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)
The NPS has posted signs on Old Rag starting in mid-April 2010 the upper parking lot will be closed to the public. Once the upper lot is closed all hikers will need to park at the lot near the Old Rag Contact station.
By:
HikewithJesus.com
Rating:
Date of Hike: Saturday, January 30, 2010
I've hiked this trail 8-9 times already. Make sure you have ice traction devices for your boots. We hiked it in the snow storm and it was quite a challenge! We also used hiking poles, it only took us 5hr 45 min from start to finish!
We went up and down the fire road side. It is a good idea to leave your pack at the Bird's Nest shelter before heading to the summit to save weight.
By:
L&J
Rating:
Date of Hike: Friday, January 15, 2010
This was my first real hike. We chose Old Rag for the view and it was well worth it! We started at the lower lot and took the trail backwards, taking the fire rd first. There was a considerable amount of snow and ice on the upper part of the trail. Since we started in the opposite direction of most, we ended up descending the rock scramble which made it a little tricky to begin with but the fact that it was very slippery from the snow and ice made it especially hard for me. Some parts were quite treacherous but we made it down to the other side and it was very exciting. Make sure you wear proper hiking shoes as I did not and my feet were soaking wet for more than half the hike. I also had a hiking stick which made things easier when approaching deep snow. All in all, we saw some amazing views that words can't even describe, which to me, made it completely worth it in the end!
By:
Sam w/o Thunder
Rating:
Date of Hike: Sunday, January 10, 2010
I hiked up from the end of 600, I think its called Berry Hollow. Still ice and snow, so I used some short spikes most of the way. There wasn't much wind and I think the cold temperature kept the crowds away. I saw about a dozen people during my 6 hour loop. Great views and a really fun hike.
By:
Rating:
Date of Hike: Friday, January 01, 2010
HAVE FUN BUT BE SAFE
I saw many folks doing the hike without any mciro ice traction assistence on their feet. So at least this weekend it can be done in just regular footware.
There is lots of bare rock and the ice and snow is very thin so crampons would be a hinderance. YakTrax, microspikes, stabilizers are perfect. Having the right equipment will mean that your hike will be far more pleasurable, faster and safer.
The snow was well beaten down so there was no need to break trail or worry about post holing. Most of the trail snow had the consistency of a snow cone but some had already melted and refrozen into ice.
Many parts of the fire roads could still be skied but the snow is very icy. There was probably a window of several days after the big snow when the skiing on the fire roads was wonderful.
Keep in mind this is backcountry. If someone slips and becomes non-ambulatory (injuries happen here even in the summer) you are looking at MANY! hours until first responders arrive. Your group should be prepared to self-rescue or keep a non-ambulatory victim warm for 6 to 12 hours even during clear weather. Expect this timeframe to extend for more than a day in the middle of an intense snow or ice storm. Some cell phones work high on the mountain but none work low on the mountain. There is an emergency phone on the Old Rag fee station. If you are solo on the mountain make sure their is someone that knows to call for help if you do not return when you should.
I do a lot of patrols on Old Rag for the PATC Trail Patrol or the Old Rag Mountain Stewards and I post a blog entry for each of my patrols. The blog is located at: http://oldragpatrolsbyrsl-blook.blogspot.com/ . Since I use it as an extension of my public outreach activities for my volunteer activities with (NPS, ORMS, PATC TP) it is a little preachy. It contains lots of pictures and lots of information and links about all kinds of Old Rag, hiking, and climbing things.
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