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Old Rag Mountain, VA


Highlights:

1 mile rock scramble, beautiful views from peak, best hike in VA!
Near:Luray, VA
Scenery:
Distance:7 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:2200 ft
Hike Time:4 hours
Difficulty:Strenuous
Trail Condition:OK, but a few difficult spots
HikeType:Loop


Summary: Old Rag Mountain (3291ft) is the most spectacular mountain in the northern Virginia Blue Ridge. Unlike most of the mountains in the Blue Ridge, it stands alone as an outlying mountain rather than as part of a continuous chain. Old Rag is a popular hike in all seasons; on weekends it can be crowded. Old Rag's attractions include a rugged scramble over and through boulders on the Ridge Trail and spectacular views in all direction. This circuit includes two shelters with fireplaces that can be used for cooking. Camping is not permited above 2500 ft.
Trailhead: Take US 522 to SR 231, which is 0.8 mi south of Sperryville, VA and 12.7 mil north of Madison, VA. go south 8.3 mi on SR 231, cross Hughes River, and immediately rutn right (west) onto SR 602. Stary on left side of Hughes River. route number changes to 601, 707, and then 600. do not cross Hughes River. After 3.5 mi from SR 231, just beyond Nethers, VA, and SNP parking area accommodates 200 cars. Park here and walk 0.8 mi to small parking area at end of SR 600. A $5 to $8 fee will be charged for each person over 16. (Lat:38.56 Lon:-78.3)
Trail Guides for Old Rag Mountain, VA:
Circuit Hikes in Shenandoah National Park
by Potomac Appalachain Trail Club  (PATC)

A Hikers Guide to the Geology of Old Rag Mountain
by SNP (www.snpbooks.org)

Map 10
by Potomac Appalachain Trail Club (PATC)

Best Seasons: Year-Round
User Groups: Hikers,
Ranger Contact: National Park Service 1-540-999-3500
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Joe Cross, who has posted  56 other hikes on this site
Trail Reviews  Page 1 of 30   Submit your own review
Reviewed by ORMS on 11/5/2009
For the definitive information on this hike, copy and paste this link: http://ns.www.nps.gov.edgesuite.net/featurecontent/shen/website_movies/OldRagPodcast_web.mov

Reviewed by James on 10/17/2009
I camped out on the side of the mountain with my wife and two kids. My little girl is 6 and my son is 12. We woke up at 4a.m. and hiked the mountain in the dark. We saw the most amazing sun rise you could ever imagine! Sun rays were peering down on all the little houses through cracks in the clouds. I have climbed it two times in the dark, but the the greatest with my family. With my kids I decided to go the trail backwards and went up the fire trail and came down the rock scramble. This worked out really well. Have fun and be safe!

Reviewed by old rag on 8/14/2009
lots of exersize

Reviewed by Jamie on 7/22/2009
at my high school, 10th grade is the last year you have to take PE and for our final, we took a bus ride and hiked old rag mountain. it was so fun, and i loved every second of it. it's so beautiful at the top, and it's great to bring a lunch and eat at the top...i'm definitely planning a trip back there before the end of the year

Reviewed by BB on 7/19/2009
As a 46 yr old that has never done anything like this before, it was totally amazing. I am in fairly decent shape so it was ok physically. The views were awesome. I made some mistakes but it was a learning experience.

Reviewed by srb on 5/25/2009
I had never been hiking before Old Rag and I had the most amazing time. It has the most beautiful views along the way and it was so much fun. Though it took a bit of time, it was worth it. I can't wait to go again!

Reviewed by Jessica on 4/22/2009
It was the most amazing hike I've ever been on!!!! I'm definitely gonna do it again! I love the views and climbing the boulders along the way and the rocks up top!!!!!!!!! And the summit point is definitely worth the fighting through being tired and, at points, the pain!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Reviewed by ERICTHERED on 4/7/2009
Super hike challenging many places to climb around for fun, the views are awesome, breathtaking, and like no other in virginia I love neil stinebaugh


Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Keys: Virginia Hiking, Virginia Trails, Virginia Hikes, Page County Hiking, Page County Trails, Page County Hikes

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