Trailside Vitals

Why Old Rag Belongs on Your Bucket List

Few hikes on the East Coast pack the sheer variety, challenge, and views that Old Rag Mountain delivers. Located in the central district of Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, this loop features a legendary granite rock scramble, sweeping Blue Ridge panoramas, and a trail layout that’s just long enough to test your endurance without being an expedition. It’s the kind of hike you remember for years—and one that photographs simply can’t do justice.

Hike Overview

Feature	Details
Distance (Standard Loop)	9.0 miles
Elevation Gain	2,500 ft
Duration	6–8 hours
Difficulty	Strenuous (rock scrambling, steep ascents)
Trailhead	Old Rag Parking Area, Nethers, VA
Best Season	Spring–Fall (Winter possible with preparation)
Permit Required?	Yes (Old Rag Day-Use Ticket)
Bear Canisters?	Not required for day hike; recommended for overnight

Route Options

1. Standard Old Rag Loop (Must-Do)

• Start at Old Rag parking lot in Nethers, VA.
• Follow the Ridge Trail up 2,000+ feet over 3 miles, navigating boulder scrambles, narrow chimneys, and exposed ledges.
• Enjoy multiple viewpoints before summiting Old Rag at 3,284 ft.
• Descend via the Saddle Trail, passing Byrd’s Nest Shelter and Old Rag Shelter.
• Return on Weakley Hollow Fire Road (long but gentle finish).
• ALL TRAILS LINK

Why Choose It: This is the classic Old Rag experience with everything from adrenaline-pumping scrambles to ridge-top views.

2. Ridge-to-Ridge Circuit (Longer Variation)

• Adds Robertson Mountain or Corbin Hollow trails to create a bigger loop.
• Total: ~13 miles, 3,800+ ft gain.
• For experienced hikers with strong navigation skills.
• Offers fewer crowds and extended ridge walking.

Why Choose It: More solitude, extra mileage for training, and a more “all-day” adventure.

Winter Hiking Notes

• Rock Scramble: Can ice over; traction devices (Kahtoola Microspikes) are essential.
• Shorter Daylight: Start early; parking lot fills less in winter but don’t underestimate time.
• Cold Exposure: The ridge is windy—dress in windproof layers and gloves that allow scrambling grip.
• Trail Conditions: Fire road descent can be icy; trekking poles recommended.

Permits & Reservations

Since March 2022, Old Rag requires a day-use ticket in addition to park entry.

1. Day-Use Ticket – $1 per person
   • Available at Recreation.gov.
   • Released 30 days in advance at 10 a.m., with some available 5 days in advance.
   • Tickets sell out on spring/fall weekends.
2. Shenandoah NP Entrance Fee – $30 per vehicle (valid 7 days) or $55 annual park pass.

Pro Tip: Secure tickets first, then book lodging.

Lodging & Camping

Inside Shenandoah NP

Option	Type	Price (Night)	Distance to Old Rag	Notes
Big Meadows Lodge	Lodge	$175–$250	40 min drive	Book 6–9 months ahead
Lewis Mountain Cabins	Cabin	$100–$150	50 min drive	Cozy, rustic
Campgrounds (Big Meadows, Lewis Mountain, Loft Mountain)	Tent/RV	$20–$30	40–60 min drive	Seasonal, reserve early

Outside the Park

Option	Type	Price (Night)	Distance to Old Rag	Notes
Graves Mountain Lodge	Lodge/Cabin	$120–$200	15 min drive	Closest option
Airbnb/VRBO in Madison or Sperryville	Varies	$90–$200	15–25 min drive	Flexible booking
Skyland Resort	Lodge	$150–$250	45 min drive	Scenic Skyline Drive location

Costs at a Glance

Expense	Amount
Old Rag Day-Use Ticket	$1
Shenandoah NP Entry	$30 per vehicle
Lodging	$20–$250/night
Food & Supplies	$15–$50/day
Total (Day Trip)	~$31–$81
Total (2-Day Overnight)	~$90–$350+

Safety & Preparation

• Rock Scramble: Gloves improve grip and protect hands.
• Navigation: Download offline maps (AllTrails, Gaia GPS).
• Crowds: Start at sunrise to avoid bottlenecks in the scramble.
• Weather: Avoid thunderstorms—exposed ridge offers little shelter.
• Wildlife: Black bears possible but rarely aggressive—keep distance.

2-Day Itinerary (Weekend Warrior)

Day 1

• Depart locally early afternoon
• Check into lodging in Sperryville or Graves Mountain area
• Explore local wineries or have dinner at Thornton River Grille

Day 2

• Start Old Rag at sunrise
• Complete loop in 6–8 hrs
• Lunch in Madison, then drive back

Hidden Gem: Robertson Mountain

If you want a quieter day after Old Rag or an alternative to avoid permits, Robertson Mountain is a steep but scenic hike nearby.

• Distance: 8 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 2,500 ft
• Views: Comparable to Old Rag but without the scramble
• Trailhead: Via Weakley Hollow Fire Road
• ALL TRAILS LINK

Final Thoughts

Old Rag is more than a hike—it’s a rite of passage for Mid-Atlantic adventurers. The mix of challenging scrambles, jaw-dropping vistas, and the satisfaction of earning every step makes this a trip worth planning well in advance. Whether you tackle the standard loop or push yourself on the ridge-to-ridge variation, you’ll walk away knowing you’ve conquered one of the East Coast’s most iconic trails.