NoVA Fun Series: Old Rag Mountain (part of Shenandoah National Park)

The NoVA Fun series is a growing compilation of budget-friendly and family-friendly activities in the Northern Virginia and D.C. Metro area. If you have suggestions for the list, feel free to leave a comment below or contact me at mrfrugalee@gmail.com.

Old Rag Mountain (part of Shenandoah National Park) (NPS site)

The National Park Service describes Old Rag as the most popular and most dangerous hike in Shenandoah National Park. The hike features spectacular views of rural Virginia and unique rock scrambles. The circuit hike is about 9 miles, and the NPS recommends allowing about 7-8 hours to do the hike. Most people finish in about 5 hours. Start early and take plenty of fluids and food with you.

This is one of my favorite hikes in northern Virginia. I’ve done it over 10 times and have brought many people here. It will always have a special place in my heart because I proposed to my wife here at the first overlook. It does feel dreadfully long towards the end, but almost everyone I’ve brought was glad they came and felt a sense of accomplishment after completing it.

What are the fees and hours of operation?

It’ll cost $20 for a single vehicle to get in, and the pass is good for 7 days. See here for fees for motorcycles and other types of vehicles. The park is usually open 24 hours/day with some exceptions during hunting season. See here for the official NPS operating hours.

Click here to see when all national parks are free! The next time is August 25-28, 2016.

How fit do I have to be do to do the hike?

As long as you can walk 9 miles and are comfortable climbing over rocks, you should be able to complete the hike. It’s definitely a challenging experience to most people, but most people are able to complete the hike. If it’s your first time, I would recommend having someone more experienced to guide you and to keep you on the right path.

You can see what other people said about the hike here (you’ll have to scroll down).

What should I bring?

Bring at least 2 liters of fluids (water or sports drink) per person. Also, bring some snacks or a light lunch to enjoy at the top. It might be good for one person to bring a first aid kit, just in case. Pack as lightly as possible. You’ll definitely feel any extra weight.

How high is the mountain?

The elevation at the summit is 3,291 feet. The first hour or two of the hike involves the most elevation gain. It will feel like walking up a steep hill for 2 hours. Take breaks if you need to and know that the second half will be much easier and a lot more fun. The last 3 miles involve walking back on an access road where the terrain is relatively flat.

Now for the visual walkthrough.

The parking area isn’t huge. Start early if possible.

It’s about a 10-15 minute walk from the parking area to the trailhead.

You’ll see this sign at the trailhead

Here’s how they explain the hikes

The path is rocky. Watch your step!

And watch out for snakes!

You can camp here but only up to a certain point

Here’s a view from what I consider the first main overlook

And another view

It’s a great place to stop for lunch or a snack

Back on the trail, the first feature is a narrow passage area

Might need to help each other out

A shot of the mountain. A long way to the summit still.

Some great photo ops

And cool rock formations

Walking through a “cave”

And a “valley”

Hanging out before the “staircase”

What I call the “staircase.” Watch your head!

You’ll have to climb a bit more

Before you reach… the summit! 5.2 miles left, but it’s all downhill

A view from the summit. It was super windy up here.

Heading down, you’ll see the Byrd’s Nest

Terrain on the way down is rocky. Watch your step! Your legs may not work as well as you think after all that climbing.

We were all the way up there!

There’s a small outhouse on the way down

Eventually, you’ll hit Weakley Hollow Fire Road

And leave the backcountry

It’s still a long walk back to the parking lot

But at least it’s flat

When you see this bridge, you’re almost done!

And we’re back!

The hike this day took 6.5 hours. We took a lot of breaks and stopped for lunch at the top. Plan for at least 5 hours and start early. Take plenty of fluids, especially if it’s hot. Hope you enjoyed the visual walkthrough!