**This event is not for novice climbers**
From Mountain Project: Old Rag is the traditional climbing crown of Virginia. For those willing to brave the somewhat lengthy approach with a full rack and rope, gorgeous single pitch, Joshua Tree-esque granite awaits you. Classic splitters, corners and faces on very old and bomber rock define this area. Choose wisely, because an injury here requiring a rescue is quite an involved and arduous procedure.
Bring food and water for the day. The hike in is ~3 miles and 1,800-foot of vertical gain, with some scrambling. We will be climbing at the Reflector Oven (link to climbs). This crag is home to arguably the “best” climb in Virginia–“Strawberry Fields”–and several other moderate (and harder climbs), beginning at 5.6. The climbing is mainly on cracks and solid granite with lots of friction. The climbs are very well protected and anchors are established at the top of the climbs.
We will meet at the Centreville Park and Ride at 7:00am to carpool to Old Rag. There is an entrance fee of $30 per person to get into the park, unless you have a qualifying pass (e.g., Annual “America the Beautiful” Pass). This trip is application only and will be capped at 8 climbers. You can fill out the application here.
Please note that this is not a guided event and none of our trip leaders are professional guides. You will be climbing on ropes set up by members of the club who are hobby climbers and not professionals. Climbing is an inherently dangerous sport and you do so at your own risk. You are responsible for yourself and your own safety at all times.
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November 2, 2024
7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Admission
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"Old Rag Climbing (Reflector Oven)" is currently sold out.
Please check back again later, as spots may become available.
Venue: Old Rag
Venue Phone: (540) 999-3500
Venue Website: https://www.nps.gov/shen/index.htm
Address:
Description:
Old Rag is a granite mountain in the Shenandoah National Park offering good hiking and challenging trad climbing on a number of mostly one pitch cliffs. Although there are many bolted and mixed routes on Old Rag, they are not sport climbs. There is a recently published (November 2023) climbing guide available from Sharp End Publishing.
Old Rag is located several hours drive south west of Washington DC near Sperryville VA. There are two main points of access, with parking at the NPS Ranger Station on the north side of Old Rag and at Berry Hollow on the southwest side.
Visiting Old Rag requires a limited availability day pass – purchased in advance – from March 1 – November 30. This is in addition to paying the entry fee or possessing one of several NPS park passes. Details re obtaining the day pass are here.