Skip to content
Virginia Trailfinder

Shenandoah National Park · Etlan · Hiking · Loop

Old Rag Mountain

Virginia's most famous hike: a long approach, a genuine rock scramble, and a 360-degree summit.

Trailhead viewOfficial page
Distance
9.4mi
Climb (measured)
2,482ft
Time (agency)
5h–8h
Difficulty
Strenuous
Terrain
ScrambleRidgeline

The route

Map and elevation, linked

2,482 ft up, 2,485 ft down · 853–3,260 ft

1,0001,5002,0002,5003,0003,5000 mi2468+1,404 ft · 13%+600 ft · 17.7%+478 ft · 8.6%Start
9.07 miles measured, 2,482 ft of climbing and 2,485 ft of descent, between 853 and 3,260 ft. The hardest part is a 2.0-mile climb of 1,404 ft starting at mile 1.14, averaging 13%. A second climb of 600 ft begins at mile 3.23. The climbing continues after mile 3.23. The steepest sustained quarter mile averages 26.3%.9.07 miles measured, 2,482 ft of climbing and 2,485 ft of descent, between 853 and 3,260 ft. The hardest part is a 2.0-mile climb of 1,404 ft starting at mile 1.14, averaging 13%. A second climb of 600 ft begins at mile 3.23. The climbing continues after mile 3.23. The steepest sustained quarter mile averages 26.3%.Trailfinder reading Measured from an OpenStreetMap line and the USGS 10 m elevation model, fetched 2026-09-05. Sampled terrain, not a GPS track.

What it feels like

What it feels like

Rolling rather than one big ascent: 3 distinct climbs, the longest a steep 2.0 mi at 13%. Rock underfoot, with hands-on scrambling the record calls out, open to sun and wind.

Trailfinder readingFrom: main climb 2.0 mi at 13% average, from mile 1.14 to 3.18; 3 separate climbs of 80 ft or more; surfaces on file: rocky, dirt; exposure note on file.

Before you drive

What to know first

Official · NPS

Closures and conditions change. Check the agency's alerts page before leaving.

Start here

Old Rag Parking Area (Nethers Road)

38.57070, -78.28720

Open the trailhead in a map app

Fills very early on weekends. Roadside parking is prohibited and vehicles are ticketed or towed.

Parking
The Old Rag trailhead main parking lot is closed to all vehicle and pedestrian traffic for infrastructure work that began 4 May 2026, with the Park Service expecting completion by November 2026 — use the existing overflow lots until then, and re-check the park page, since that date may move. Parking at Park Service lots is free and shoulder parking is prohibited. Approach via Route 601 from Sperryville or Route 602 from Madison. An Old Rag day-use ticket is required 1 March to 30 November in addition to the park entrance fee, and holding one does not guarantee a parking space.
Fees
Shenandoah National Park entrance fee applies.
Permits
An Old Rag day-use ticket is required from March 1 through November 30 for Old Rag Mountain, including the Saddle, Ridge, and Ridge Access trails, in addition to a park entrance pass. Tickets cost $2.00, and every person needs one regardless of age. Tickets must be obtained in advance online through Recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777; they are not sold in person at the Old Rag entrance station. A total of 800 tickets is available per day, with 400 released 30 days in advance and 400 released 5 days in advance. Weakley Hollow Fire Road does not require a day-use ticket.
Hours
Access varies with weather and road conditions.
Restrooms
Vault toilets at the parking area.
Water
No reliable water on the mountain. Carry at least three liters in summer.
Dogs
Dogs not allowed
Cell service
Not yet verified.
Emergency
Call 911 or Shenandoah National Park dispatch. Rescues on the scramble are slow and difficult.
Source: NPSLast checked August 29, 2026Report a change

How hard it will feel

Difficulty, explained

Official · NPS

Strenuous

The National Park Service rates Old Rag very strenuous — the top of Shenandoah's five-tier scale, which it reserves for well-conditioned, well-prepared hikers.

Trailfinder readingStrenuous

2,482 ft of climbing, about 264 ft per mile. Hands-on rock: the record describes scrambling.

Distance
+2
9.4 miles is a real half-day.
Climb
+3
2,482 ft of climbing, about 264 ft per mile.
Footing
+2
Rocky tread slows every step and needs attention on the descent.
Technicality
+3
Hands-on rock: the record describes scrambling.
Exposure
+2
Open to weather: the record warns of exposed sections.

Commitment

How long it takes

Official · NPS5h–8h
Trailfinder reading
Hiking
4h41–6h20
2.2 mph moving on rocky tread, no stops. 2,482 ft of climbing adds 74 min at a hiking pace.

Terrain

Underfoot

Surface
Rocky, Dirt
Technicality
Rock scrambling with fall potential
Crossings
None recorded
Exposure
Exposed summit and upper scramble with no shelter.
Grade
Steepest quarter mile 26.3% · 35% of the route climbing at 5%+ · 7% near level Trailfinder reading

Recorded hazards

  • Rock scrambling with fall potential
  • Lightning on the exposed summit
  • Ice in winter
  • Congestion causing delays

What you'll see

On the record

  • Mile-long granite scramble
  • 360-degree summit
  • Virginia's signature day hike

Setting on file: Mountain, Forest, Ridgeline.

When to go

Seasonal character

Ice on the scramble makes winter ascents dangerous. Summer thunderstorms arrive fast on the exposed summit.

Shenandoah National ParkSkyline Drive can close for ice and snow in winter. Waterfalls run best in spring; October weekends are the busiest days of the year and parking fills early.

General seasonal character, not a live condition report. Check the agency's alerts page for closures.

Who it fits

Is this for you?

Runners
Hiking route
Families
Not recommended for young children
Strollers
Not stroller friendly
Dogs
Dogs not allowed
Accessibility
No notes on file
Experience
Experienced hikers; fitness and footing matter

The long version

About this route

Old Rag is the benchmark hard day hike in Virginia. The circuit climbs steadily through forest, then delivers roughly a mile of hands-on scrambling through granite chutes and boulder squeezes before opening onto a bare summit with views in every direction.

The scramble is not exposed rock climbing, but it does require using your hands, squeezing through gaps, and committing to moves with a pack on. It backs up in both directions on busy weekends, which can add hours.

Shenandoah National Park has used a day-use ticket system for Old Rag in recent years. Verify the current requirement on the park's website before you drive out — this is the single most common reason people are turned away.

WildlifeBlack bears are present. Store food properly and never leave packs unattended at the summit. Wildlife guide

If not this one

Related, and why

Shenandoah National Park

Whiteoak Canyon

Distance
4.6mi
Elevation gain
1,656ft
Time (agency)
~4h
Moderate
  • Rocky
  • Shaded
  • Waterfall

Less climbing · 1,040 ft of gain instead of 2,348.

Shenandoah Valley

Green Circle Trail

Distance
6.1mi
Elevation gain
Gain not on file
Hiking time (estimate)
~2h20
Not ratedNo line on file
  • Paved
  • Shaded

Runnable alternative · Supports running, with a firmer or steadier tread.

Shenandoah National Park

Hawksbill Summit

Distance
2.9mi
Elevation gain
860ft
Time (agency)
~2h
ModerateNo line on file
  • Rocky
  • Shaded
  • Ridgeline

Shorter version · 2.9 mi if time is short.

Provenance

Facts:
verified against the managing agency · last checked August 29, 2026.
Route line:
499 OpenStreetMap ways (ODbL), fetched 2026-09-05; elevation from USGS 3DEP 10 m, 2026-09-05. Assembled as loop (two legs).
Readings:
anything marked Trailfinder reading is derived by Trailfinder from those sources, not published by the agency.

Before you go: Trail conditions, access rules, weather, water availability, and closures can change. Check the linked official source before leaving and choose a route appropriate for your experience and current conditions.