Has anyone died Old Rag?

A man died over the weekend while hiking Old Rag. According to Shenandoah National Park Management Specialist Sally Hurlbert, a 42-year-old man collapsed Saturday afternoon while hiking with friends on Old Rag Mountain.

How long does it take to climb Old Rag?

Planning your route This route typically takes seven or eight hours to complete, and involves ascending to the summit on the Ridge Trail and utilizing the Saddle Trail and Weakley Hollow Fire Road to return to the trailhead.

How difficult is it to hike Old Rag?

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.

Why do they call it Old Rag?

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.

Can a 5 year old hike Old Rag?

Keep expectations low…. Old Rag is relatively easy for grown ups, but don’t expect to hike the entire trail with kids under maybe 9 or 10 years old.

Where do you park for Old Rag?

It will make sense when you drive along Nethers Road en route to the parking lots. On your GPS, enter 3577 Nethers Road, Etlan as the Old Rag parking lot address. The trailhead is to the left of the lot two ranger station.

Can I do Old Rag?

Old Rag Mountain camping is not allowed at the summit. Shenandoah National Park has an Old Rag trip guide that suggests camping off the Berry Hollow Fire Road or Saddle Trail.

Can I hike Old Rag alone?

Old Rag is one of the most popular hikes in Virginia. It’s 9ish miles, depending on how you hike it, there’s a 1.5 mile rock scramble I’d been repeatedly warned about and it’s listed as hard or very strenuous, depending on your reference. I rarely hike on trails where I’m completely alone.

Does Old Rag have bathrooms?

In less than one mile, at the 5.4-mile mark, you’ll reach Old Rag Shelter. This is another day-use shelter with a picnic table. There is also a vault toilet.

Does it cost money to hike Old Rag?

Although Old Rag Mountain is within the boundaries of Shenandoah National Park, most people approach it from the Park’s eastern boundary, instead of from Skyline Drive. You are still required to pay an entrance fee, but parking at the lots operated by the National Park Service is free.

How much does Old Rag cost?

You would still have to pay the $30 entrance fee per vehicle, good for seven consecutive days, or $15 for walk-ups or those on bicycles. Park officials said the aim is to make the Old Rag experience as rewarding as possible for visitors.

Can you access Old Rag from Skyline Drive?

Yes, the first six miles are all downhill, but then you hike to the top of Old Rag. The Skyline Drive trailheads, Old Rag Fire Road, and Old Rag Mountain trails are extremely well maintained.