Annapolis rock in Maryland. Good sunset view.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have Billy Goat and White Oak on my list.

Billy Goat is great, but like Old Rag, it gets crowded. If you’ve never done Billy Goat hike, it’s still worth it, but probably best on a weekday.

OP here. Very much appreciate these ideas. We do Billy Goat a lot, starting mid-afternoon, to avoid the super crowded times of day.

Big Schloss has been on the list. I thought too far away for a day trip but will google!

I love White Oak Canyon and don't think my kids have done it so nice idea too.

Will check out the Harpers Ferry options (I've hiked there a bit but much easier routes) and Massanutten hikes.

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.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have Billy Goat and White Oak on my list.

Billy Goat is great, but like Old Rag, it gets crowded. If you’ve never done Billy Goat hike, it’s still worth it, but probably best on a weekday.

Thanks - when I did Old Rag it was on a weekday too. I work so I can’t say when I’ll get to it

Anonymous wrote:In order of crowds (maybe that's an essential part of the Old Rag experience for you?)

Sugarloaf
MD Heights (Harpers Ferry)
Loudoun Heights (Harpers Ferry)

In order of difficulty probably reverse

MD Heights is a great hike, but just as crowded as Old Rag.

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

correct. BGT is not even close to comparable to old rag.

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

Yes, BGT is shorter and much easier.

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

Anonymous wrote:I have Billy Goat and White Oak on my list.

Billy Goat is great, but like Old Rag, it gets crowded. If you’ve never done Billy Goat hike, it’s still worth it, but probably best on a weekday.

Mathew’s Arm Overall Run is 5-6 hours, 2250 vertical. Starts out past Front Royal.

Duncan Knob and Stickler Knob are great Massanutten hikes. Another great hike is Big Schloss. Duncan and Stickler have small rock scrambles- similar to Old Rag, that lead to great views. Big Schloss doesn’t have the rock scramble, but is still a great hike. There are a couple routes to Big Schloss, but the best is from Wolf Gap.

I have Billy Goat and White Oak on my list.

Billy Goat trail
Little Devil's Stairs
Mary's Rock (a little easier than Old Rag, but a nice hike nonetheless)
White Oak Canyon (also more moderate)

In order of crowds (maybe that's an essential part of the Old Rag experience for you?)

Sugarloaf
MD Heights (Harpers Ferry)
Loudoun Heights (Harpers Ferry)

In order of difficulty probably reverse

Not really travel but wasn't sure where else to ask this ..

Can anyone recommend a day hike like Old Rag -- but not Old Rag (just for variety and ideally for a less busy experience) -- in terms of distance and difficulty? Ideally less than 2 hours from NW DC?