Sunday, July 19, 2009 - The NORSA summer hiking series is a sampler of local hikes in the Washington, DC area, this year including outings in the Monongahela National Forest, Shenanadoah National Park, Rock Creek Park, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Catoctin Mountain Park. In July the series kicked into full gear as Team NORSA members Matt, Nora, Leo, Laura, Steven S, and Emily headed to Old Rag Mountain in Shenandoah National Park. Old Rag is a staple hike in the Blue Ridge in northern Virginia. This moderate, approximately 7 mile loop winds through switchbacks, boulders, and crags to reach a summit of 3291 feet (1003m) and near 360-degree vistas. The event accidentally, but fortuitously, coincided with one of this summer's fee free weekends in the National Parks. The mountain was surprisingly not crowded on a clear day during the free weekend.
Although arguably already a NORSA member, this event marks Laura's debut in a NORSA article. Congratulations, Laura!
The Old Rag features a notorious section of rock scrambling, requiring upper body strength, teamwork, guts, and glory. Tactical pants are recommended to allow for sliding on one's butt and to avoid scraping one's legs in the tough spots.
Overall the best advice for conquering the mountain was given by another group of hikers; "remember to breathe, it is good for your lungs."
The group made it to the top with only a slight hiccup which required some bushwacking. Leo's beefy Hawaiian arm allowed the group to make up some time. No doubt previous NORSA outings on the Billy Goat Trail and Duncan Knob ensured that all were prepared to "rock it out".
After enjoying lunch at the summit, the trip down to the parking area was relatively uneventful. The trip back to DC was more eventful in that it involved a meal at Cracker Barrel. Many hungry Americans were doing what hungry Americans do best.
Stay tuned for future NORSA summer hiking series action!
2 comments:
I can't believe all of you were on the rag at the same time!
Well Steve, actually, the trailhead for Old Rag actually has space for 214 cars. Although the mountain does get crowded on summer weekends, there is ample room for six people (who presumably carpooled in one car) to park at the trailhead and hike to the top.
Although, you are right - there are some places on the hike and at the summit where it might be inconceivable to comfortably fit six hikers.
Congrats to the NORSA hiking crew for managing such an impressive feat!
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