Not all remarkable journeys need a visa. A quality pair of hiking shoes, a backpack loaded with munchies, and a bit of hiking trail that helps you reach the top height quite easily are all that you need. Old Rag Mountain, situated in the beautiful Shenandoah region of Virginia, yields all of this.
Though not terrain for wimps, Old Rag offers rewarding trips for adventurous hikers.
The whole circuit is around 9 miles long and has an elevation of 2200-3000 feet from the place of departure. The trail consists of forest trails, very steep inclines, and huge boulders that make hiking even more adventurous.
Old Rag looks very different from other hiking trails since it does not have simply a straight path to follow. At times, one should use hands as much as feet while walking.
Hiking can be tough work, but the summit is worth all the effort.
Shenandoah National Park is within a short distance of home
One of the biggest surprises for travelers is how easy it actually is to visit Shenandoah National Park.
With only a 90-minute drive away from Washington D.C., Shenandoah National Park is a great getaway. Since it is so close to one of the busiest cities in the world, the park feels different from the city.
The roads and traffic seem to be replaced immediately with hills, forests, and valleys, not to mention the fresh mountain breeze.
The park itself is estimated to occupy around 200,000 acres of wilderness and the more than 500 miles of hiking paths ensure there are multiple chances to see nature beyond Old Rag.
A significant number of tourists utilize an entire day just by road tripping around the area, taking breaks for sightseeing and indulging in short strolls around the park.
Wildlife Sightings Enhance The Adventure
The reputation of Shenandoah National Park is not solely dependent on its scenic beauties.
The park has a plethora of wildlife species which means that every hike becomes an exciting affair full of surprises.
The beautiful creatures such as deer and foxes, beavers and raccoons, otters, groundhogs, and bunnies, make the visits to the park unforgettable. Maybe some lucky hikers can even see the American black bear in the typical wilderness.
Observing how wildlife is thriving in nature allows hikers to remember that they are only a part of an ecosystem, which existed long before they explored the park.
Save Money With the Parking Option
Many people do not know that it is possible to lower the entrance price with a small trick.
Instead of driving to Shenandoah National Park directly, hikers can leave their cars at the Old Rag parking area located outside the park.
In this manner, they need to pay less for the entrance when compared to entering through the main gates of the park, so this option is quite popular among the tourists who are going hiking specifically on the Old Rag trail.
It’s a small bit of advice, but it may help you spare a bit of money for food after that hike.
Camping Enhances the Journey
If you think a day is not enough, Shenandoah National Park has multiple backcountry camping sites.
Spending the night in the wilderness is a completely different experience. You will face quiet mornings filled with birds and serene, fair evenings far away from urban hustle.
Campers should keep in mind that there are altitude limitations and that, like any other national park activity, it is wise to follow the Leave No Trace code when enjoying nature.
Honoring nature is what keeps parks like Shenandoah unharmed year after year.
Do Not Overlook Your Gear
One of the things that every good hiker eventually realizes is that comfort while travelling is of utmost importance.
Old Rag’s rocky trail puts a lot of strain on one’s feet, legs, and knees, and good quality hiking boots can make a difference between finishing the hike successfully and suffering your way to the end.
The packing of food, as well as enough water, should be done properly.
Besides some simple foods like nuts, fruit and sandwiches that urgently would appear to be delectable after a long hike in the mountains, there are additional points to be mentioned about hiking.
The Best Time for Hiking Old Rag Mountain
In spite of the fact that Shenandoah National Park is beautiful at any time of the year, most hikers believe that the best time to hike Old Rag is May to October.
This is the time when temperatures are warmer, days longer, and hiking conditions are moreover favorable.
In addition, the fall season should be mentioned. The autumn colors in the forests of Shenandoah National Park should not be underestimated.
More Than Another Hiking Adventure
Old Rag Mountain is more than just a climb; it is passing over the rocks and listening how birds sing in the forest while taking a breath after all those climbs.
