Old Rag Mountain
The most popular and most challenging hiking route in Shenandoah, requiring hands-and-feet scrambling across a boulder field of granite.
Old Rag Mountain rises to about 1,001 m. The classic loop is about 15 km with about 800 m of elevation gain, and it takes 6–8 hours. The middle section involves long stretches of climbing over boulders and through rock crevices, so it is not suitable for young children or people with a fear of heights. From March to November, you must reserve a day-hiking permit (about USD 2) in advance on Recreation.gov and pay the separate park entrance fee. The summit offers 360-degree views across the Blue Ridge. The trailhead is on the east side of the park, not along Skyline Drive. It is about 1 hour by car from Luray. Start early and bring plenty of water.
Opening hours
Sunrise to sunset
Nearby sights
- Whiteoak Canyon
- Stony Man
- Skyland
- Hawksbill Mountain
- Rose River Falls
- Marys Rock
- Dark Hollow Falls
- Rapidan Camp