Old Rag Beginner/Intermediate Rock Climbing

OVERVIEW

If you have ever hiked Old Rag then you know how rocky and spectacular it is, especially with fall colors coming out!! In addition to being one of the most popular hikes in Shenandoah National Park, Old Rag has some of the best rock climbing opportunities in the state.

Plan on it being a very active day as we will not only hike a little over 7 miles, but we will also rock climb about halfway through the hike at or near the summit of Old Rag (Reflector Oven, PATC Wall…). Given the scope of the day, we need to get a relatively early start, namely leaving Grounds at 7am. Don’t worry you can sleep on the hour or so car ride.

The climbing at Old Rag is predominately stellar trad and tope roping. The rock itself is a meta-granite that was formed during the Grenville Orogeny over a billion years ago. It can be sharp so I would recommend bring climbing or medical tape to tape up your hands before you climb. I would like it if everyone who came on the trip knew the very basics of climbing (tope rope belaying, tying into the rope, etc), but I am more than happy to teach you.

What you need to bring:
-Climbing or medical tape
-Climbing shoes
-Climbing helmet
-Climbing harness
-Clothing suitable for the weather (we are going to be on top of a mountain that is exposed to the wind, also temperature drops with increased elevation)
-Backpack
-Water (at least 2 liters)
-Food
If you do not have any of this gear you should be able to get it from the club’s gear room.