Old Rag - The Best of the Best

Old Rag is my favorite hike in the Shenandoah valley.  Its got everything....great elevation gain, on a great trail, followed by about a mile of awesome rock scrambling to the peak, and an awesome easily trot-able trail down the back side!

I do get bummed out that this trail, to me, is the best of the best here on the East Coast, the trail is often super packed with people, and the two-plus hour drive doesn't win it any points......BITTER PARTY OF ONE......But I'm trying to stay focused on the positives -- at least I have access, and now have a schedule that allows me to get out more often.....(just had to vent, because sometimes venting makes a person feel a little better!).

Andrew had never done this one before, and he certainly had a great time!! Bummer for us when we reached the top, the clouds rolled in, so we didn't get the fabulous views of the Shenandoah Valley below.  Regardless it was an amazing day, and I was super excited to busting out the Houdini!!! Fall is in the air -- enjoy everyone!!

Stephens Trail, Kennedy Peak -- There is more than just the Shenandoah's!

I've always been pretty good at inviting myself along....and when I heard Bennett and Matt were getting out that is exactly what I did!  Today we headed just east of the Shenandoah's to the Massanutten Mountains. Beautiful views of the  Shennandoah's from the top...The river looks like an awesome float...I just need to get a pack-raft!

Matt was a great sport and very patient with all of my photo taking  He also pulled off the jump-shot on his first go!  The loop was just over nine miles, with a long ascent, a long ridge at the top (with great views on both sides), and a short downhill. 


Below, Bennett strikes a pose at the top!!  The peak is just a short side trip off the main trail.  Thanks for the great day!!  Looking forward to getting out again!!

Mount Marshall - Shenandoah National Park

As per usual, I've been super itchy to get out!  And with having such a warm winter its been a perfect time to hit the trails!  Bennett had the day off and was game, so off we went! From Washington, DC, it is about an hour and fifteen minute drive to Front Royal, Virginia which is located at the entrance to Shenandoah National Park.  There is a small parking lot at milepost 15.9 on Skyline Drive....pretty easy to find.

Within the first 10 minutes of the hike we ran into this huge doe!  As we got closer she ran into the woods, but we could see she was not alone.

The temps were in the low thirty's and the sun was shining....Perfect weather for a day out.  This hike was a loop in which you hit two summits, North & South Marshall.  Once you reach the top of North Marshall you walk along a ridge with amazing views of the valley below.  There are also great camping spots along the way if you were looking to do an overnight!  You might want to bring bear spray as we did see some bear scat....It wasn't steaming, so I think we were in the clear!

I love these shots....Bennett during the day, and Bennett at night!  I need to work on my math skills, as I underestimated the length of the hike by about a mile.  We made it back to the car before we needed headlamps, but it was getting close!

See below for more route data!  Thanks again Bennett for coming along (and for going back for the guidebook!!).  Hope to do it again soon!