Old Rag (VA) climbing this fall/winter

Hi, I'm pretty interested in the trad climbing at Old Rag, and I don't mind the big approach if the granite cracks are as good as the pictures. Strawberry Fields looks pretty nice for instance. I don't have a specific date in mind, just looking to connect with any other mtnproj folks who are in the area and like making the trek out to Old Rag... and perhaps who also have some general familiarity like knowing which areas might have better sun in the cold months or if it stays wet after it rains, and how the rating compares to other granite crags like LCC, Cor, JTree. If that's you, send me a message :-) I live close to DC and have most weekends free esp if the weather is decent. 

Hi Lindsay, I’m also looking for some more VA/WV climbing. I also live just a little south of DC, happy to link up for a few pitches one of these weekends! DM me if interested.

- Hunter

ill be out there sooner or later and in need of a partner. probably closer to December. FYI East face upper Broadway at Seneca rocks also stays surprisingly warm even in colder weather. 

The Reflector Oven area will be your best bet for balmy temps in the winter.  It faces SE.  Probably the coldest will be the north/northwest-facing areas- Summit area, Skyline/PATC wall, etc.  All the areas that are easier and quicker to get to, in other words.  

Reflector Oven, God's area, and Wall that Dreams are Made of (Bushwhack area) will be the most conducive to sun and wind shelter.

If I was planning a fall trip there, and wanted to stay in sunny areas that have the highest rated routes, I'd do the following:

• Buy a pass and make sure you have it in your car with you.  
• Start super early- like hitting the parking at Berry Hollow (this is the best approach, it's the shortest and has the least amount of elevation gain and scrambling- can save you some energy for climbing) at roughly 6am, and hike up to the summit and take a quick break.  
• From there, it's literally all downhill all the way to Bushwhack Crack.  I'd pass the other areas, start there, and then make my way back up to God's area, then to the Reflector Oven.  If you're still not satisfied and worn out by then, hit Sunset on your way out.  Three people makes this easier.  Two to split the rack and one to carry the rope.  

It is a ton of walking, but if you don't have bad knees and you're a decent hiker, it's really enjoyable and the few continuous cracks that are up there are on par with J-Tree style 4 star granite cracks.  Worth venturing up there once or twice.

I'm in RVA and have been hoping to take a trip out there soon!  I've got lots of trad experience and a solid rack.  I'm also funemplyed at the moment, so I can go pretty much anytime after the 21st!

Just hit me up if you're (or anyone else!) iterested, I'm pretty good about responding to DMs.

I’ll throw my hat into the ring on this one as well.  Never climbed at Old Rag but down for a day of crack climbing there, midweek or weekend in Nov.  If anyone’s interested shoot me a text nine17842956 zero 

I'm starting to get into trad and I'm interested in going to old rag. Been climbing outdoor sport for about 4 years

Hi Lindsey (and everyone). I am interested, have weekday availability, and have gear. 570-721-0535 

any of you guys wanna it the upper broadway of seneca on friday? potentially old rag next weekend. Most likely Just got covid nevermind

Anyone up for Old Rag this Thursday?  Looks like great weather 

Always game for mid week climbing. I'm in RVA as well and available wednesday-Saturday with Thursdays being the best day

Checking last minute if anyone is interested in hitting Old Rag tomorrow Friday the 17th?  

Who's down to go during the lull between Thanksgiving and Christmas? My schedule is pretty open!  I've got all the shared gear we'd need, but wouldn't say no to using someone else's full length rope as mine is getting pretty ratty and I'm buying a new one after the holidays.