Story:
This hike was by far the most beautiful hike I have the chance the take yet. Combination of a great weather, exciting scrambling to get to the top of Old Rag Mountain, fantastic views from the top made for a perfect morning. The subsequent descent of Old Rag and travel to the White Oak Canyon trail-head through Berry Hollow and SR 600 were relaxing but also anticlimactic. The climb of White Oak Canyon Trail was outstanding. For about three miles, the trail follows the Negro Run, a stream with countless waterfalls, which provided us with equally countless Kodak moments. Thanks to the stream we had no problem remaining hydrated (bring your water purification system though). Slightly past the half-way point on White Oak Canyon trail, we crossed the Negro Run to pick up the more gentle Horse Trail. This allowed us to connect to Draper Run Trail near the Skyline Drive. Draper Run took us back down to Route 600. The return to Old Rag parking lot required us to retrace our steps on SR 600 and Berry Hollow Rd, unfortunately up this time. Upon reaching the bottom of the Old Rag Mountain trail, you start the 3.5 mile descent toward the parking lot. Note that the parking lot close to Old Rag trail head is permanently closed (since April 15, 2010). After 10 hr 45 and slightly over 23 miles we reached the parking lot, tired but extremely satisfied. This hike would actually have been a little shorter (by 2 miles) had I not made the mistake to start the White Oak Canyon trail a second time instead of exiting on to SR 600!
So, pick a day with clear skies for the views, avoid week-ends if you like relative privacy and enjoy the best the Shenandoah National Park has to offer and you will not regret it!
This hike was by far the most beautiful hike I have the chance the take yet. Combination of a great weather, exciting scrambling to get to the top of Old Rag Mountain, fantastic views from the top made for a perfect morning. The subsequent descent of Old Rag and travel to the White Oak Canyon trail-head through Berry Hollow and SR 600 were relaxing but also anticlimactic. The climb of White Oak Canyon Trail was outstanding. For about three miles, the trail follows the Negro Run, a stream with countless waterfalls, which provided us with equally countless Kodak moments. Thanks to the stream we had no problem remaining hydrated (bring your water purification system though). Slightly past the half-way point on White Oak Canyon trail, we crossed the Negro Run to pick up the more gentle Horse Trail. This allowed us to connect to Draper Run Trail near the Skyline Drive. Draper Run took us back down to Route 600. The return to Old Rag parking lot required us to retrace our steps on SR 600 and Berry Hollow Rd, unfortunately up this time. Upon reaching the bottom of the Old Rag Mountain trail, you start the 3.5 mile descent toward the parking lot. Note that the parking lot close to Old Rag trail head is permanently closed (since April 15, 2010). After 10 hr 45 and slightly over 23 miles we reached the parking lot, tired but extremely satisfied. This hike would actually have been a little shorter (by 2 miles) had I not made the mistake to start the White Oak Canyon trail a second time instead of exiting on to SR 600!
So, pick a day with clear skies for the views, avoid week-ends if you like relative privacy and enjoy the best the Shenandoah National Park has to offer and you will not regret it!
Tips:
Bring sufficient water and make sure you have a water filtering system. Do not forget your camera (so many memorable moments).
Bring sufficient water and make sure you have a water filtering system. Do not forget your camera (so many memorable moments).
Tags:
Old Rag Mountain, White Oak Canyon, Draper Run, Views, water falls
Old Rag Mountain, White Oak Canyon, Draper Run, Views, water falls
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