Join Elements and Margaret Rietano for a full-day of hiking (plus drive time) of Old Rag Mountain in Shenadoah National Park. We will lead you on a hike so that you can enjoy the benefits of exerting, great company and the beauty of the spring.

Please read National Park Service description:

‘Featuring hikes with adventurous rock scrambles and 360-degree views that make you feel like you're on top of the world, there's no wonder why Old Rag is the most popular destination in Shenandoah National Park. 

While highly rewarding, hiking to the summit of Old Rag is also very physically demanding and can be dangerous if you have not planned properly. In order to ensure your safety and make the most out of your hike, be sure that you understand the basics of hiking safety before you set out on your adventure. Aside from these basics, there are a few more things that you need to know before hiking Old Rag:

Know Your Limits

Be sure that you are physically able to complete the hikes on Old Rag Mountain. Most hikes in this area are long, and there is significant elevation change with a strenuous rock scramble that requires good upper body strength. Often, children and shorter adults need assistance navigating the rock scramble.’

Register:

• Please email Margaret at mrietano@theelementsdc.com for further details and registration instructions.

  • Space will be limited to a very small group.

  • Elements has reserved advance Day Passes for this hike.

• Registered hikers will receive an email the day before the hike with updates and final logistics.

• Additional Elements FAQ’s 

• Meet: 9:30 at Sperryville Corner Store & Provisions

• Start: 10:00 am

  • average hiking time is 5+ hours. We will allow time for ‘breather breaks’ and enjoy our picnics on the saddle.

• Mileage and Trail Conditions; 9.5 mile loop with elevation gain/loss of 2683’ with terrain that is at times technical and exposed. (see above National Park Service description)

  • Please note, there is limited to no cell service in region of Old Rag

• BYO: :

  • day pack or fanny pack. There are narrow passages and some technical ‘reaches’ on this hike. Be prepared but not overly encumbered.

  • snacks, picnic lunch and WATER (recommend 2 liters, especially if its a warm day)

  • Creature comforts: walking poles, sunglasses, brimmed hat, sunblock, bug spray, binoculars, walking poles

• WEAR: We always say dress for the weather:

  • hiking boots or trail shoes with Vibram sole

  • wicking base layers

  • insulating and/or wind/water layers + hat/gloves to add or shed as needed

• ELEMENTS will provide:

  • Guide: Margaret Rietano, founder & director of The Elements DC, LLC

  • Basic 1st aid kit, map, electrolyte tabs, sunblock, bug spray

  • Additional walking poles

• COST: $65

• WEATHER: If the forecast is for heavy rain, storms or strong winds, we will reschedule spring of 2022