Old Rag Mountain

Quick Facts

Location:

Etlan, Virginia (Park boundary)

Significance:

Rewarding hiking, rock scrambles, views

Amenities

3 listed

Information, Shelter/Cabin, Toilet - Vault/Composting

From March 1 to November 30, visitors to Old Rag Mountain, including hikers on the Saddle, Ridge, and Ridge Access trails, will need to obtain an Old Rag day-use ticket in advance, in addition to a Park entrance pass. Find out more information on our Old Rag day-use ticket FAQ page.

Featuring hikes with adventurous rock scrambles and 360-degree views that make you feel like you're on top of the world, there's no wonder why Old Rag is the most popular destination in Shenandoah National Park. 

While highly rewarding, hiking to the summit of Old Rag is also very physically demanding and can be dangerous if you have not planned properly. In order to ensure your safety and make the most out of your hike, be sure that you understand the basics of hiking safety before you set out on your adventure. Aside from these basics, there are a few more things that you need to know before hiking Old Rag:

Know Your Limits

Be sure that you are physically able to complete the hikes on Old Rag Mountain. Most hikes in this area are long, and there is significant elevation change with a strenuous rock scramble that requires good upper body strength. Often, children and shorter adults need assistance navigating the rock scramble.

Bring a Map

There are several different ways to hike Old Rag, so make sure that you pick the best route for you. Compare the different options and print or download the Old Rag trail map so that you have it with you while you're hiking.

Pack Lightly

Although you need to be sure you have plenty of water, food, and sun protection, it is a good idea to pack as lightly as possible. Many hikers prefer fanny packs to backpacks, which can be difficult to maneuver through the rock scramble. However, keep in mind trail length, difficulty, weather conditions, and how long it may take you to hike, and pack appropriately.

Avoid the Crowds

Planning your hike on a weekday will likely enhance your experience since Old Rag can become very crowded on weekends. At times, the parking lot will be full, and there can be long lines and substantial waits at some of the narrow rock scrambles. During periods of peak visitation (summer and fall), you may want to consider a less-crowded hike.

Leave Your Pets at Home

Pets are prohibited on the Ridge, Saddle, Ridge Access trails, and from Post Office Junction to Old Rag Shelter. 

Know the Camping Regulations

Legal overnight camping sites are very limited in the Old Rag area as camping is prohibited above 2,800', so be sure to properly plan your backcountry trip.

Note the Numbers

You will notice numbers beneath the trail blazes on Old Rag. These are reference numbers for Search and Rescue personnel, so take note of the numbers as you pass them. If you need to report an incident, referring to the number you are closest to will help Park staff respond to you more quickly.

Tread Lightly

Old Rag is host to many rare and endangered plants that live in the rocky environment of the granite boulders. These plants are particularly susceptible to trampling, so please stay on the trail and observe all rock outcrop management closure areas.

Hiking Old Rag in the Winter

Be sure to carry microspikes or traction coil devices for your boots with you when you hike Old Rag. Even when it's perfectly clear in lower elevations, trails can be be icy and snow-covered during colder weather, and these devices can protect you from a nasty fall.

Parking

Although Old Rag Mountain is within the boundaries of Shenandoah National Park, most people approach it from the Park's eastern boundary, instead of from Skyline Drive. You are still required to pay an entrance fee, but parking at the lots operated by the National Park Service is free. Landowners with property adjacent to the Park are charging a fee for parking on their property, but paying a private citizen to park does not exempt you from the Park entrance fee. Parking is prohibited along the road shoulders.

Directions

PLEASE NOTE: When using your phone or smart device to drive to the main Old Rag parking area, DO NOT navigate to just "Old Rag" as this has led visitors to the wrong location. If using an Android phone, enter "Old Rag Parking (Ranger Station)" for your destination. If using an iPhone, enter "Old Rag Parking - Lower Lot" for your destination. Cell service near Old Rag is unreliable, so set your destination or download the map area before leaving home.

Primary trailheads are accessed from the Park boundary and NOT the ridgeline.
Approximate drive times from the Dickey Ridge and Byrd Visitor Centers are 1-1.5 hours.

Sperryville to Old Rag Parking: From Route 211, turn onto Route 522 and follow it south for 0.8 mile. Turn right on Route 231, follow 8 miles, turn right onto Route 601 and follow signs to the Old Rag parking area, approximately 3 miles.
Madison to Old Rag Parking: From Route 29 Business, turn onto Route 231 and follow it for 12.8 miles. Turn left onto Route 602. Follow signs for the parking area, approximately 3 miles.
Sperryville to Berry Hollow Parking: take Rt. 231 S, turn right onto Rt. 643, then right onto Weakley Hollow Rd. Follow for about 4.5 miles to parking area. Parking is extremely limited.
Madison to Berry Hollow Parking: take Rt. 231 N, turn left onto Rt. 670, right onto Rt. 643, then continue straight onto Weakley Hollow Rd. Go past the Whiteoak Canyon parking area to Berry Hollow parking area. Parking is extremely limited.