NOVA Trailblazers - 20s - 40s Backpacking and Hiking

Important - I've pre-purchased day-use tickets for this hike. Please only sign up if you are 100% committed

Old Rag is one of my favorite hikes on the east coast. The way up is nothing short of incredible - you will experience switchbacks, scrambles, false summits, interesting trail navigation, and absolutely amazing views. This is the iconic day hike in Shenandoah. Don't miss it. Please make sure to get a day-use ticket for $2 using the link below.

I plan to stop for food/drinks at Old Bust Head Brewing Co on the way back (7134 Farm Station Rd, New Baltimore, VA 20187).

We will meet at Vienna Metro at 9AM and carpool to the trailhead. Drive time is about 1 hour and 45 mins - Please post a comment below if you are willing to drive. Carpooling saves the environment and makes friends.

## Trail Facts

• Difficulty Level: Strenuous
• Length: 9.4 Miles
• Duration: 5-6 hrs
• Elevation Gain: 2,604 Feet
• Permits: Pre-purchased (you can venmo me $2)
• Parking: Vienna Metro Station
• Dogs: Not Allowed
• Trailhead Coordinates: 38.571008, -78.293499
• AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/old-rag-mountain-loop-trail?u=i&sh=rak641

Trail Details:
This hike, although challenging, is one of the most popular and spectacular hikes in Shenandoah National Park. It has been referred to as an “unforgettable” hike by many. Your climb to the peak includes many rocky switchbacks, various false peaks, and several scrambles. The descent, which will be slightly longer than your ascent, is a much more gradual grade that ends with an easy walk down a fire road. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on this trail.

This is a challenging hike that will take most of the day. It is highly recommended that you bring plenty of water as well as snacks and electrolytes (i.e. Gatorade). Hiking Old Rag is an adventure that should be on every Virginia hiker’s bucket list.

DAY USE TICKETS: There were limited tickets left, so I've pre-purchased 14 day use tickets. You can give me $2 in cash or via Venmo.

LIABILITY NOTICE:
Please remember that this group operates under the common adventurer model. We are a group of friends and volunteers organizing trips for fun and shared experience. Participants are expected to be familiar with best hiking practices and choose hikes that align with their physical abilities and experience. Organizers and members are not liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to persons or property arising from group activities. By attending this event, you agree to assume all risks associated with the activity.​

IMPORTANT - If you are not 100% committed please do not RSVP. No shows will be de-propritized for future events.

Lets do a 2-night backpacking trip over Memorial Day weekend!
The Mount Rogers/Grayson Highlands loop hike is an iconic section of the Appalachian Trail, located in the southwestern hills of Virginia within the Jefferson National Forest.

This region is best known for its vast mountain views and alpine peaks with wild ponies roaming about. This area is also home to Virginia's highest point, Mount Rogers, sitting at 5,729'. This is a premier east-coast backpacking destination, so don't miss this one.

## Trail Facts

• Difficulty Level: Moderate
• Length: 21.4 Miles
• Duration: 3 Days
• Elevation Gain: 3,898 Feet
• Bear Canisters: Not Required
• Permits: None
• Dogs: Allowed
• Meetup/Carpool: Vienna Metro South
• Trailhead Parking: 36.6893579, -81.5320954
• AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/mount-rogers-and-appalachian-trail-loop-958adb5?u=i&sh=rak641

Trail Details:
We will meet at The Vienna Metro station on Saturday morning at 8am and drive to the Mt Rogers Trailhead (off Rt 603). This parking lot is NOT the paid lot near Masie Gap, and so can fill up. I'd like to try to get there as early as possible.

The drive is about 5 hours. I will drive and am happy to have others carpool with me - but please note, I will have my small black labrador in the back seat.

Day 1
After we park, we will hike about 7 miles to our campsite, diverting once to summit Mt Rogers. There arent any views here, but it's worth the .3 miles to say you've been to the highest point in VA! We will camp on the first night at the scenic tent sites near the Thomas Knob Shelter on the AT. There is water at this site and we may see wild ponies if we're lucky.

Day 2
The second day is about 10.7 miles, which includes spectacular views, unique rock formations and wide open grassy meadows. We will camp near the Old Orchard Shelter. There is a spring with water at this site as well.

Day 3
The third day will be a short 3.5 mile hike from camp back to the cars. Getting to the cars early will mean that we should get back to DC around 4-5pm. On the drive home, I plan to stop at Martin's in downtown Roanoke (413 1st St SW, Roanoke, VA 24011).

Essential Items:

• Tent
• Sleeping pad​
• Sleeping bag suitable for expected temperatures​
• Backpack (appropriate for overnight backpacking)​
• Backpacking stove with fuel​
• Pot, cup, dish, and utensils​
• Dehydrated meals​ and snacks
• Water bottles or hydration system (capacity for at least 2 liters)​
• Water filter or purification tablets​
• Headlamp with extra batteries​
• Rain gear
• Dry bags or pack cover​
• Warm clothing layers (non-cotton)
• Trowel for and toiletries for Leave-No-Trace compliance

Optional Items:

• Personal first aid kit​
• Map and compass or GPS device
• Power bank or external battery
• Trekking poles​
• Camp shoes
• Electrolyte supplements​
• Alcohol​
• Books, games, or other enterainment
• Gaiters​
• Sunscreen, lip balm, insect repellent​​

CARPOOL: Don't forget if you want a ride or are willing to offer a ride – be a friend to the environment, save money, and make friends.

LIABILITY NOTICE:
Please remember that this group operates under the common adventurer model. We are a group of friends and volunteers organizing trips for fun and shared experience. Participants are expected to be familiar with best hiking practices and choose hikes that align with their physical abilities and experience. Organizers and members are not liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to persons or property arising from group activities. By attending this event, you agree to assume all risks associated with the activity.​

Caledon State Park is a 2,500-acre property in King George County that has been designated as a National Natural Landmark. The park includes 16 miles of hiking trails and is home to old growth forests and American bald eagles. Given the low mileage and modest elevation gain, this backpacking trip is a great choice for those who are new to the sport or who are trying to get back into it.

We will meet on the sidewalk between the parking garage and the bus lane at the Franconia-Springfield Metro Station at 9:00 AM and carpool to the trailhead. Drive time is about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Please post a comment below if you are willing to drive. Carpooling saves the environment and makes friends.

## Trail Facts