Join me and my friends for our Spring hiking in Old Rag Mountain. This is my favorite hiking trail due to the length of rock scramble to get the blood moving. Start off your weekend with a scenic drive of covered bridges and beautiful foliage.

The group did this last fall and we had a blast despite the unexpected storm. This time, there is a lot of comfortable sun exposure; so come prepared for it! The route I am choosing for this hike includes “Cardiac Hill” or “Heart Attack Hill” and a little longer length to make it a bit more challenging for the group, although some of you are first timer so it will be slow to moderate pace. Overall, this hike has some very easy parts but the starting hill and the one I just mentioned plus the length (6 or so miles) will make it rated moderate plus. The hike will start promptly at 09:00 am. Wear shoes with tread since some of the trail is steep, lots of rocks, steep in parts, etc. Also bring lots of water and snacks. Make sure you have a hat and sunscreen. Old Rag Mountain (3291ft) is the most spectacular mountain in the northern Virginia Blue Ridge Unlike most of the mountains in the Blue Ridge It stands alone as an outlying mountain rather than as part of a continuous chain. Old Rag is a popular hike in all seasons; on weekends, it can be crowded. Old Rag’s attractions include a rugged scramble over and through boulders on the Ridge Trail and spectacular views in all directions. Distance: 7 miles round trip Elevation Gain: 2200 ft Hike Time: 5hours + 1hour lunch time Difficulty: Strenuous Trail Condition: OK, but a few difficult spots Hike Type: Loop Free park weekends:http://www.nps.gov/FI… Detail about old rag mountain: http://www.hikingupwa… http://www.nps.gov/sh… Direction to Old Rag Mountain: Take 66 west and exit 43A to Rt.29 south. Drive on 29 south for 12 Miles to Warrenton VA (Luray); Bear right on Rt. 29/211 West for about 27 miles to Sperryville VA; Turn left on Rt. 522 south for about 1 mile then turn right on Rt. 231. Go about 8 miles to Rt. 601 (you will see a sign for Old Rag there) and turn right. Cross the bridge, turn right and continue along Rt. 601/600. In about 3 miles you’ll see the lower parking area for Old Rag on your left (200 parking space only). Note: you are going to be driving through Warrenton, so be careful and follow the signs. There is always a cop or two along the way, so try not to go 7 miles over the speed limit. We will meet at the north parking lot of Vienna metro station and carpool to the National Park. bbb