Alumni and Cornell in Washington students will climb Old Rag Mountain, near Sperryville, VA, for the 57th time in our semiannual trek into the Blue Ridge. This is one of the Washington area's most popular excursions, and we expect a large turnout (25-40 people) each time we go.
The first 1/3 of the strenuous, 9-mile hike (summit 3268 ft.; elevation gain 2300 ft.) is on an uphill trail through the trees, while the upper part is open and rocky. Bring lunch and water in a day-pack, and be sure to wear a hat and sturdy shoes. The total time needed for climbing, enjoying the view, eating, and descending is about 6 hours. We usually get back to D.C. around 7:00 pm. The Park Service does not allow more hikers after the parking lot is full. Therefore, a prompt 7:45am start from the Cornell Center is needed for this full-day event.
Note: this is a very difficult hike; those who have not hiked a trail like Old Rag's are strongly encouraged to e-mail or call Clint Brass, using the contact information below, if you would like to get more information before RSVPing.
Ed Berkowitz commemoration
In addition, at the beginning of the hike, we will take a moment to celebrate the life of our friend Ed Berkowitz ’56, who passed on in December 2013. Ed was a long-time board member of the Cornell Club of Washington, advisory board member of Cornell Outdoor Education (COE), and veteran participant on our semi-annual Old Rag hike. COE's new director Marc Magnus-Sharpe will be participating in the hike this year and has extended an invitation to COE alums to join in as well.
There will be a special commemoration in Ed's name that includes a whole group photograph to be taken that morning before the hike begins. Honored guest Lois Berkowitz will be joining us in the parking lot to help launch our Spring 2014 hike. We hope you can join us!
Rain Date
In the event of bad weather, our rain date is Saturday, April 26, 2014.
Dress: Sports/Outdoor
Location
Old Rag Mountain
Sperryville,
VA
Transportation/Directions
For those driving from DC, arrive before 7:45am at: Cornell Center 2148 O Street, NW Washington, DC Neighborhood DC Dupont Circle Metro Dupont Circle (Red) Transportation/Directions Cars will be dispatched starting at 7:45am from the Cornell Center or may drive directly to our rendezvous point in Sperryville, arriving absolutely no later than 9:45am.
When RSVPing, please indicate if you can give anyone a ride (if so, how many people), if you need a ride, or if you will meet us there. Directions will be available that morning at the Cornell Center or via e-mail in a PDF file.
Cost/RSVP
Cost: Pricing has changed since past hikes to a flat $15/vehicle National Park Service fee. Bring your portion of the $15 fee, payable on location before we begin. Please bring cash in small bills. Carpoolers should plan to pay a portion of the vehicle fee and contribution toward gas money (variable amount up to around $10).
To attend: RSVP by Wednesday, April 9th, to Clint Brass '90, Please provide your name, email address, a telephone number where you can be reached shortly before the hike (in the event of bad weather), and the number of people coming. Friends and family are welcome. In addition, we try to carpool; please indicate if you can give anyone a ride (if so, how many people), if you need a ride, or if you will meet us there.
Clint Brass
703-216-2035
ctb14@cornell.edu
