Hiking Old Rag Mountain - Shenandoah National Park - Virginia
Old Rag is one of the most spectacular hikes in Virginia, but it is also quite challenging. The trail is located within Shenandoah National Park, but the parking lot for the trailhead is located outside of the park, south of Sperryville, VA. The hike is a 9.1 mile loop with 2,415 of elevation gain.
Due to it's popularity, it gets very crowded on nice weekends. I avoided the crowds on one of the busiest days of the year by hiking up late in the afternoon, enjoying sunset from the top, continuing the loop down to below 2,800 feet at dusk, spending the night in a hammock, backtracking a bit and hiking back up to watch the sunrise, then hiking back down to complete the loop. I have also day hiked this trail several times, and if you start at about 7:30 in the morning the trail will be pretty quiet. Bring plenty of water, as you'll go through every bit of it!
The music used in this video is:
“Raw Rivalry” by Jay Man ourmusicbox.com
Learn to Fly by Josh Woodward
Morning Blue by Josh Woodward
Darien Gap by Josh Woodward
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Visit Culpeper, Virginia - Arts & Culture
Visit the recently renovated historic State Theatre, take in a classic movie at the Library of Congress, or embark on the self-guided Downtown Art Walk, and feel the arts come alive! New arts organizations and galleries are fostering up-and-coming talent and more accomplished local artists. Cultural events like the Bluemont summer concerts, Stage Alive community concerts, and community chorale and theatre offer a multitude of local, regional, and national performers. Lovers of opera and symphony will enjoy present day stars nurturing the concert stars of tomorrow at the nearby, world renowned Castleton Festival, just a short drive from Culpeper.
Culpeper, Virginia
Backroads of Virginia through Culpeper on US Highway 29 North To find out all my current trip information, truckcams, GPS, photos, panoramas, and more, visit my BLOG:
18 Wheels Across America.net To learn more about BigRigTravels, visit these links:
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Visit Culpeper, Virginia - History & Heritage
In 1775, the Culpeper Minutemen mustered in Old Clayton’s field in Culpeper, what is Yowell Meadow Park today. With its rich agricultural heritage, and Colonial and Civil War history, Culpeper offers an authentic experience for visitors to step back in time. Civil War battlefields are well-preserved and bear strong resemblance to their original landscape. Explore them on your own or enhance your visit with a knowledgeable local guide. The Museum of Culpeper History offers a unique glimpse into Culpeper’s past, and the walls of Graffiti House in Brandy Station contain over 200 pieces of original graffiti and drawings left behind by recuperating Union and Confederate soldiers. The annual Culpeper Harvest Days Farm Tour in October is the perfect weekend to explore Culpeper’s agricultural heritage, and many local farms are open to the public year ‘round for tours, on site purchases, or just strolling around.
Taste of the Mountains Sept.1, 2018
Come along to experience Taste of the Mountains!
This annual event has become a staple tradition for Madison County, VA - See you there, next year Saturday, Aug 31st, 2019!
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GENERAL INFO
Madison County Visitor Center & Chamber of Commerce
110 N Main Street
Madison, VA 22727
(540) 948-4455
tourism@madison-va.com
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Mount Jackson, Virginia
A ride through Mount Jackson, Virginia. Rich in Civil War history, Mount Jackson, Virginia is located in Shenandoah County and situated in the SW section of the state and along U.S. Route 11. Several attractions are located near Mount Jackson. Shenandoah Caverns, Seven Bends State Park, Bryce Resort, Skyline Drive and Virginia's longest covered bridge is all a short ride away.
Virginia Rural Scenery
Driving through the Virginia countryside near Barboursville, Virginia. Mom was driving her car, and I was shooting video out the passenger window. In case you're wondering, some of the video is speeded up, she wasn't really driving 100 mph. All the audio is muted because it was just wind noise.
The video follows this route: Starting just west of Barboursville on VA-678, head east through Barboursville and across the railroad tracks, cross VA-20 and continue east on VA-678 until you cross a small bridge.
[Not shown: Continue east on VA-678 from the bridge until it ends at US-33. Turn right on US-33, head east until VA-646, turn left on VA-646 and head north.]
Continue north on VA-646 until it ends at VA-231. Turn left on VA-231 and head northwest. Drive through the countryside on VA-231, which is a nice road, until you pass VA-654 (on the left).
[Not shown: Continue north on VA-231 past Somerset to VA-20. Turn left on VA-20, then soon after, turn right on VA-609.]
Continue west on VA-609 past the cornfield with silos.
[Not shown: From VA-609, turn left on VA-644 and head southwest. Cross US-33 at Eheart and continue southwest on VA-644.]
The last clip: Continue southwest on VA-644 (a bumpy road) to the stop sign at VA-641. Turn right on VA-641 by the big tree, then fade to black.
Blue Rock Inn in Washington, Virginia
The Blue Rock is a classic country inn located on eighty rolling acres, in picturesque Rappahannock County, Virginia. The building itself is an enchanting turn of the century converted farmhouse with three dining areas, a pub and four guest rooms. With 360 degree breathtaking views, you have the choice to relax on the patio, in the bar or enjoy the cozy dining room while tasting innovative dishes created by Chef Devin Bozkaya.
Hiking Old Rag Mountain Virginia
Old Rag is Shenandoah's most popular and most dangerous hike. The number of blogs and websites about this hike attests to its popularity. The number of search and rescue missions each year attests to its danger. There's no doubt that the scramble is great fun and the views are spectacular. A day on Old Rag is one of Shenandoah's premier experiences. We want to be sure that your experience is not marred by an accident or health issue that could be prevented with good planning.
Be sure that you are physically able to complete this hike. The circuit hike is about 9 miles. There is a significant elevation change and a strenuous rock scramble that requires good upper body strength. Often, children and shorter adults need assistance navigating the scramble.
Take at least 2 quarts of water per person. Dehydration is one of the most prevalent issues.
Wear sturdy shoes that will support your ankles and allow you to to get a foothold without slipping.
Allow 7 or 8 hours. Yes, people do it in less time but, like all types of travel, you may experience unanticipated delays. It's always a good idea to have a headlamp in case you don't complete your hike before dark.
Be sure you know the forecast and never attempt this hike in wet or icy conditions.
Stay with your group and stay on the trail. Do not allow children to run ahead.
Although you need to be sure you have plenty of water and food, it is a good idea to pack as lightly as possible. Most hikers prefer fanny packs to backpacks which can be difficult to maneuver through the rock scramble.
Planning your hike on a weekday will enhance your experience. Old Rag can become very crowded on weekends. At times, the parking lot will be full and there will be long lines and substantial waits at some of the narrow passages. For current conditions follow us on Twitter: ShenandoahNPS.
Pets are strictly forbidden on Old Rag for their own and hikers' safety.
Directions
Although Old Rag Mountain is within the boundaries of Shenandoah National Park, most people approach it from the park's eastern boundary. Follow these directions to get to the trailhead:
From Sperryville, Route 211: Take Route 522 south for .8 mile. Turn right onto Route 231 and go 8 miles. Turn right onto Route 601 and follow the signs to the parking area (approximately 3 miles).
From Madison, Route 29 Business: TakeRoute 231 for 12.8 miles. Turn left onto Route 602 and follow the signs to the parking area (approximately 3 miles).
Parking
Especially during busy weekends, parking can be another challenge. All Old Rag hikers must use the large parking area at the Old Rag Fee Station. The small parking area at the Old Rag Trailhead is NOT open to the public.
Parking at the lot at the fee station is free.You are required to purchase an entrance permit. Landowners with property adjacent to the Park are charging a fee for parking on their property. Paying a private citizen to park does not affect the entrance fee. Be sure to check the Shenandoah lot for availability before paying to park.
Natural water slide at Shenandoah National Park
Natural water slide at Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, Cedar Falls filmed with gopro hero 3.