Whiteoak Canyon to Old Rag Hike

Spring is one of my favorite times to hike the Blueridge with the fresh green leaves, wild flowers, overflowing waterfalls and interesting weather.  Seeing that the weather might provide some spectacular skies as a back drop, I decided to ditch work and head out to Shenandoah National Park.  I dropped the kids off at school and headed west in a heavy rain.  Since the trail heads for Whiteoak Canyon and the Old Rag Saddle Trail are about .8 miles apart, I decided to try both.

Here is the link to the map for both trail heads:
Whiteoak Canyon/Old Rag Trail Head

I first headed to the Lower Whiteoak Canyon Falls(going all the way to the upper falls would have killed any chance to make it to the Summit of Old Rag) since I would prefer to be at the summit in the evening hours.  The rain had stopped and the sun had come out making for nice midday weather.

Lower Whiteoak Canyon Falls, Midday, 5/4/2011

Showy Orchid, Along the trail to the falls, 5/4/2011

After enjoying the falls I headed back down to the car for the short drive to the Berry Hollow parking area.  I hike up the Berry Hollow Fire Road to where it connects with the Saddle Trail to the Summit of Old Rag.

Pink Ladyslipper Orchid along the fire road

At the Old Rag Shelter you leave the fire road and continue on the Saddle Trail.  The next 1.5 miles is very steep and rocky.  The Saddle Trail to the summit is not as challenging as the Ridge Trail which has a mile long rock scramble over lesser peaks.  When I got to the top it was very windy and much colder.  It was in the mid 50's in the valley and probably in the low 40's on top.  The weather was very nice with deep blue skies and scattered showers.

From the summit looking North

Looking South towards Doubletop Mountain

Sunrays over Hawksbill Mountain

You can see the mile long rock scramble below on the Ridge Trail

I left with just enough time to get to the fire road before dark (1.5 hours down).  The total trip from the falls to the summit was about 8.5 miles, not a difficult task in a day with plenty of time to relax, explore and take some photos.

About halfway down the trail with the last light coming over the mountains.

More photos can be viewed in a slideshow and you can always visit my website to see more.