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)
I hiked this mountain with my 28 year old daughter and her friend, to prove that I could still do this kind of thing with her since turning 60. I could do it but only with a lot of help from her... pushing and pulling me through the rock scrambles. It was a very hard and challenging hike/CLIMB. It took us 6 hours. For a fairly in-shape woman, this was very difficult and I wouldn't do it again. Beware. If you aren't young and in shape, the length and difficulty are not fun. I survived it and enjoyed the sense of accomplishmentand but wanted to accurately describe the challenge. Loved hiking with my daugher.
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Steven
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Date of Hike: Tuesday, June 16, 2009
What a great hike! I hiked in the morning and it was so foggy so I was robbed of the views :( However, I had a great time. The scramble was excellent and a deer literally walked within ten feet of me. I didn't know these Shanandoah deer were so docile. Trail was pretty empty and I only saw four other parties during the hike (It was on a Tues.)
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Date of Hike: Saturday, June 13, 2009
What a rush!!! Jen and I couldn't stop saying "WOW"! The hike was everything that we had read and heard about. The 8+ mile trip tested our endurance and strength. We traveled the loop clockwise with the vertical trail being steep and long. Once we got to the rock scramble, our leg pains went away. The hike was so worth the results. The scramble provided fantastic views and memorable scenery that we will take with us. The hike down the other side seemed long but refreshing. We took the saddle trail down and saw numerous deer with their young. Totally worth the trip from Akron, Ohio
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Bill and Kristina
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Date of Hike: Saturday, June 13, 2009
It was a damp morning, overcast skies, ten of us met at parking lot 2. Team Sentara! Lead by our guide and great fitness trainer, Tom! (Thanks Tom, we all loved every step of the hike, when is the next trip?)
What better way to start off hiking, I'm only hoping that there are other hikes that can equal this. It was fantastic.
The initial slope was a great warm up, The switchback sections were a good cardio workout, but the rock scamble has to be seen to be understood, a good pair of hiking boots are worth every penny, the rocks can be a bit slick from the mud from those who came before you, so traction given from good boots is an advantage, but we had a few in fitness shoes and they made it up fine. After we made it to the top, I was just pumped, I wanted to do it again (after a hot tub and a week off)
On the back side, we came across a doe and fawn, great photo op. with mom allowing her fawn to feed.
One tip for those who want to hike Old Rag, Pack light, only take what you need, a light camera is worth it. That was my last hike lugging my big DSLR. TAKE PICTURES< TAKE PICTURES, TAKE PICTURES.
I drained a 100oz camelback, with a quart of backup to spare, I'm happy that we didnt have full sun, a hot day would have been a little differment.
Total time, with stops for photo ops, lunch, and breaks: 6 Hours, starting and finishing at lot #2. Workout stats: 4200 calories, (pusing 225 lbs up hill is hard work, even at 6'1") Fitness level: very active, Age 45.
We picked up our " I made it to the top of Old Rag" tee-shirts at a place on Rt 211, about 1.6 miles west of Main street (Rt. 522) is Sperryville.
We are looking forward to doing this hike again, in the fall, the colors will be amazing, I'm sure.
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Date of Hike: Monday, June 08, 2009
i have been on the hike a few times before and it never gets "old". when i went i brought a friend that has never really done gone hiking before and she fell in love with it. the scenery and the workout are all worth the hike. if you ever have the chance to go it is highly recomended by a united states marine to go for it.
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