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 lower Old Rag parking area walk 0.5 miles up SR600 where it veers left and in another 0.4 miles ends at the Old Rag closed upper parking area. Turn left uphill on the blue blazed Ridge Trail next to the closed gate. 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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Hiker
Reviews For The Old Rag Mountain Hike (5 Most Recent)
Great hike, but I wanted to send out a little caveat to other people like me - if you're even mildly afraid of heights, this trail is may not be for you. I never had any doubts I was fit enough to complete the circuit (which fortunately turned out to be true!) but the rock scramble is high and open and there are numerous places where you won't have good footing. I thought I knew what to expect, but I didn't at all. There were several places near the summit where I was very, very afraid and had to push myself hard mentally to keep going. I also had a lot of support and encouragement from my fantastic husband. All-in-all though it was fun. My husband, who has no fear of heights, had an absolute blast the whole way.
Not trying to discourage anyone at all here, just wanted to give a heads up so others like me can be prepared. I'm glad I did it and I'm already thinking about doing it again.
By:
Steve
Rating:
Date of Hike: Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Started from Berry Hollow lot at 8:00 a.m., went up and back via Saddle Trail. I expected lots of company, but saw only two other people the entire hike. I was on the top for 45 minutes completely alone. It was a hot and humid day - which maybe explains the lack of hikers. But it was breezy and mild at the top.
By:
Jeff
Rating:
Date of Hike: Tuesday, August 03, 2010
We did the hike a little differently. We parked at the Berry Hollow parking lot, took the Weakley Hollow fire road up to the trail start, then went counter-clockwise. It's a nice route because we got to the bathroom area at Old Rag Shelter fairly quickly, which works well if you drove to the mountain. The trip to the top took not much more than an hour. Sat on top for awhile, enjoyed the view, then did the rock scramble "backwards." Fun way to do it. The only issue is the walk back up the Weakley Hollow fire road once you reach the upper (closed) parking area at the base of the trail. That part of the hike is 2.5 miles, all uphill. (If you do the hike clockwise, you take the fire road downhill the entire time, obviously.) Once you reach the trail start at the summit of the fire road, you walk downhill for about a mile to the parking lot. Positives: Easy to park at Berry Hollow, nice quick run to the top. Negatives: Long walk up the fire road. But fun - if you want something different, try it.
By:
Button
Rating:
Date of Hike: Sunday, August 01, 2010
Nice hike, but of course...too many people. I've done this hike twice. My only complaint is that the rest of the trail (other than the rocks) is actually pretty boring. There's really not much to see.
By:
Marshell Chandler
Rating:
Date of Hike: Saturday, July 31, 2010
I hiked this trail for the first time last fall, a week before the peak of the fall. I was not prepared for the difficulty. I had brought only 1 bottle of water, no energy bars and didn't prepare physically. Still, I made it and was amazed by the beauty of this mountain. Knowing that I'd be back, I had to bring my wife. This time, more prepared, it was a much more enjoyable hike. This is my wife Kim's first hike in the Shenandoah. She absolutely loved it. And we'll definitely be back. I made a 'Group' on Facebook to show many pictures of this hike. Search 'Old Rag Trail Hike, Shenandoah Mountains' in the groups section.
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