Hiking

Old Rag Mountain

The most famous rock scramble in the East, over granite boulders to a summit with 360-degree views.

Virginia
15.3 km
2 min read

Photo: Acroterion · CC BY-SA 4.0

Distance: 15.3 km · 9.5 mi
Elevation gain: +736 m · 2,415 ft
Difficulty: Very strenuous
Time needed: 6–8 hours round trip
Route type: Loop
Permit: Required
Best season: April–June and September–November

Old Rag hike guide in Shenandoah: the day-use ticket, the Ridge Trail, the rock scramble, the summit, the Saddle Trail loop, distance, time, safety and the best season.

Overview

This granite peak on the eastern edge of Shenandoah National Park is the most popular hard hike in the region. The loop of about 15 kilometers climbs the Ridge Trail to a section of more than a kilometer where the trail becomes a rock scramble, squeezing through cracks, climbing over boulders and using your hands at almost every step.

From the summit, at about 1,000 meters, the view takes in the Blue Ridge and the Virginia Piedmont in every direction. The way down follows the gentler Saddle Trail and a fire road through Weakley Hollow back to the parking area.

From March to November, every hiker needs a day-use ticket booked in advance, on top of the park entrance fee. The scramble is slow when crowded, so start early, and avoid it in rain, ice or strong wind.

Old Rag: stops along the way

1

Old Rag parking area

The trailhead parking area, outside the main park, near the village of Nethers.
2

Ridge Trail

A steady climb through the forest, with views opening as you gain height.
3

The rock scramble

Over a kilometer of granite boulders, crevices and short climbs that need both hands.
4

Old Rag summit

Bare granite at about 1,000 meters with a full panorama over the Blue Ridge.
5

Saddle Trail and Weakley Hollow

The easier way down through the forest, ending on a fire road back to the car.