The Beauty of Old Rag In the Fall

Yesterday, I took my annual Fall hike up Old Rag Mountain near Sperryville, Virginia. I hike Old Rag a couple times a year and it is always spectacular. This is one of the most challenging hikes in Virginia but it is worth the effort of the long climb up to the summit. The best time is in the fall when the forest looks like a Monet painting. It takes a full day to get to the trail and take the long trail up the mountain, over the rock scramble, and down through the forest floor. However, as tired as your legs will be, it is truly rejuvenating for the tired urban soul. Having just hiked the Wasatch Mountain in Utah (yes, it is bizarre to be able to climb mountains in Virginia and Utah in roughly the same week), I wanted to tackle Old Rag before it became too cold. Yesterday was ideal with temps in the 70s (after starting out in the 30s) and dry conditions.

Going at the break of dawn in mid week cuts down the number of people on the trail dramatically and you can get large stretches alone.

The trees were brilliant today and the whole range had that Indian blanket look. The leaves were falling and the forest was incredibly quiet. I feel like a new man.

Here are a few pictures from the hike: