I’ve not even attempted to hide my ambition that all my family experience the joy of hiking Old Rag Mountain in the Shenandoah National Park. For years I’ve hiked up this mountain’s 2,600 foot climb, scrambled across its rocky top and completed its nine mile loop. I love it and knew they would too if only I could get them to take the leap.
The first to accede was Kelsey in December of 2009 though originally I’d thought it would be Courtney. Kelsey has since climbed Old Rag many times much as I’d expected she would after learning the joys of it. If I could get the others to venture out then perhaps the same would be said of them.
For joy, upon Courtney’s return from Los Angeles after driving across the continent she announced that she wanted to go climb Old Rag with me! Early Friday morning we both dawned our bladder packs filled with munchies and headed out the door. Ninety minutes later we were parked and hiking.
Below is Courtney at the first peak with Blue Ridge Mountains behind.
It’s fun to watch someone scale Old Rag for the first time. The first three quarters of the climb is much like any other mountain trail, lots of switch back and lots of effort to gain elevation. However, the final quarter is a delicious rocky landscape with boulders and crevasses and walls and gaps that have to be 1) figured out and 2) overcome. It’s a series of riddles which at times aren’t obviously solved. I’m long past it being a challenge but anyone’s first outing would cause them to give occasional pause. I watched Courtney solve the riddles and progress and she did a wonderful job over the scramble.
At the peak is the best reward, views in every direction for great distances.
After a break we descended the 5.5 miles back to the lower parking lot.
If my hopes come true then she’ll be hiking it again.
If my hopes come true then Beth will soon venture out too.
If my hopes come true then someday we’ll all hike Old Rag … together!
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