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've wanted to hike Old Rag for a long time (lived in DC for 20 years and never done it) and declared that it's how I would celebrate my 45th birthday. My husband and I are of moderate fitness level (mostly weekend warriors) and really enjoyed the hike. The scrambles were fun (there were two challenging sections but fellow hikers were very patient as we plotted our course). We saw a bear in the cornfield as we were parking and a cub ran past us on the Weakley Hollow Fire Road.
By:
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Date of Hike: Monday, August 18, 2008
This is the first time I have hiked this mountain in over 15 years. But the difference this time is: I have one less foot and I took my 8 year old daughter for her first mountain hiking experience. All of the spectacular views I can remember as a child I now have with my daughter. Another great part of this story is that my dad also climbed with us at 73 years old. So, anyone scared of this mountain should not be because if a senior, a crippled dude and an 8 year old girl can do this hike, anyone can do it. It is challenging, especially with one leg, but I did it and plan on taking my other daughter next summer.
Absolutely awesome. One of the best father-son outings I've had with my 11 year old. Gorgeous views. Saw some deer on the ascent and a black bear approx a mile from the end on Weakley Hollow FR. Can't wait to do it again (just have to wait for the blisters to heal!!)
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Amy
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Date of Hike: Saturday, July 26, 2008
A friend and I played hooky from work and started up around 3:00 on a Friday. We were able to park at the top lot with no problem, a bonus from the usual weekend hikes we do. It was probably in the mid 80s temperature-wise when we started, and we kept a pretty fast pace up to the scramble, so we were pretty drenched. The last time we hiked this we had some snow, making the rocks slippery, and it was much easier to get over some of the tougher parts of the scramble We were treated to some beautiful vistas at the top, but unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your level of adventure) we did not run into the bears that other hikers seem to have seen lately. It took us an hour to get to the scramble, and then another 40 minutes to summit, so we were going at a pretty fast clip. We passed a couple of other hikers on the way up, but coming out on a weekday was definitely better than the usual weekend traffic. So, if you can take the day off to do this amazing and challenging hike, do it!
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Anonymous
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Date of Hike: Friday, July 18, 2008
A great hike, that offers rock scrambles for a family hike that are second to none. Great scenic vistas on the rock scrambles and summit. Also there are many great places to eat lunch while feeling a nice cool breeze and admiring the views. Saw two different sow black bears each with 2 cubs today. The first set was less than a quarter mile from the start of the rock scramble, and the second set was approximately a quarter mile from the summit. Overall a great hike for almost all ages.
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