hike like Old Rag?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:I’ve never done Old Rag but I believe the BGt is much shorter. It is also very crowded.

Billy Goat A is about half the distance of Old Rag, but you could do all three sections to extend it.

Billy Goat is considerably easier and much less challenging, irrespective of the extensions.

Yes, Billy Goat A isn't nearly as challenging as Old Rag. This is due to minimal elevation gain. Billy Goat A does have a fun rock scramble and some mild rock hopping, but is nowhere near as challenging as Old Rag. If you hike a bit and/or are in decent shape, Old Rag isn't too hard. Thankfully access is now controlled and the trail should be more enjoyable.

Old Rag is popular for good reason, but my favorite hikes are away from the crowds in George Washington National Forest.

Which hikes do you like in GWNF?

Big Schloss and Duncan Knob are great. Three Ridges, which is further south near Staunton is great too. GWNF is huge and has lots of great hikes. The ones listed here, while we’ll known, don’t get nearly the traffic that popular Shenandoah hikes receive.

When I used to bike a lot, years and years ago, my go to was skyline, and could go days and maybe only see 1 or 2 other groups on the trail. The last few times it was like being in Disney. All of the national parks seem over crowded these days. It’s like they are being loved to death .

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve never done Old Rag but I believe the BGt is much shorter. It is also very crowded.

Billy Goat A is about half the distance of Old Rag, but you could do all three sections to extend it.

Billy Goat is considerably easier and much less challenging, irrespective of the extensions.

Yes, Billy Goat A isn't nearly as challenging as Old Rag. This is due to minimal elevation gain. Billy Goat A does have a fun rock scramble and some mild rock hopping, but is nowhere near as challenging as Old Rag. If you hike a bit and/or are in decent shape, Old Rag isn't too hard. Thankfully access is now controlled and the trail should be more enjoyable.

Old Rag is popular for good reason, but my favorite hikes are away from the crowds in George Washington National Forest.

Which hikes do you like in GWNF?

National Parks are indeed being loved to death. I think we will see more reservations required for entry to parks. Rocky Mountain NP has this implemented and I’m sure more will follow. The reservation system for Old Rag was way overdue. The bottlenecks at spits on the trail rivaled the beltway at rush hour.


Big Schloss and Duncan Knob are great. Three Ridges, which is further south near Staunton is great too. GWNF is huge and has lots of great hikes. The ones listed here, while we’ll known, don’t get nearly the traffic that popular Shenandoah hikes receive.

When I used to bike a lot, years and years ago, my go to was skyline, and could go days and maybe only see 1 or 2 other groups on the trail. The last few times it was like being in Disney. All of the national parks seem over crowded these days. It’s like they are being loved to death .

[Anonymous]

Dolly Sods is amazing for a weekend

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Dolly Sods is amazing for a weekend

Dolly Sods is great. It used to be somewhat unknown, now everybody goes there, myself included.

[Anonymous]

For an epic adventure, park at the bottom of White Oak Canyon. Hike up Cedar Run Trail to Skyline, ascend Hawksbill, then take the AT north and come back down White Oak Canyon. A looong day hike and strictly for those with stamina. Super varied!

[Anonymous]

One of the best things about Old Rag, in my opinion, is the view at the top. Not as spectacular, and no rock scramble, but I also like the views at Sky Meadows.