Old Rag— tips/what to expect?

[Anonymous]

I don't think it will take 8 hours. Once you get to the top, the walk down via fire road is pretty simple. If you are short, you will probably need a boost in certain spots. The only thing I found scary was jumping over a small gap between rocks. I would have easily been able to make the jump on level ground, but something about being up high and knowing it would be hard to get help if hurt stressed me out. I eventually did it and the rest was ok.

[Anonymous]

Take water to drink and a few snacks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Other than the rock scramble at the top, most of the hike is either swtichbacks through the woods, or the long horse trail at the end. Lunch at the top is a great reward!

Yep.

[Anonymous]

Based on your description I think you're likely to be okay, just know your limits and be willing to turn around.

I've helped out a few people who got into trouble hiking and in general they either didn't have proper footwear, enough water, or they'd let their phones die and didn't know the trail well enough to navigate without it.

[Anonymous]

Thanks, everyone. The rock scramble sounds fun, if tiring. Hopefully the weather will cooperate that day.

[Anonymous]

OP here reporting back. We went today & had a good time. Teen son was very happy with the hike. I (slowest one) finished in a bit over 6 hours, including spending ~40 minutes at the summit eating, climbing around, taking photos, and resting. Younger sibling (11) was skeptical but loved the rock scramble & enjoyed it overall. I will likely be sore tomorrow, but oh well!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here reporting back. We went today & had a good time. Teen son was very happy with the hike. I (slowest one) finished in a bit over 6 hours, including spending ~40 minutes at the summit eating, climbing around, taking photos, and resting. Younger sibling (11) was skeptical but loved the rock scramble & enjoyed it overall. I will likely be sore tomorrow, but oh well!

Glad you enjoyed it OP. I was late to see this post but I was going to comment that you will likely be pretty sore the next few days. I did the hike with my 11 year old when I was in my 40s. I was complaining about how sore I was the next day and he had no idea what I was talking about. Oh, to be young again. . .

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here reporting back. We went today & had a good time. Teen son was very happy with the hike. I (slowest one) finished in a bit over 6 hours, including spending ~40 minutes at the summit eating, climbing around, taking photos, and resting. Younger sibling (11) was skeptical but loved the rock scramble & enjoyed it overall. I will likely be sore tomorrow, but oh well!

What time di you start? How busy was it? Thanks

[Anonymous]

How do you make a reservation or whatever that is that you need to do to hike it? Is there a cost?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here reporting back. We went today & had a good time. Teen son was very happy with the hike. I (slowest one) finished in a bit over 6 hours, including spending ~40 minutes at the summit eating, climbing around, taking photos, and resting. Younger sibling (11) was skeptical but loved the rock scramble & enjoyed it overall. I will likely be sore tomorrow, but oh well!

What time di you start? How busy was it? Thanks

We started just before 8 am. It was not at all crowded (only a little over 100 people had reserved tickets for the day). We saw a few other groups but never had to wait on the rock scramble. But it was a Monday in March.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How do you make a reservation or whatever that is that you need to do to hike it? Is there a cost?

https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/10088450/ticket/10088451

There is a $2 per person fee. Plus you need to pay to enter Shenandoah NP (or use an annual pass). They release 400 tickets a month or two in advance and the other 400 a few days before each date.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I can’t imagine it’s that tough. My fourth grader hiked it in the fall with his whole class for a special class trip.

I’m sure you are confused. There is no way a class of 4th grade special ed students all hiked old rag.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I can’t imagine it’s that tough. My fourth grader hiked it in the fall with his whole class for a special class trip.

I’m sure you are confused. There is no way a class of 4th grade special ed students all hiked old rag.

PP said “special class trip,” not “special ed.” Either way, 4th graders, who have hiked, could do Old Tag no problem, but the mental aspects, and for some, the physical aspects, of hiking Old Rag would be too much for a lot of 4th graders. It’s not a hard hike, but if you’re not in shape, or ill-prepared, it can be difficult and not a hike that should be taken lightly.