Spring Equinox Pilgrimage

Description

Sunrise on Old Rag

Join a small group for a silent predawn journey to the summit of Old Rag as we welcome the spring equinox—the turning point when winter gives way to spring and day and night return to balance.

• We will approach Old Rag from Berry Hollow, beginning our ascent beneath the night sky.
• After a brief orientation, we will enter silence and remain together as we climb.
• Each participant will receive a seasonal invitation for reflection to carry during the journey.
• We will reach the summit before dawn, with time to find a quiet place of your own, sit with the landscape, and journal or simply observe as darkness begins to recede.
• Shortly before sunrise, we will gather again for tea in the twilight.
• Then, together and in silence, we will watch the first sunrise of spring.
• The Journey

Distance: Approximately 5.4 miles round trip
Elevation gain: Approximately 1,760 feet
Route: Berry Hollow to Old Rag Summit and return
Group size: 8 (max)
Experience: Predawn hiking, silence, personal reflection, journaling, forest bathing, tea, and sunrise

This route avoids Old Rag’s well-known rock scramble, but it remains a strenuous mountain hike. Participants should be comfortable hiking several miles with significant elevation gain and traveling over mountain terrain in darkness.

Headlamps and appropriate hiking clothing and footwear will be required. A detailed packing list, meeting time, weather policy, and other trip information will be provided to registered participants.

Before the Pilgrimage

Participants will be invited to a casual pre-trip gathering in Northern Virginia before the event. This gives us an opportunity to meet one another, talk through the journey and equipment, answer questions, and begin forming the small community with whom we will share the mountain.

We will also coordinate optional carpools for the early-morning trip to Shenandoah National Park.

Space will be limited.

This experience is planned for March 20, 2027. Final details and registration are subject to National Park Service authorization and conditions.