One sign that you're not in undergrad anymore: you mark "peak fall foliage weekend" on your calendar. And plan a weekend around it. A little bit removed from spending Sundays watching Netflix and nursing a hangover, but I have to say its infinitely more enjoyable.
Although not exactly a hidden gem or a secluded getaway, there aren't many better places to take in a 360 degree of the Shenendoah valley than Old Rag Mountain. I've been here in the heat of summer and in early winter after the leaves have fallen from the trees, but this was my first time visiting Old Rag during the fall. CJ and I went with two of our good friends and made a day of the trip. After stocking up on the requisite grocery store deli sandwiches and dried fruit, we made the two hour drive through rolling Virginia hills to the base of Old Rag Mountain.
The hike to the peak is about ten miles round trip. The way up the mountain is not too rigorus, but is still two hours uphill. Once you get to the top of the tree line, the remainder of the hike is Old Rag's signature rock scramble. This is about an hour of climbing over and around, and ducking under, rocks - and the most fun part of the hike!
One problem with Old Rag is that the trail can get extremely crowded on nice weekends. This can cause a backlog on some of the tougher scramble sections and take away your chance to enjoy the views without crowds around. It wasn't too bad when we went, but I'd definitely love to go on a weekday if I had the time off work. Even though the summit was croweded, we walked a little ways off the path and enjoyed a secluded lunch with a great view.
The way down the mountain isn't quite as exciting - you walk downhill on a fire road most of the way. A group in front of us said they saw two black bears, but we weren't as lucky (or unlucky?). Next time! And given how close and fun the trail is, I'm positive there will be a next time :)
Although not exactly a hidden gem or a secluded getaway, there aren't many better places to take in a 360 degree of the Shenendoah valley than Old Rag Mountain. I've been here in the heat of summer and in early winter after the leaves have fallen from the trees, but this was my first time visiting Old Rag during the fall. CJ and I went with two of our good friends and made a day of the trip. After stocking up on the requisite grocery store deli sandwiches and dried fruit, we made the two hour drive through rolling Virginia hills to the base of Old Rag Mountain.
The hike to the peak is about ten miles round trip. The way up the mountain is not too rigorus, but is still two hours uphill. Once you get to the top of the tree line, the remainder of the hike is Old Rag's signature rock scramble. This is about an hour of climbing over and around, and ducking under, rocks - and the most fun part of the hike!
One problem with Old Rag is that the trail can get extremely crowded on nice weekends. This can cause a backlog on some of the tougher scramble sections and take away your chance to enjoy the views without crowds around. It wasn't too bad when we went, but I'd definitely love to go on a weekday if I had the time off work. Even though the summit was croweded, we walked a little ways off the path and enjoyed a secluded lunch with a great view.
The way down the mountain isn't quite as exciting - you walk downhill on a fire road most of the way. A group in front of us said they saw two black bears, but we weren't as lucky (or unlucky?). Next time! And given how close and fun the trail is, I'm positive there will be a next time :)
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