r/ShenandoahPark

Hello, next week I will be going up Rockytop and coming back on Big Run Loop. Planning on bringing our water the 7 miles up to the Big Run Loop. Can someone confirm the water availability (+ anything else I might want to know about this route?).

I have called the park several times and no one on the back country line has picked up or returned my voicemail. I tried the South backpacking direct number and no one picked up there either. The folks at the Bird Visitor Center in Big Meadows didn't know.

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/rocky-top-and-big-run-loop

I’ll be camping in the park in a few weeks and obviously Old Rag has been at the top of my hiking list. But seeing people talk about the rock scramble portion has made me question if it’s for me.

I love hiking and the elevation doesn’t really scare me. I’ve hiked in Glacier and all over the blue ridge mountains. But I’ve never done a rock scramble. I also hiked out in NC recently and realized I’m out of shape and the hike definitely kicked my butt 😅

For the rock scramble, how much of it really requires upper body strength? I have noneeee of that to pull myself up and whatnot. Also, how much of it has significant drops? As much as I love mountain hiking, I was cursed with severe vertigo and anytime I’m on a ledge I start getting dizzy.

It feels like I’d be missing out so much if I skipped Old Rag while I was at the park, but is it worth attempting by myself given all that? From people who recently hiked it, how difficult was the scramble?

Kind of upset. I was trying to get tickets for Old Rag for myself, girlfriend, and two friends, and the tickets were sold out within a minute. I was helping a work colleague with something and wasn't able to get back to my desk by 10 am. 10:01 rolled around, and they were gone.

Anyone know if there is a "get there early and you can go on the trail" option?

Pretty bummed

EDIT: I set an alert for 4 tickets and within 5 minutes, two became available! Sniped them real quick. Old Rag 10/10, here I come 😄

Hi good people, a few weeks ago I posted about trying the old rag and just wanted to give a short update.

https://www.reddit.com/r/ShenandoahPark/s/cmsfJvkvrA

So first and foremost alot of thanks for all the helpful comments it was truly an amazing and unique hike, loved the view and the challenge of the rock scramble was simply perfect, I really felt like a mountaineer.

I was so stocked when I reached the top! Old rag really lived up to the hype.

The descend was also beautifull, but the ascend takes all the prices. It was hard, but doable and I expect you could temper it by changing you pacing, but I would emphasize I considered to be a test of my endurance.

Some practical details most for others who contemplate this hike:

I started going up at 7:45 and was down again by 13:00ish, I had a long break at the summit but otherwise did it with minimum breaks.

The footing was loose and uneven so I was very, very happy for the excellent traction my boots provided.

I brought a gallon fluid and a good sandwich but only drank 50 Oz and didnt eat the packed sandwich, I think this was in part because the morning was cool and the descend was quite windy as the day was very hot.

During the rockscramble you have to literally climb rocks and boulders I was struggling a little because I felt drained for energy, but after I drank the gatorade I brought along my energy returned, so if it was the electrolytes or rhe sugar or both I dont know - but I was like drinking a magic potion, so highly recommended.

The wind on the top was insane, I had brought a windbreaker with me, that was the only time I used it, but glad to have it at that point.

Im planning to go to old rag next weekend but unfortunately have to wait for the second batch of tickets to release early next week (fingers crossed).

If I’m unable to secure tickets, what other trails do you recommend hiking? I want good panoramic views. (Stoney man? Hawksbill?)

Looking to do an afternoon hike next Monday or Tuesday. Is the Berry Hollow lot likely to be crowded in the afternoon? Looking to arrive around 2-4pm.