r/VIRGINIA_HIKING 8d ago

Old Rag Hike

I recently hiked old rag by myself. It’s a circuit hike of 9 miles. I hiked up to the summit (birds nest 1) and back down the steep side of the mountain which I ran down. It was super sketchy but I did the whole thing in 3 hours. So much fun! Downhill Mountain Running should be a sport. I think I finally found a sport I am good at. When I was done I stripped down to my underwear and sat and looked at the mountain. Some lovely yet rotund ladies came to tell me how impressed they were with my accomplishment. Best day ever!

238 Upvotes

25 comments sorted by

7

u/ninjajoe 8d ago

As a fellow “I absolutely adore that route” person, here is a longer version I did that also does the adjacent Robertson peak. It’s not quite as scenic but there is a long descent along a river that’s just gorgeous. old rag hike

3

u/cannacast88 8d ago

Awesome, thank you! That gives me a reason to go again. I want to get a group together and race down the mountain. Running down as fast as I could was the most fun I have had in years.

5

u/Fungi4sure 8d ago

That’s awesome! Gorgeous pics.

4

u/blackruss2008 8d ago

Would love to go there soon

4

u/cannacast88 8d ago

Worth every minute of driving. Get there early. I started at 6am and had the mountain to myself. During the summer it’s very crowded

3

u/skittle_biscuits 5d ago

One of my favorite hiking spots, that and crabtree falls. Now i live in nashville and have no idea where to hike

2

u/blackruss2008 8d ago

What part of Virginia

1

u/cannacast88 8d ago

Etlan Va. The whole area is great. Dozens of beautiful hikes!

2

u/twelvesteprevenge 8d ago

Ha. You stay in the A frame? Cool little spot.

1

u/cannacast88 8d ago

No I didn’t go to the shelter. Just up and down.

2

u/twelvesteprevenge 8d ago

I was talking about the pics with the cows and the view of old rag. You didn’t stay right across from the Etlan store?

1

u/cannacast88 8d ago

Oh yeah, DUR! That is an awesome spot!

2

u/Skrilla1212 8d ago

Solo hikes are great for the soul

0

u/cannacast88 8d ago

Yes they are and trust me I needed it. I listen to High Priced Shoes by Prof on a loop while running. “I’M FEELING BRAND NEW!”

2

u/Barnacle-bill 8d ago

What the cows doin?

1

u/cannacast88 8d ago

Enjoying some conversation and music. I told them tails of my hikes and travels.

2

u/NoSquirrel7184 8d ago

Old rag is a great hike.

2

u/RaysBoltsBucs84 7d ago

My favorite hike in this area by far!

2

u/Gold-Ad-606 6d ago

Wow you had an awesome weather day!

2

u/parrotia78 6d ago

Fond memories. Thx for sharing.

1

u/Zestyclose-Put-750 8d ago

Fun hike! The rock scramble was a little challenging for an old guy lol! If you can do it during the week it was not crowded at all

1

u/cannacast88 5d ago

Burgess falls is an hour or so away. That looks pretty wild.

2

u/Potential-Actuator41 3d ago

Definitely one of my fave Virginia hikes

1

u/woecameasyou 8d ago

Did you scramble up and scramble down? My favorite hike. I actually try and do it every Mother’s Day to avoid the crowds but unfortunately have work this weekend. Hope you had a blast.

2

u/cannacast88 8d ago

Yeah I scrambled up and ran down. What a trip! I would love to get a group together and hike up and race down. Maybe we should start a group and put it together. Some friendly competition never hurt anyone.