A new hiking guide to Old Rag Mountain, published by the SNPA, with keys points of interest and geological features. Paul Hackley gives the reader insights to the many other natural features along the trail including flowers, trees, and spectacular scenic vistas. Order the guide here.
The Old Rag Mountain hike in the Shenandoah National Park is one of the most popular hikes in the mid-Atlantic region. With many spectacular panoramic views, and one of the most challenging rock scrambles in the park, this circuit hike is favorite of many hikers. But be prepared for the crowds. This is the only hike we give a star rating for solitude.
On the other hand, it's the only hike we give a star rating to for views. Many hikers also prefer to do this loop counterclockwise, thereby tackling the rock scramble on the Ridge Trail on the downhill. Either way, the rock scramble can be challenging, being both steep, and requiring climbing through cracks in the rock. The best bet to enjoy this great hike is to be at the trail head by 7 a.m. before all the crowds arrive.
From the upper Old Rag parking area turn left uphill on the blue blazed Ridge Trail next to the closed gate. (If you parked in the 200 car overflow lot on SR600/Nethers Rd. walk 0.5 miles up SR600 where it veers left and in another 0.4 miles ends at the Old Rag parking area). The trail will gradually increase in grade and make nine switch backs before reaching the first of many view points in 1.9 miles. From the first vista point to the west, the Ridge Trail will become more rocky before reaching the main easterly vista on the ridge in another 0.2 miles.
NOTE: From this point to the summit in 0.9 miles, the trail becomes a rock scramble with narrow passages, and several spots requiring hand over hand climbing.
From the easterly vista on the ridge start up the rock scramble, with the first obstacle a 12ft deep small crack in the rock. Climb to the bottom and follow it out to the left. Continue following the blue blazes passing around to the easterly side of the ridge and through another crack where the trail meets a small cliff. From here, the trail will become increasingly steep going through a small cave, before reaching the minor summit where the trail turns left. Be careful to follow the blue blazes, as there are several false trails that lead to overlooks.
After passing around the minor northerly summit, the trail becomes less steep, but still requires rock-hopping for most of the remaining 0.3 miles to the true summit, where there are several points with 360° views.
Continue south along the Ridge Trail now descending for 0.3 miles to the junction of the Saddle Trail and Byrd's Nest Shelter. Turn right descending on the blue blazed Saddle Trail, then in 0.6 miles pass the Old Rag Shelter. Both shelters are available for day use only. From the Old Rag Shelter the trail widens and follows a forestry road for the 0.4 miles to the intersection of the Berry Hollow Fire road (left), Old Rag Fire Road (straight), and Weakley Hollow Fire Road (right).
Turn right downhill on the yellow blazed Weakley Hollow Fire Road. In 1.2 miles pass the Robertson Mountain Trail, and in another 200 yards the Corbin Hollow Trail. Continue along the Weakley Hollow Fire Road the remaining 0.8 miles back to the upper parking area.
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Reviews For The Old Rag Mountain Hike (5 Most Recent)
This was an incredible trail becoming very challenging but also very fun. The temperature on Friday was 80 degrees and sunny. The first part of the ascent was normal trail with some incredible boulders along the way, but was tiring due to the constant uphill climb. After reaching the rock scramble the hike became an adrenaline rush. There are some great view areas to stop for break and a bite to eat. The rock scramble became challenging but everyone in our party including our wives who have hardly ever hiked handled it well. Reaching the summit was incredible and a view I will never forget. As we were sitting on the top taking a break two dogs appeared. We thought they were lost and wondered how they got to the top of the mountain but I read their tags and they were from a home near the Old Rag parking lot. They must come up the trail counterclockwise and take advantage of the hikers food who think they are lost. I was one to give some snacks. This was an amazing trip and one I will never forget. I highly recommend this adventure.
By:
Rating:
Date of Hike: Sunday, April 06, 2008
Hiked Old Rag twice in one week. Sunday, April 6 nine of us started @ 6:30am in the rain and it pretty much rained the entire time. We were a bit concerned about scrambling the rock but there was not a problem. I drank 9 oz of water.
Friday, April 11 four of us hiked. The weather was much warmer and there was no wind. It didn't occur to me to bring sunscreen a big mistake; burned pretty bad. Had 45oz of water and ran out @ the top.
Both times we made the loup in 4 hours. It was more difficult climbing as I have asthma and need to stop & open up my lungs, but once on the rocks and then returning it was not a problem.
Stop in Sperryville afterwards. Both Thorton River Grill and Ray's have fantastic food. Check their website for hours so you aren't disappointed.
Both hikes were thru meetup.com
By:
Stephanie and Jonathan
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Date of Hike: Saturday, April 05, 2008
This hike was great! I didn't know how difficult the rocks at the top were, and it was a challenging surprise! My boyfriend and I had an amazing time on this hike, especially since it was so beautiful. One thing is that no dogs are allowed, I didn't remember reading that on this site. The trip up was pretty packed with people, but it was nice because a lot of them had done the hike before and they were able to guide us through some tough spots. We took the back trail down and that had no people on it. All around it was a great day!
By:
Michelle, Brian, Isaac
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Date of Hike: Monday, March 03, 2008
Spring break, beautiful, 70+ day. Got to the upper parking lot around 11am and there were still a few parking spaces left. Ascended quickly, becoming slightly fatigued as the elevation and grade rose. Ground was quite muddy/sloppy in a few places, including a few rare spots of ice sheet that had not yet melted. No bears. There were a few tough spots on the rock scramble, including tight squeezes and large gaps.
Had long underwear under mesh pants, and tank top under long-sleeved shirt. All of the above plus a knit hat was necessary at the summit where the wind was going full force. Otherwise the long underwear and tank top were fine for the rest of the sweaty hike.
Climbed to the top in about 3.5 hours including breaks (maybe about 2.5 hours of traveling time), then took another 1.5 to come down, arriving at the parking lot by 4pm.
I did the hike in trailwalking shoes and my toes felt a little tender from all the downhill. Relatively good grip on the uphill/rock scramble except for a few slippery spots where I had to get a little help from my two hiking buddies (i'm 5'4" and my limbs were just a little short...).
This is a strenuous but not difficult trail. If you go slowly (as we did not) it should not be particularly difficult if you are in a group.
By:
Larry
Rating:
Date of Hike: Sunday, March 02, 2008
After looking at the mountain for 20+ years, I finally decided to give it a try. On our first attempt about three weeks ago, we were turned around because the trail was impassable, to us, because of ice. We had made it to within about 1/2 mile of the top. Starting in Berry Hollow, we spent a lot of time looking for, and finding, the history of those that used to live there. With the temp around 20, mud was no problem. Once we made it to the top, we fully understood what Old Rag was all about. The amazing rock formations and spetacular views mean we will return. Calm winds allowed for the photos I had hoped for. Being able to see the area we lived at was pretty neat. Coming down, we saw something I had never read, or heard, anyone talk about. We were able to locate two of the falls in White Oak Canyon. It had also warmed up to the point that there were some pretty slick muddy spots on the trail.
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