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 a 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.
Byrd's Nest Area Scrambling: For some additional rock scrambling, consider a side trip near the Byrd's Nest Shelter to see the Balance Rock that you can see from Old Rag and the Saddle Trail. About 20 yards from the shelter is a series of rocks worth climbing and to get a bearing (about 300 degrees with our compass pegged on North) to the Balance Rock, about 0.2 miles away. This will involve some bushwhacking, follow a visible path for about 50 yards or so beyond the first set of rocks and it will bear to the right near a campsite and take you below a cliff and the Balance Rock will be visible to the North West, mostly bushwhacking from this point to the Rock. We did not see an easy way to climb Balance Rock but with a little bit of effort we were able to get on the rock just below it for some great views. The coordinates for Balance Rock: N38.5505 W78.3236, the coordinates for the Byrd's Nest Shelter: N38.5501 W78.3211
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Reviews For The Old Rag Mountain Hike (5 Most Recent)
As everyone said, terrific hike. I did this hike once before when it was in the high 90's and swarming with people. The second time was a very different experience. We started around 1:00 AM going up the steep trail, headlamps off. We got to the rocks, decided they were in good enough condition to cross at night, and got to the summit around 4:40 AM taking our time to stop and smell the roses/sit and look at the gorgeous night sky and lights from the valley. It was in the mid 20's and EXTREMELY windy, but worth it to watch the valley go from pitch black and cloudy to full daylight (6:30 AM - 7:30 AM). We came down by way of the fire road and left around 10:30. We saw no one the entire time.
It is possible to safely do this hike at night if you are already comfortable hiking on gentler trails in the dark, and you feel you are fit enough to climb over 2000 feet and scramble over rocks and still have plenty of energy to get down safely. We brought along a couple winter sleeping bags, which were bulky but would have proved invaluable in an emergency. Watch for ice, spotty cell phone reception if any at all, and maneuvers that will have your head 10 feet off the ground without much beneath you. Watch out for how you are climbing up rocks, as it's easy to put your arms in a position that would dislocate your shoulder if you were to suddenly slip. You don't need upper body strength like the SNP website is so fond of saying, just a strong butt, strong knees, and good shoes.
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Date of Hike: Monday, January 02, 2012
I have hiked this route 4 times (3 since October) The last two were hikes to catch sunrise from Old Rag. Party of two, we hiked the fire road from the lwoer parking lot Sunday evening and camped near the Old Rag Fire road- about an hour hiking. From the campsite to the summit took around an hour and five to an hour and ten minutes (with full packs).
We reached the summit around 7:10- plenty of time to take the packs off, eat a snack and snap some pictures before sunrise. Got some awesome sunrise pictures. Absolutely beautiful. Temp's were in the 20's, and our Camelback hoses started to freeze. Overall we were quite surprised how dry it was considering the rain Sunday, but there were patches of ice (scattered and avoidable on the trail). There were also some light snow flurries. The hike down the ridge trail took two hours and we encountered around 20 people to the lower parking lot. We did run into two couples with dogs.
FOLKS: Please remember to leave your dogs at home for this hike. Dogs are not allowed. I don't care if you pickup after them, they are well behaved, or they once saved a drowning child. THEY ARE NOT WELCOME. You breaking the rules does no good for the hikers that follow them.
This was my first hike where we saw no one at the summit.
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Date of Hike: Saturday, December 31, 2011
My kids and I have done the Old Rag circuit hike for the past 6 years on New Years Eve day and it is always a lot of fun and a challenge, of course. The weather was great, around 52 at the trail head, but cooler and windy at the summit. It was a very clear day and the views and distance were spectacular. There were a fair number of hikers, but not too crowded. Can't wait to go back.
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Sarae Ang
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Date of Hike: Thursday, December 29, 2011
Absolutely great hike, brought two friends which was there first (I wouldnt suggest this to anyone) but they kept on chuggin. This time of year there are ALOT of slick spots at the rock crawl, be extremely caution. I must agree, if not experienced, I would not suggest a solo run. Worst problem we had was due to us starting so late, we decided to take the fire walk to decrease any injury trying to do the hike in reverse at dusk. Luckily we brought two flashlights and made our way through. From this experience I know for a fact that I would not dare do this hike in the summer b/c it has to be wayyyyy to crowded. You can really tell where places would get funelled fast. But honestly an absolutely great hike, and a gorgeous view. A must hike atleast once.
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Date of Hike: Monday, December 26, 2011
A homecoming of sorts. My grandparents were born and raised in nearby Nicholson Hollow and relocated to make way for the SNP (thats another story). Have been on the Nicholson Hollow Trail before but this was my first on Old Rag . Had the pleasure this time of making the trek with two of my sons. The rock scramble was great but kind of slick from use and a bit icy and definitely lives up to the 'strenuous' label. At age 55 (and not in the best of shape) the scramble is doable as long as you take your time and have a hiking partner or two. Would not recommend hiking the rocks alone. We started early (7:30 am) and were passed by only a few other hikers. Weather was clear, but cold, and very windy at the summit. Great, great views at the top. Had lunch at the 'Byrds Nest', and returned to the parking area via the fire road. Definitely worth the effort and can now take this one off my 'bucket' list. Used 4L of water. Note: coming down the trail was harder on my knees and ankles than going up and the use of a hiking stick on the scramble is more of a hinderance than help. Happy Trails to you.
Before and after pictures of 'The Staircase' section on the Ridge Trail of Old Rag. The 2 black and white photos were taken in 1968 prior to the boulder falling and partially blocking the route in the early 1970's, and as it appears today.
1968 Photos courtesy of Henri Weems
Mid
October
Late December
Mid April (photos courtesy of Jake)
Video - Beginning Of The Rock Scramble Ridge Trail - Early October
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