Shenandoah National Park: Old Rag Mountain Hike

Shenandoah National Park: Old Rag Mountain

va

Distance: 8.6 miles

Submitted by: H8WALLS

Trip Description
Waypoints

SOR001

Location: 38.5708160400391, -78.2867584228516

From the Old Rag lower lot and fee station, follow Weakley Hollow Road about 0.5 mile to the upper lot and trailhead. Note: The upper lot usually fills more quickly than the lower lot.

SOR002

Location: 38.5726089477539, -78.2958450317383

From the Weakley Hollow Trailhead in the upper parking lot, head out on the blue-blazed Ridge Trail.

SOR003

Location: 38.5654678344727, -78.300407409668

Follow the Ridge Trail as it curves to the right (following blue blazes) in a young hardwood forest of oak, maple, and hickory.

SOR004

Location: 38.5625495910644, -78.3041534423828

The hike's first switchback cuts to the left. Eight more switchbacks remain on the ascent to the summit. The terrain is not extremely steep on this stretch, but there is a persistent incline en route to the top.

SOR005

Location: 38.5588188171387, -78.3046493530274

Look up and to the right for a great view of this hike's highpoint: the rocky Old Rag summit.

SOR006

Location: 38.5560836791992, -78.3018264770508

Take a break from the climb at a crop of boulders on the side of the trail. When you're good and ready, continue on the Ridge Trail as it curves to the left.

SOR007

Location: 38.5557670593262, -78.3021240234375

Scenic view of Robertson and Corbin Mountains to your right.

SOR008

Location: 38.5544128417969, -78.3035278320312

This is where the hike to Old Rag turns into a scramble over mid-sized boulders and through narrow, rocky passages. Several spots may require hand-over-hand climbing: make sure your footing and hand placements are secure as you proceed. There are two rock mazes to navigate in this section: blue blazes and arrows are painted on the boulders.

SOR009

Location: 38.5514297485352, -78.3105316162109

A huge boulder hugs the trail here: this spot is a great photo-op of the Old Rag summit and the valley below.

SOR010

Location: 38.551929473877, -78.3148956298828

Old Rag Mountain (3,268 ft.). Go past the cement post to get unrivaled panoramic views of Shenandoah. Take a break for a well-deserved lunch, and then pick up the blue-blazed Saddle Trail to begin your descent.

SOR011

Location: 38.5501861572266, -78.3208312988281

Pass Byrd's Nest Shelter. Continue downhill on the Saddle Trail. This side of Old Rag offers a more gentle descent: no scrambling required on the way down.

SOR012

Location: 38.5536689758301, -78.3298873901367

Old Rag Shelter. Continue on the Saddle Trail as it curves to the right. Both Byrd's nest and this shelter are intended for day use only.

SOR013

Location: 38.5559616088867, -78.3303680419922

Just off the right side of the trail is a hidden cemetery dating back to the 1700's. Look closely: At first glance, the headstones look like small rocks coming out of the ground.

SOR014

Location: 38.5571556091309, -78.3323211669922

Turn right @ T-junction onto the Weakley Hollow Fire Road, and follow the road as it curves to the right. The road is marked with yellow blazes as the gradual descent to the parking lot continues.

SOR015

Location: 38.5688896179199, -78.3208160400391

Continue straight on the fire road @ 3-way junction. The Robertson Mountain Trail veers off to the northwest.

SOR016

Location: 38.5683135986328, -78.3200073242188

Continue straight on the fire road @ 3-way junction. The Corbin Hollow trail shoots off to the northwest.

SOR017

Location: 38.5706329345703, -78.3029556274414

Hughes River crossing. The trail veers right toward three footbridges. On a hot summer day, this is a great place to cool off and enjoy the relaxing sound of a running stream. In 0.1 mile, cross a fourth bridge. Ahead: Follow road to Waypoint 2, then retrace steps to your car.

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The rocks of Old Rag are among Shenandoah National Park's oldest residents. This challenging hike up and over one of the park’s most famous peaks rewards with phenomenal valley views and behemoth boulder crops. After ascending a series of switchbacks, the summit approach becomes an exercise in boulder scrambling and rock maze navigation. This trail gains nearly 2,500 feet in just 3.5 miles, then loops back through Weakley Hollow, allowing for a less technical descent on the return trip. Cap off the day by cooling your feet at one of four footbridges along the Hughes River.

Mapped by Ivan Levin (American Hiking Society)

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