Elevation Gain: 2,510 ft Hike Time: 5.5 hours plus a half hour for lunch
We have hiked Old Rag many times but never as an over-night backpack, and certainly never in late December. The great thing this time of the year, no bugs, no haze, and no crowds!
This trip was two-fold: 1. We wanted to explore the area behind the Byrd's Nest Shelter where the Balance Rock is that you see from Old Rag and on the way down the Saddle Trail. We couldn't get on the Balance Rock but were able to scramble onto a rock directly below it, great views! 2. We also wanted to catch a sunset on Old Rag, we were not disappointed.
Next time you hike Old Rag, consider a side trip near the Byrd's Nest Shelter for some additional scrambling and great views.
Made sure to go on a weekday so it wasn't busy, only came across one other hiker, so plus on the solitude there. The trail itself was pretty cool, so many things to distract you on the way up :) The views were awesome (being dead winter you could see forever), but I can def see h ... more >>>
I went on this hike yesterday, ase I wanted to take pictures of the waterfall in the snow. The hike itself is not as good as it used to be. A lot of the concrete pegs crossing the streams have come out, and new pilings have been jury rigged by someone. As you get closer to the fa ... more >>>
Great hike! Have done it the past several winters and always a fun adventure. This was the first year it didn't snow, so we were able to play on the boulders. The whole group really enjoyed it, and we actually saw several other people on the trail and I swear there is a boy scout ... more >>>
We hiked this on a Saturday with about an inch of snow on the ground. The visitor center is very well maintained with friendly and helpful staff. They were shoveling all the sidewalks when we arrived at 11:20. The visitor center had some really cool items that you should stop in ... more >>>
Terrific Hike! Devil's Marbleyard did not disappoint and I can assure you that pictures simply cannot capture the scale. The remainder of the hike along the Ridge to the Gunter's Ridge Trail was quite beautiful with no haze. Only took about 4 1/2 hours to do the 8.3 mile loop. ... more >>>
This was posted 1/22/2012 - My wife is working is Staunton, VA for the next couple of months. We have two Jack Russel Terriers and she walks them a lot. I suggested the AT and told her about Riprap Hollow. Unfortunately she won't be able to make the hike, but ... more >>>
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