Old Rag Mountain is one of the most legendary hikes in Virginia, and for good reason!
Located in the eastern part of Shenandoah National Park near Nethers, this rugged peak in the Blue Ridge Mountains offers one of the most thrilling and rewarding hikes in the region.
With its adventurous rock scramble and breathtaking 360-degree views, Old Rag is a bucket-list hike for many outdoor enthusiasts.
I’ve hiked this trail many times, with my first experience around age nine – a core memory I’ll never forget, especially my first time tackling the Old Rag Rock Scramble.
Just because it’s doable for older children, doesn’t mean it’s 100% safe!
Old Rag is known for being both physically demanding and a bit dangerous, with a history of Search and Rescue missions.
But don’t let that scare you away! 🫣
With the right preparation, most people (yes, even beginners) can complete this hike safely and have an unforgettable experience.
The key is knowing what to expect and how to plan ahead.
If you’re new to rock scrambling or hiking challenging terrain, this guide will help you get fully prepared so you can tackle Old Rag with confidence.
From essential gear to must-know tips, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make your Old Rag adventure a success! 🙌
- Old Rag Hike: Trail Stats + Map
- Old Rag Trailhead and Parking
- Old Rag Tickets and Entrance Fee
- Best Time to Hike Old Rag Mountain
- Old Rag Circuit: Step-by-Step Trail Directions
- Old Rag Rock Scramble Photos
- Alternate Hiking Routes at Old Rag Mountain
- Essentials Tips for Hiking Old Rag + What to Bring
- FAQs: Old Rag Rock Scramble
- Conclusion
Old Rag Hike: Trail Stats + Map
Old Rag Trail Stats
Starting Point: Old Rag Trailhead
Length: 9.4 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 2,350 feet
Difficulty: Challenging
Hiking Time: 5 to 7 hours
Route Type: Loop
Pet-friendly? No
Hike Features: Exciting rock scramble, a few false summits, Old Rag summit, two shelters, fire road
Permit Required? Yes
Old Rag Trail Map
Old Rag Trailhead and Parking
The Old Rag Trailhead is located outside Shenandoah National Park’s boundary near the Old Rag Ranger Station.
Pro Tip: Download offline maps from Google as there is little cell service in the area.
🅿️ There are three parking lots near the trailhead:
- Overflow Lot
- Lower Lot
- Upper Lot
The first lot you will see on your way to the trailhead is the overflow parking area on the left.
The lower and upper lots are located further down the road near the Old Rag Ranger Station.
If you’re driving a regular vehicle, you can park in any of the three lots.
The upper lot has designated spots for RVs and horse trailers.
🚽 There are vault toilets located near the trailhead in the upper parking lot.
Parking at the Old Rag Trailhead is free, but an Old Rag day-use ticket does not guarantee a parking spot!
Due to limited parking, it is strongly recommended to carpool.
Old Rag Tickets and Entrance Fee
To hike Old Rag Mountain, you must have both an Old Rag day-use ticket and a Shenandoah National Park entrance pass.
The Old Rag ticket can be purchased online at Recreation.gov and the entrance pass can be purchased at the Old Rag Ranger Station.
An entrance pass is $30 and valid for 7 days.
You can also use an America the Beautiful Pass – it costs $80 and grants you access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country.
Due to Old Rag’s increasing popularity, the National Park Service implemented a day-use ticket system after a two-year pilot program.
This system helps prevent overcrowding, improves safety, and protects the mountain’s ecological communities and wildlife.
From March 1 to November 30, all visitors to Old Rag Mountain – including those hiking the Saddle, Ridge, and Ridge Access Trails – must have a day-use ticket in addition to a park entrance pass.
No ticket is required for hikes during December, January, or February.
Tickets cost $2 and can be purchased online or by calling 877-444-6777.
A total of 800 tickets are available per day, with 400 released 30 days in advance and the remaining 400 released 5 days in advance.
If tickets are still available after these booking windows, they can be purchased on the day of your hike.
😎 Friendly Reminders:
- You will need an Old Rag ticket, photo ID, and an entrance pass to do this hike.
- Your day-use ticket does not guarantee a parking spot – carpooling or arriving early is highly recommended.
- Tickets are valid only for the date of your hike.
- You can purchase up to 4 tickets (for yourself and three others).
- Bring proof of your ticket purchase – either a printout or a digital screenshot of your reservation QR code (cell service is spotty at the trailhead, so screenshot or download it before you leave home).
- The person who purchased the tickets must bring a photo ID, and individuals using an Interagency Pass or Annual Pass must have their photo IDs as well.
- You only need an Old Rag ticket from March to November.
Best Time to Hike Old Rag Mountain
The best time to hike Old Rag Mountain depends on what you’re looking for – whether it’s cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, or peak fall foliage.
For the best combination of great weather and fewer crowds, aim for a weekday hike in early spring or late fall.
🌷 Spring (March–May): Spring is a great time to hike Old Rag, with comfortable temperatures and blooming wildflowers along the trail.
However, it can still be chilly at higher elevations, and early spring storms may make the rock scramble slippery.
☀️ Summer (June–August): Summer brings hot and humid conditions, making the steep ascent and rock scramble more challenging.
Afternoon thunderstorms are common, and the exposed summit offers little shade.
If hiking in summer, start early in the morning to beat the heat and avoid crowds.
🍂 Fall (September–November): Fall is arguably the best time to hike Old Rag.
The temperatures are cooler, and the stunning autumn foliage peaks in mid-to-late October, transforming the landscape into a sea of red, orange, and gold.
This is also a busy season, so plan ahead and secure your day-use ticket early.
✨ Read This: 15 Ways to Avoid Crowds in the Great Outdoors
☃️ Winter (December–February): Winter offers a quieter experience, with no day-use tickets required.
However, the rock scramble section can be icy, and temperatures can fall below freezing, especially at the summit.
If hiking Old Rag in winter, bring proper winter gear, including traction devices for any icy sections.
⚠️ If you are not confident in navigating challenging terrain in snowy/icy conditions, do NOT attempt to hike Old Rag – safety comes first!
Old Rag Circuit: Step-by-Step Trail Directions
The 9.4-mile Old Rag Circuit is the most popular route to the summit, and I highly recommend hiking it clockwise.
This way, you’ll tackle the challenging rock scramble first, followed by the summit, and then enjoy an easy descent.
⚠️ Safety Tip!
While it may sound fun to hike up to the summit and then retrace your steps back through the rock scramble, it’s not a great idea – especially on busy days (which is most weekends year-round and nearly every summer day).
The rock scramble gets congested, and hiking against the flow of traffic can lead to long delays and increase the risk of injury.
Instead, I strongly recommend completing the full loop for a smoother and safer experience.
Ridge Trail (steep ascent)
From the Old Rag Trailhead, you’ll begin your journey on the Ridge Trail, which starts off steep and stays that way for several miles.
Expect plenty of switchbacks as you gain most of the hike’s elevation in this section.
Old Rag Rock Scramble (fun part!)
Next comes the famous Old Rag Rock Scramble – arguably the most exciting part of the hike!
Take your time navigating the boulders, squeezing through tight spaces, and pulling yourself up and over giant boulders.
This section is challenging but rewarding!
The trail is well-marked but some parts can be tricky to follow, so keep an eye out for blue blazes painted on the rocks.
You’ll also pass a few false summits – don’t be fooled!
Keep pushing forward until you see the sign marking the official Old Rag summit.
(more pictures of the Old Rag Rock Scramble below)
Old Rag Summit
Just a few more steps.
Almost there.
And you made it!
Take a well-earned break at the Old Rag summit, soak in the 360-degree views, and refuel with some snacks before heading down.
Saddle Trail
When you’re ready to leave, return to the Old Rag Mountain Summit sign and take a right onto the Saddle Trail.
You’ll pass two shelters, including the Old Rag Shelter, which is for day-use only.
Weakley Hollow Fire Road (easy descent)
Shortly after the Old Rag Shelter, you’ll reach a fork in the trail.
Take a sharp right onto Weakley Hollow Fire Road.
By this point, your legs are probably tired, but at least this final stretch is a gentle, downhill walk.
Enjoy the peaceful forest, cross a few bridges, and take in the calm atmosphere. 😌
Return to the Old Rag Trailhead
Eventually, you’ll reach an intersection where you have two options:
1. Take a right onto the Ridge Access Trail until the next intersection, then take a left onto the Ridge Trail to return to the trailhead.
OR
2. Take a slight shortcut by following the paved road back to the parking lot – just be mindful of private property in the area and stay on the road.
Congrats, you did it! 🥳
Looking to add more adventure to your Shenandoah trip? Don’t miss these must-do hikes!
Old Rag Rock Scramble Photos
If you’ve never hiked Old Rag before, you’re probably wondering what to expect from the rock scrambling section.
To help you prepare, I’ve documented parts of the Old Rag Rock Scramble with photos from start to finish.
For most hikers with decent strength and endurance, the rock scramble is very doable – but it’s always better to be overprepared than caught off guard.
The photos below were taken during two different trips: one in January 2024 and another in August 2024, offering a look at the trail in different seasons.
I hope these pictures give you a better idea of what to expect and help you prepare to take on the Old Rag Rock Scramble!
Alternate Hiking Routes at Old Rag Mountain
If you’re looking for a different adventure near the Old Rag Trailhead, there are a few alternate routes to consider.
One leads to Old Rag’s summit, while the others offer scenic and challenging hikes without requiring an Old Rag day-use ticket.
These options are great if:
- You’ve already hiked Old Rag and want something new.
- You’re hiking with pets (two out of these three trails below are pet-friendly).
- You don’t have a day-use ticket but still want to explore the area.
1. Old Rag Summit via Berry Hollow
Starting Point: Berry Hollow Parking Area
Length: 5.5 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1,750 feet
Difficulty: Moderately challenging
Hiking Time: 3 to 4 hours
Route Type: Out-and-back
Pet-friendly? No, pets are not allowed
Hike Features: Old Rag summit, avoids the rock scramble
✅ Find recent reviews and a trail map of Old Rag via Berry Hollow on AllTrails.
This shorter route to Old Rag’s summit starts from Berry Hollow Parking Area instead of the standard Old Rag Trailhead.
It’s a great alternative if you want a less crowded way to reach the summit.
🎟️ You need to obtain an Old Rag day-use ticket to complete this hike!
2. Robertson Mountain Trail Loop
Starting Point: Old Rag Parking Area
Length: 8.2 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 2,430 feet
Difficulty: Challenging
Hiking Time: 5 to 6 hours
Route Type: Lollipop
Pet-friendly? Yes, must be on leash
Hike Features: Robertson Mountain summit
✅ Find recent reviews and a trail map of Robertson Mountain Trail on AllTrails.
Looking for a tough climb with stunning views?
The Robertson Mountain Trail is often considered one of the steepest hikes in Shenandoah National Park.
Though it doesn’t reach Old Rag’s summit, it still delivers a challenging workout and rewarding scenery without the crowds.
3. Nicholson Hollow to Corbin Cabin
Starting Point: Old Rag Parking Area
Length: 8.2 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1,240 feet
Difficulty: Moderately challenging
Hiking Time: 4 to 6 hours
Route Type: Out-and-back
Pet-friendly? Yes, must be on leash
Hike Features: Corbin Cabin
✅ Find recent reviews and a trail map of Nicholson Hollow to Corbin Cabin on AllTrails.
The Nicholson Hollow Trail offers a peaceful, forested hike leading to the Corbin Cabin – an old homestead built by George T. Corbin in 1909.
It follows a scenic stream, making it a great choice for a relaxing yet moderately challenging trek.
This hike does not lead to Old Rag’s summit!
Essentials Tips for Hiking Old Rag + What to Bring
Old Rag Hiking Tips
1. Start Early: Beat the crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures by beginning your hike in the morning, especially in peak season.
2. Check the Weather: Wet, icy, or snowy conditions make the rock scramble section extremely dangerous – avoid hiking Old Rag in bad weather.
3. Wear the Proper Footwear: Sturdy, grippy hiking boots or shoes with good ankle support are a must – the rock scramble requires traction and stability!
4. Stay on the Designated Trail: Taking shortcuts damages the environment and increases your risk of getting lost or injured.
5. Know Your Location: Along the trail, you’ll see numbers beneath the blue blazes on trees and rocks – these are reference points for Search and Rescue teams.
If you need assistance, note the nearest number to help rescuers find you quickly.
6. Be in Good Physical Shape: This trail is strenuous, requiring both upper and lower body strength for the rock scramble – pace yourself and know your limits.
7. Hike in a Group: If you’re new to rock scrambling, hike with experienced friends – having a helping hand can make the climb much easier!
8. Watch for Bears: Black bears live in Shenandoah National Park – follow these guidelines to avoid any negative interactions with a black bear.
9. Watch for Timber Rattlesnakes and Copperheads: These snakes are poisonous and can sometimes be found hiding within rock crevices or in the middle of a trail – be careful where you put your hands and feet when hiking Old Rag!
10. Respect Nature: Follow Leave No Trace principles – plan ahead, pack out all trash, avoid disturbing wildlife, be considerate of others, and respect the natural beauty of Shenandoah National Park.
Old Rag Packing List
- Backpack (15- to 30-liter sized pack)
- Hiking boots or shoes
- Water bottles or hydration bladder
- Water filtration and treatment system
- Layers of clothing (what you wear depends on the weather forecast and conditions along the trail – always bring extra layers just in case)
- Moisture-wicking base layer (can be tank top, short sleeve, or long sleeve)
- Mid-layer (lightweight or midweight down jacket / fleece pullover)
- Windbreaker / Rain jacket
- Gloves and warm beanie
- Extra socks (midweight, merino wool socks)
- Buff (protects your face and neck against the sun and wind)
- Headlamps (with extra batteries)
- Hiking poles (optional)
- Microspikes (may or may not be needed but beneficial if ice/snow is present anywhere on the trail – always research the current trail conditions before heading out)
- Sun protection
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Sun-protective clothing
- Lip balm with SPF
- Sunglasses
- Bug repellent and/or mosquito head net
- Waste disposal supplies (WAG bags, toilet paper, pee cloth, wipes, Ziploc bag – be sure to pack out everything!!)
- Phone with a reliable power bank and charger
- Emergency supplies
- GPS Satellite Communicator
- Navigation System (physical map, compass, handheld GPS device, downloaded offline map on phone)
- Plenty of water (2-5 liters depending on conditions)
- Plenty of snacks (my favorite hiking snacks are peanut butter sandwiches, sour patch kids, peanut butter pretzel bites, salty chips, energy bars, and trail mix)
- First-aid kit (a basic kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, blister care, tweezers,
and medications, such as Ibuprofen, Antacids, Antihistamine, prescriptions) - Rain gear (important to keep dry – pack a light rain jacket or poncho)
- Emergency shelter (bivy sack, emergency sleeping bag, and emergency tent)
- Fire (matches, a lighter, or fire starter for warmth or signaling in emergencies)
- Multi-tool or knife
FAQs: Old Rag Rock Scramble
Can a beginner hike Old Rag?
With proper preparation and training, yes, a beginner can hike Old Rag.
How long does it take to hike Old Rag?
Depends on your abilities and conditions, but the average time to hike Old Rag is about 5 to 7 hours.
Is hiking Old Rag worth it?
Yes! Old Rag offers an exciting rock scramble and incredible views from the summit.
Can you hike Old Rag without a ticket?
Yes, you can hike Old Rag without a ticket only in December, January, and February. From March to November, you must purchase a ticket to hike Old Rag.
Conclusion
Old Rag Mountain is hands down my favorite hike in Virginia!
The rock scramble is an absolute blast, and the summit views are some of the best in the state.
This trail isn’t easy – it demands full-body strength and endurance – but with the right preparation and mindset, you’ll be ready to take on Old Rag!
Trust me, the adventure is well worth it! 🤩
If this guide inspires you to tackle the Old Rag Rock Scramble, I’d love to hear about your adventure.
Leave a comment and share your experience!
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