shenandoah trip plans hit a snag—need hike ideas

We landed in DC with our hiking boots laced up and high hopes for a week of adventure. There are four of us, all in our 50s and 60s, and we’ve been planning this trip for months—Shenandoah, New River Gorge, and then Smoky Mountain National Park. The main thing we were looking forward to was the Old Rag hike. We even practiced some scrambling at home just to be ready. But now, we just found out the Old Rag hike is cancelled. I have to admit, we’re pretty disappointed. It’s like finally getting to the front of the line at your favorite bakery, only to find out they’re out of your favorite pastry! We’re not ready to give up on Shenandoah, though. The weather’s not great, and some trails are closed, but we still want something challenging—ideally a hike with some scrambling, not just a flat walk in the woods. We don’t mind a bit of mud or a few obstacles; that’s half the fun at our age! Has anyone found a good alternative hike nearby that still gives you that sense of adventure? I’d love to hear about any hidden gems or backup plans that worked for you when things didn’t go as planned. It feels like every time we try to get out and do something exciting, Mother Nature throws us a curveball! #Shenandoah #Hiking #TravelPlans #Travel