag in sections

There are some rough delineations along the hiking trail to the top of Old Rag that can help gauge your progress on the way up and help you make sure you bring the right equipment to help you tackle the trail in good time as well as in a safe manner.

Depending on the hiker and their personal view on the hiking trail’s characteristics, there are about seven segments to the circuit hike up to the summit of Old Rag and back down again. Luckily, you can start and finish your trek in the parking area on Nethers Road, which will allow you to concentrate your efforts on tackling Old Rag and not have any unrelated hiking involved unless you want it to be.

The basic sections of Old Rag Mountain are these:

Nethers Road Parking Area to closed Old Rag upper parking area: This beginning section is about 0.8 miles and takes hikers from the initial parking area (if that’s where they’ve started their hike) to the beginning of the blue blazes, which is a name for the blue lines that designate the trail path and indicate certain conditions up ahead. For the first Nethers Road section, hikers should take care not to exert themselves too much, since that energy will be useful later on when the hiking trail becomes much more difficult. Keep a steady pace and drink plenty of water in this and all other sections on the hike to the top of Old Rag.

Blue Blazes to the first overlook: The grade will increase once you veer left from the Old Rag upper parking area. Everything will get much rockier after this section, so watch where your feet are landing and make sure not to slip. The Blue Blazes should take on a double-line shape during this second section of the hiking trail, indicating the nine switchbacks hikers will trek their way around before moving on to the third section. All in all, this second section runs about 2.2. Miles and has an elevation gain that might catch you off guard if you try to climb it too quickly.

First overlook to the summit of Old Rag Mountain: Here’s the section of the hike where you’ll want to keep a close eye out for the Blue Blazes. There are tons of false routes and dead-end trails to mislead you and that elevation gain doesn’t give up at all in the third section of the uphill hike to the top of Old Rag. If you came to this hiking trail looking for some rock scrambling, then this third uphill section is where you’re going to find it. Geographical features such as a 12-foot deep crack in the rock and some narrow passages carved from the granite of the mountain shouldn’t be attempted by the inexperienced or the aloof. It’s a serious undertaking and it’s going to take some time. It’s best to take it slowly and enjoy the hike during this section.

After clambering down the narrow rock passageway, the trek turns into a kind of ridge trail. The good news is that the views at this stage are fantastic, but hikers would do well to make sure not to get too close to the edge for obvious reasons. Keep moving past a false summit at this stage of the hiking trail to reach the true summit of Old Rag. Along the way you can take in breathtaking 360-degree views from a few different points. Once you reach the top of Old Rag, enjoy stunning panoramic views of the 200,000 acres of Shenandoah National Park.

200-miles of the Appalachian Trail surround Old Rag Mountain in Shenandoah National Park.

Descending to Byrd’s Nest

The 0.4-mile descent to Byrd’s Nest is fairly simple to do. The only thing to look out for at this stage, beyond watching your step and treading carefully as you likely will have learned to do at this point anyway, is Byrd’s Nest. For some extra rock climbing and rock scrambling, Byrd’s Nest is a great addition to the rest of the Old Rag hiking trail.

You can find it at the intersection with the Saddle Trail on the way down from the summit. Once you reach Byrd’s Nest, you can find some granite stones to climb on and take a bearing for Balanced Rock, which will be visible after a bit of extra trekking. If you’re extending your Shenandoah National Park hiking trip into a multi-day overnight trip, there’s a campsite around this stage of the hiking trail to the top of Old Rag Mountain.

Byrd’s Nest Shelter is also on this section of the hiking trail. Byrd’s Nest Shelter is a day-use only shelter that can be used as a rest stop or to take cover in case some kind of inclement weather has surprised you while you’re out in the backcountry. It’s worth a look whether you actually need it or not since it gives the impression of the kind of remote forest cabins constructed in this part of the United States before Shenandoah National Park was a protected area.

Continue on the Saddle Trail

For a little under a mile and a half, the trail gently widens and becomes slightly easier. Hikers will pass the Old Rag Shelter on this section of the hike, which is much like Byrd’s Nest Shelter in terms of use and interest value. It isn’t as detailed in terms of its construction as Byrd’s Nest is, but it’s still a nice place to take a rest if you need to.

Weakley Hollow Fire Road

This section of the hiking trail runs from the intersection of Berry Hollow Fire Road, Old Rag Fire Road, and Weakley Hollow Fire Road on back to the old upper parking area. It’s just under 2.5 miles long, during which time you’ll cross the Robertson Mountain Trail and the Corbin Hollow Trail. Consider this a kind of denouement of the Old Rag Mountain hike. It’s not that this section isn’t still a fun hike, but it won’t take the same toll as the more strenuous sections of the hiking trail to the summit of Old Rag.

Return along Nethers Road

This section is going to look familiar if you haven’t replaced its memory with the stunning sights at the summit of Old Rag. It’s the same as the beginning, which should make sense since it’s a circuit hike. The 0.8 miles from the old Upper Parking Area along Nethers Road to the usable parking area is like a pre-emptive congratulations to hikers who have, for all intents and purposes, completed the hike by the time they reach this final section.

Safety while hiking Old Rag Mountain

While this is the most popular hike in Shenandoah, that doesn’t mean it’s the easiest or even necessarily possible for novices and those who aren’t in a good enough shape to reach the summit of Old Rag Mountain on the circuit trail. Rock scrambling can sound like good, easy fun in web forums where experienced hikers and rock climbing enthusiasts are discussing it, but it’s not something everyone can just jump in to. Always try to hike with experienced hikers who can spot you if need be and show you how best to tackle difficult hikes like this one.

One thing many hikers forget is drinking water. It seems like a no-brainer, but it’s easy to underestimate how thirsty a really difficult climb is going to make you. Hikers should always make sure to bring at least 2 quarts of water per person in order to stay hydrated on the way to the summit of Old Rag and back down to the parking area. In addition, footwear is going to be really important on this particular hiking trail, since the exposed rock will be much slicker than many hikers might be used to, even if they’re familiar with hiking in Virginia.

So, how long does it take to hike Old Rag Mountain?

Now that you know how the trail looks, more or less, and how difficult it is to tackle, you should have some idea how long it will take. A safe estimate is about 7 hours for experienced hikers and perhaps 9 for those who are less familiar with this type of hike or who tend to take time for personal enjoyment and reflection when they’re out hiking in the backcountry.

Again, this can vary according to your own schedule, your speed, your size, your pack weight, and many other factors. If you’re unsure at all about timing, don’t cut it close. Always leave way more time than you need. If you do manage to finish this hiking trail earlier than expected, there’s plenty to do in the rest of Shenandoah National Park to stay entertained for the remainder of your time there.

A man walking on a log in the forest.

Final Verdict:

Old Rag Mountain is the most popular hike in Shenandoah National Park and also the most challenging hike. The terrain at the summit of Old Rag and all the sections of the trail near that point are full of granite boulders and exposed rock that can be quite slick. There are also fantastic panoramic views of almost 200,000 acres of the surrounding redwood forests to reward hikers who can reach the top of Old Rag with enough time to take in the landscapes.

Many factors can affect how long it will take different hikers to get to the summit of Old Rag and get back down to the parking area again. In general, it’s wise to overestimate how long it will take you to complete the trek. Leave early enough to finish the trail before nightfall.

This is one of the busiest trails and a favorite hike for many visitors to the Shenandoah National Park, so it’s likely to be best attempted early in the morning on a weekday. If you can keep a steady pace and bring enough water to drink, you can reach the top of Old Rag on a day hike. Or, if you prefer to stop and smell the roses, you can turn this hike into a multi-day overnight trip. Whatever way you decide to visit, the summit of Old Rag Mountain offers some stunning views however long you take to reach it.

Bonus tip: Watch this quick video to get a brief look at the hiking trails around Old Rag Mountain!

Outdoor Blog

BougeRV Showcases Sustainable Innovations at Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2024

Published

1 month ago

June 26, 2024

Jonas Muthoni

BougeRV is thrilled to participate in the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2024, scheduled from June 17-19 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. As North America’s premier outdoor industry trade show, the event is a convergence of top brands, retailers, and industry professionals showcasing the latest in outdoor gear and innovations. BougeRV’s participation is a perfect example of their commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly outdoor living solutions.

At the head of BougeRV’s exhibit is the Rocky Portable Fridge, a robust and versatile cooling solution designed to meet the demands of outdoor enthusiasts. This innovative fridge features dual-zone capability, allowing it to function simultaneously as a refrigerator and a freezer. Built with heavy-duty materials, the Rocky Portable Fridge is designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor use, including shockproof capabilities up to 40°. The fridge’s efficient energy consumption, coupled with a battery protection system, makes it perfect for off-grid adventures, aligning perfectly with the sustainable ethos of the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market.

The Rocky Portable Fridge also shows off an impressive temperature range from -4°F to 68°F, allowing for precise temperature control. Its smart storage solutions, including a removable divider and basket, ensure that items remain organized and easily accessible. The fridge can be powered by a 12V/24V DC car port, a 100-240V AC wall outlet, or an optional portable power station, providing unparalleled versatility. This adaptability is crucial for modern adventurers who require reliable and efficient cooling solutions on the go.

In addition to the Rocky Portable Fridge, BougeRV is showing several other cutting-edge products designed to enhance outdoor experiences. The CRPRO 30, a compact and high-performance fridge, is perfect for campers and RV enthusiasts. Its advanced cooling technology and robust build make it a reliable companion for any journey. Similarly, the 4000BTU Portable Air Conditioner is tailored for overlanding and camping, offering powerful cooling with user-friendly features such as dual adjustable air outlets and an IPX4 water-resistant design. These products are expected to attract overlanding enthusiasts eager to explore the latest innovations in outdoor living.

BougeRV’s participation in the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market is really and truly about connecting with other industry leaders, exploring emerging trends, and demonstrating their commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly practices. By attending this prestigious and engaging event, BougeRV aims to highlight their dedication to providing high-quality products that cater to the needs of modern outdoor enthusiasts.

For more details about BougeRV and their innovative products, visit the BougeRV website. BougeRV’s involvement in the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market 2024 highlights their dedication to sustainability, innovation, and customer satisfaction, positioning them as a leading brand in the outdoor industry ready to make a significant impact at this breakout event.

Outdoor Blog

The Evolution of Outdoor Apparel: How Fashion Meets Functionality in the Wilderness

Published

2 months ago

June 2, 2024

Sam Brooks

The wilderness beckons with the promise of adventure, but any seasoned hunter knows that what you wear can make or break your experience. Gone are the days when outdoor apparel was purely utilitarian. Today, fashion and functionality blend seamlessly to create gear that’s not only practical but also stylish. From the latest camouflage patterns to weather-resistant fabrics, let’s explore the evolution of outdoor apparel and how it’s revolutionizing the way we approach the great outdoors.

Camouflage: The Stylish Science of Stealth

Camouflage has come a long way from the simple green and brown patterns of yesteryear. Modern camouflage designs are now a blend of advanced science and cutting-edge style. These patterns aren’t just about blending into the background; they’re about creating an optical illusion that makes the wearer nearly invisible to wildlife.

Contemporary camo gear incorporates a variety of colors and textures to match different environments, from dense forests to arid deserts. This evolution in design is as much about aesthetics as it is about effectiveness, allowing hunters to move through their chosen terrain with confidence and stealth.

The shift towards more sophisticated camouflage patterns also reflects a broader trend in outdoor apparel: the desire for gear that looks good and performs even better. Hunters today want apparel that makes a statement while still providing the ultimate in concealment. Whether it’s a jacket with a sleek, modern design or pants that offer the perfect balance of comfort and camouflage, today’s outdoor apparel combines fashion and function like never before.

Layering: The Key to Comfort and Style

Layering is a critical concept in outdoor apparel, offering both practical and aesthetic benefits. Modern layering systems are designed to regulate body temperature and provide protection from the elements. However, they also offer a chance to showcase personal style. Successful layering starts with choosing pieces that work well together both functionally and visually.

Base layers, for instance, have evolved from simple thermal wear to stylish garments that can be worn on their own or as part of a layered ensemble. These pieces are often made from advanced fabrics that provide warmth without bulk, ensuring that hunters can stay comfortable and mobile. Mid-layers add another dimension of style and functionality, offering insulation while allowing for breathability. Softshell jackets and vests come in many different colors and designs, making it easy to find pieces that suit individual tastes.

Layering can also help you catch different kinds of animals. For instance, when you’re looking for turkey hunting tips, it’s important to look at the best kinds of layering to stay incognito and catch the best birds. Choosing the right layers can make a significant difference in staying comfortable and concealed during long hours in the field.

Footwear: From Trail to Trendsetter

Footwear is another area where outdoor apparel has seen significant evolution. In the past, hunting boots were purely functional, but, today, they still offer these essential qualities but have also become a fashion statement. Modern hunting boots come in a variety of styles, from traditional leather to contemporary synthetic materials, and are available in a range of colors and designs.

The advancements in footwear technology have been remarkable. Today’s hunting boots are designed to be lightweight yet durable, with features like waterproof membranes, breathable linings, and advanced traction systems. These innovations ensure that hunters can move comfortably and safely through any environment. But it’s not just about functionality; the aesthetic appeal of modern hunting boots is undeniable. Many boots are designed with sleek, stylish lines that make them suitable for wearing both in the field and in more casual settings.

High-Performance Gear: Pushing the Boundaries of Innovation

When it comes to hunting, high-performance gear is a game-changer. This is the section where outdoor apparel truly shines, combining cutting-edge technology with sleek design to create products that offer unmatched performance. Performance hunting gear includes everything from moisture-wicking base layers to high-tech outerwear designed to withstand the harshest conditions.

Today’s high-performance apparel utilizes advanced materials that are both lightweight and durable. Fabrics like Gore-Tex and other proprietary blends offer superior protection against wind and water while maintaining breathability. These materials help regulate body temperature, keeping hunters comfortable in a wide range of environments. In addition to these practical benefits, high-performance gear often features ergonomic designs that allow for a full range of motion, ensuring that hunters can move freely and easily.

Sustainable Fashion: Eco-Friendly Choices for the Modern Hunter

Sustainability has become an increasingly important consideration in the world of outdoor apparel. Hunters who are passionate about preserving the wilderness they love to explore are now seeking out eco-friendly clothing options that minimize environmental impact. Eco-friendly outdoor apparel is made from sustainable materials such as recycled polyester, organic cotton, and biodegradable fibers. These materials offer the same performance benefits as traditional fabrics but with a lower environmental footprint.

Outdoor Blog

The Role of Camouflage in Wildlife Photography and Hunting

Published

2 months ago

June 2, 2024

Caleb Cole

Camouflage plays a vital role in the worlds of wildlife photography and hunting, serving as an indispensable tool for enthusiasts and professionals alike. It’s not just about blending into the environment; it’s about becoming a part of it. Camouflage allows for closer interactions with wildlife, ensuring more successful hunts and breathtaking photographs. Here, we explore the key roles camouflage plays in these outdoor activities.

Blending In: The Art of Disappearing

One of the primary roles of camouflage is to help the wearer blend seamlessly into their surroundings. This art of disappearing is crucial whether you’re capturing a stunning image of a deer at dawn or patiently waiting for your prey during hunting season. In wildlife photography, the goal is to get as close as possible without disturbing the natural behavior of the animals. Camouflage clothing, face paint, and even equipment coverings can make the difference between a once-in-a-lifetime shot and a missed opportunity.

For hunters, blending into the environment increases the chances of a successful hunt. Animals have keen senses, and the slightest hint of an unnatural shape or color can send them running. Camouflage gear allows hunters to become virtually invisible. This skill of blending in isn’t just about wearing the right colors; it’s about understanding the terrain, the light, and how to move with stealth.

Reducing the Human Scent and Sound

Another critical aspect of camouflage in both photography and hunting is the reduction of human scent and sound. Animals naturally use their sense of smell and hearing to detect potential threats. Successful hunting trips often hinge on the ability to minimize human presence in these sensory fields. Specially designed camouflage clothing can help mask human odors, making it harder for animals to pick up on your scent.

Similarly, wildlife photographers need to consider their scent and sound output. Even the most visually inconspicuous photographer can ruin a perfect shot if their scent or a stray noise alerts the animals. Using scent-masking sprays and moving with extreme caution are part of the camouflage strategy, ensuring that photographers can get closer to their subjects without causing alarm.

Enhancing Patience and Stealth

Patience and stealth are virtues that every hunter and wildlife photographer must possess, and camouflage gear enhances these qualities. When you’re properly camouflaged, you can afford to be more patient, knowing that you are less likely to be detected. This confidence allows for longer waiting periods in prime locations, increasing the chances of capturing that perfect shot or making a successful kill.

For wildlife photographers, the need for patience is paramount. Animals won’t always show up when you want them to, and sudden movements can ruin hours of careful preparation. Camouflage helps in remaining undetected, allowing photographers to wait silently and still for the right moment. Hunters also benefit from this patience, as it enables them to wait for the ideal shot without rushing and potentially missing their target.

Specialized Camouflage for Different Hunts: Moose Hunting

Different types of hunting require specialized camouflage, and moose hunting is a prime example. Moose are large, elusive animals often found in dense forests and swampy areas. Successful moose hunters understand the need for specific camouflage patterns that mimic the unique environments where moose thrive. Moose hunting clothes are designed to blend into the dark, shadowy forests and marshes, making hunters virtually invisible to these keen-eyed creatures.

During moose hunting season, the right camouflage can make or break your experience. Moose have excellent vision and can easily detect unnatural movements or colors. By wearing appropriate camouflage, hunters can move quietly and position themselves for a clear shot without spooking their quarry.

The specialized gear often includes clothing that covers the entire body, including gloves and face masks, ensuring that no part of the hunter stands out against the natural backdrop. This thorough approach is essential in moose hunting, where patience and precision are key.

Capturing Authentic Wildlife Behavior

Wildlife photography isn’t just about taking beautiful pictures; it’s about capturing authentic wildlife behavior. Camouflage allows photographers to become invisible observers, documenting animals in their natural state without any human interference. This is particularly important for conservation efforts, as understanding genuine animal behavior can inform better strategies for protecting various species and their habitats.

Photographers who use camouflage can get closer to their subjects, often capturing moments that would be impossible to see from a distance. This proximity results in more intimate and detailed shots, showcasing the animals’ daily activities, interactions, and environments.

The authenticity of these images can inspire greater appreciation and respect for wildlife, encouraging more people to support conservation initiatives. By blending into the environment, photographers can witness and document behaviors that might otherwise go unnoticed, providing invaluable insights into the natural world.

outdoorcommand.com (Post 2)

The Evolution of Outdoor Apparel: How Fashion Meets Functionality in the Wilderness

Camouflage: The Stylish Science of Stealth

Layering: The Key to Comfort and Style

Footwear: From Trail to Trendsetter

High-Performance Gear: Pushing the Boundaries of Innovation

Sustainable Fashion: Eco-Friendly Choices for the Modern Hunter