Using all the strength I had left to support my body weight, I wiggled through a gap between two jagged rocks. I let out a sigh of relief and continued onto the next rock obstacle. This one was a little tougher as I had to scale the side of a 10-foot rock and ease myself down. As I plummeted to the ground and stabilized myself, I saw a young couple not too far ahead who appeared frantic. I crept up to see what they are fussing over. They were glaring down a 30-foot drop. One of them had dropped their phone trying to capture a photo. The brand-new iPhone 6s was irretrievable.

This is a rookie mistake that happens to many people while on the Old Rag rock scramble. It is a challenging hike, but the 360-degree view reward is well worth the blood, sweat and tears.

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The hike departs from a crowded grass parking lot. The park ranger will direct you to a paved driveway of some sort. This hike launches from somebody’s backyard. This road leads hikers for about a half mile or so until they reach the trail head. Here you will see an information kiosk and blue trail markers lining the trees. This is where you will embark on your 9-mile adventure through the Shenandoah National Park.

Taking to the Ridge Trail, you will hit almost a dozen switchbacks until you reach the first view. The feeling at this point is so rewarding. One can observe the rolling hills and blue mountains for what seems like miles. The fall foliage paints vivid colors across the valley that only the naked eye can capture. This view did an ample job foreshadowing what the actual summit is like.

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By the third mile of this hike, you will stumble across narrow rock passages, encounter some rock climbing and even scale a twelve foot drop. At this point you have reached the rock scramble that I before described. I hope that I prepare you enough for it that you won’t be dropping that brand new iPhone 30 feet to its demise.

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This part of the hike will make you feel like you’re featured on an episode of American Ninja Warrior. Between scampering through rock caves and balancing in the middle of two boulders, the experience this hike offers is one of a kind. This is why Old Rag is different from other hikes in the Shenandoah Valley and what makes it so beloved by all ages. The rock scramble characterizes this hike. The wide variety of ages I saw at this point was astonishing. Ranging from ages six to 60, everybody wanted a piece of the infamous Old Rag scramble. Everybody goes at their own pace, taking breaks to acknowledge the astonishing obstacle course Mother Nature has presented.

Within the hour, you will hit a less steep trail which leads right to the 360-degree summit. Words can’t even describe this feeling. With about 200,000 protected acres of the Shenandoah National Park painted in front of your eyes, you feel one with nature. The first time I achieved Old Rag, there were heavy black hawks that greeted us on the top of the mountain. They seemed so elegant and harmless. The large birds surveyed the summit circling for what seemed like forever.

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The best part about this view is hands down the spectacular array of colors that speckle tree tops. This is the sole reason I recommend this hike in the fall. Virginia doesn’t experience the longest fall season which is why I enjoy conquering this trail before the leaves fall.

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I could spend hours on the summit. Unfortunately, you are still about 5 miles from where you began. To complete the loop, follow the Saddle Trail down the other side of the mountain. This avoids going down the rock scramble and preserves a ton of energy. This route down the mountain is relaxing and doesn’t need much energy. It is extensive, but if you are in good company the time flies by and you will find yourself back at your car.

After moving to Harrisonburg three years ago, Old Rag became one of my favorite fall activities. It is a scenic hour and a half drive from JMU, through the rolling hills of Luray, buried deep in the Shenandoah Valley. The hike may seem intimidating but this day trip is easy to conquer with a few tips.

• Water and Snacks. Water and Snacks.

  • The first time I attempted this hike I did not bring enough supplies. I had one plastic water bottle and a baggie of almonds. Unfortunately, this hike requires a lot more fuel than that. I recommend bringing two large water bottles. Take into consideration the time of year it is and think about how easy it is to become dehydrated.

  • That small baggie of almonds did not suffice. The second time I did Old Rag I packed a sandwich, apple and trail mix. This was perfect for the length of this trail. The PB&J was satisfying.

• Arrive before Noon.

  • Because this trail is so popular, it attracts folks from all over the region. I’ve met people on the trail from DC, Baltimore, and even Delaware who made this day trip. I recommend getting there early to claim parking. Not only that, but getting a head start on the trail will help you avoid mass amounts of people who are also racing to see the spectacular views.

  • The length of this trail is also a contributor. It only took me about five hours, but for some people it can take upward of seven. You don’t want to be cutting the end of this hike close to dusk.

• Wear Appropriate Clothing.

  • I recommend hiking boots and thick socks. Don’t wear clothing that worries you about ripping or getting dirty. When I was on this trail this past weekend, a woman in her forties tripped and flew into the brush. Her shorts ripped down the back when they got caught on a branch. She felt discouraged because they were her favorite shorts. I don’t recommend wearing clothing you love, because it will get dirty regardless of your experience on previous trails.

• Become Familiar with the conditions

  • As with any hike, know the weather forecast. Rain or high winds would make this challenging trail a lot more difficult. Also, grab a map at the kiosk and check in with the painted blue trail markers on the trees.

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Don't let Old Rag intimidate you. By following those tips, this journey will create endless memories and traditions. Fall is the best time of the year to be exploring this trail. The spectacular foliage offers an array of colors that is only around for a few quick weeks.