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Shenandoah Old Rag Hike

You climb the Ridge Trail to a long rock scramble that needs upper-body strength, reach the 1,003 m (3,291 ft) summit, then descend the Saddle Trail past Byrds Nest 1 and Old Rag shelters and return along the Weakley Hollow Fire Road. Expect queues at tight spots on the scramble.

For The Reps · Updated

hike scenery for Shenandoah Old Rag near Virginia
Photo: Old Rag Mountain by Todd Rich, CC BY 2.5 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5). Via Wikimedia Commons.
Where
Virginia, USA
Distance
15.1 km (9.4 miles) loop
Climb
716 m (2,348 ft)
Time
6-10 hours
Difficulty
Very hard

The route

Old Rag Circuit: Ridge Trail, rock scramble and summit, down the Saddle Trail and Weakley Hollow Fire Road.

Start at the Old Rag parking area on the park's eastern boundary, reached by country roads from Sperryville or Madison, Virginia. Parking is free but limited, and a ticket does not guarantee a space.

When to go

Open all year, but do not attempt it when the rocks are wet or icy; day-use tickets are needed from 1 March to 30 November, and parking is limited on October weekends, especially Saturdays.

Permits and fees

From 1 March to 30 November you need an Old Rag day-use ticket ($2 on Recreation.gov) for the Ridge, Saddle and Ridge Access trails, on top of the park entrance pass ($30 per vehicle or $15 per person for 7 days). You cannot buy the day-use ticket at the Old Rag entrance station.

Before you go

  • Tickets are released daily at 10 am: 400 become available 30 days ahead and the other 400 five days ahead.
  • There is no water at Old Rag, so bring plenty, plus sturdy footwear, extra layers, food and a torch in case the scramble takes longer than planned.
  • To reach the summit without the scramble, park at Berry Hollow and go up and back by the Saddle Trail: 8.7 km (5.4 miles) return, 536 m (1,760 ft) of climbing, 5.5-6.5 hours.
  • Note the blue numbers painted on the rocks; in an emergency, give responders the nearest number.

What to bring

  • Shoes with grip that you have already worn in
  • At least 1.5 litres of water
  • Food you will actually want to eat
  • A warm or waterproof layer
  • The route, saved offline
  • Sun cream and a hat

Getting ready for it

Plan for a long day: 6-10 hours.

Build up with a few walks of four hours or more first, ideally with climbing and the pack you will carry. Step-ups and lunges twice a week make the descents easier on your knees.

Staying safe

  • The rock scramble is strenuous and exposed; children and shorter adults often need help, and it is dangerous when wet or icy.
  • Phone and GPS signal are unreliable, and delays on the scramble can leave you out after dark.
  • Tell someone your route and when you expect to be back.
  • Turn around if the weather turns or the footing gets sketchy. The trail will still be there.

Route details checked September 30, 2026 against nps.gov, nps.gov, nps.gov and nps.gov. Rules and closures change, so check before you go.