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 Reporter |
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 26 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Jeff on 5/11/2008 Hiked Old Rag on 5/10/08, left from the upper lot at 8:00 and went up the Ridge Trail across the rock scramble to the summit. It was a wet day and the slippery rocks definitely made it more difficult to get through and I would not recommend climbing in those conditions. Please note that the rock scramble is a VERY strenuous climb (not merely a hike), especially for inexperienced rock climbers (like me). I must say that I underestimated the difficulty. That being said, it was quite an accomplishment to make it up to the top and I am very glad I did it. Came back down the long way by the fire road with great views of a rushing creek. Made it through the the loop in 4 hours and 30 minutes. Bring lots of water and enjoy!
Reviewed by jas on 5/5/2008 Hiked this today. Left from the upper lot (the small lot) at 10:40am and returned at 3:30pm. Took the scramble. Made it to the top at 1pm and was going at a decent clip to 2200ft where the scramble starts. The scramble is challenging and strenuous but can be taken slowly with no problems. I would never do the scramble if the rocks were wet. It would be very very slippery. Spent 30 minutes enjoying the summit. Hike back is easier on a fire road (but a few miles longer). Unless you eat a lot of junk food and smoke the hike will be enjoyable. I couldn't imagine anyone over about 250 pounds making the tight spaces in the scramble unless they're in great shape. Bring a few snacks, plenty of water and you'll be fine. Enjoy! 
Reviewed by greg on 4/29/2008 This is my favorite hike in the Mid-Atlantic area, and rivals many hikes I have done in New England. The rockiness, and surrounding views, make the mountain feel like it is much higher in elevation than it actually is. I have hiked it over 10 times over the past 5 years. I enjoy hiking it in winter the most, since it has less people, and the views are better because of no leaves on the trees. The fall is my least favorite (unless it's a weekday). Spring is also nice. I hiked it last weekend, and it was incredible. At the base there were fully bloomed trees, at the top nothing was in bloom. Out in the distance you were able to see the transition zone, it was fantastic! This hike will always be something special to me.
Reviewed by Vinnie on 4/15/2008 I've hiked this mountain twice. The first time was with my Father and a family friend. We did not take the usual trail. We found a way to make it a 17mile hike round trip. I would not suggest doing that unless you are an experienced hiker with knowledge of outdoor survival skills. It was AWESOME! We left around 8AM and returned around 11PM. It was the most memorable experience of my life. I returned to Old Rag last April on the 7th. Due to snow myself and two friends were forced to take the shorter trail, but it was still a great experience, but I would not suggest a hike if its snowing. Ice on the rocks make it very dangerous. I encourage everyone to try it at least once!
Reviewed by Jessica on 4/15/2008 I hiked this mountain a few days ago on Sun. the 13th with a group of friends; It's a very fun hike for a non-climber, but being a smoker it was pretty difficult making the climb without several breaks. My favorite part was face-climbing the huge platform rocks and making my way up and over huge boulders. A spectacular view at the top; It even snowed once we reached the highest part. Deff. recomend this mountain! If I could climb it, anyone could!!! - this is the first mountain and longest distance I've ever hiked/walked.
Reviewed by Jason on 4/14/2008 Wow! Did the hike a few weeks ago when it was raining and cool and still had a blast. Didnt realize how fun the hike was going to be by reading the description on the site. Looking forward to coming back later this year.
Reviewed by Jim Lundy on 4/7/2008 Hiked the Rag back in 1970 with Irving Levy and Chris Kemper;sometime in July. Took the most difficult at the time straight up ascent as possible.No problem we were in our teens and very very green.Just a few knapsacks to carry some food and water (snacks primarily) and we left late in the afternoon. What fun to be on the mountain top after dark. In credible view of the stars, milky way, low earth satellites streaming overhead and in coming meteroites the size of marbles cherry read, " when the meteorite is stationary in the sky its coming down right between your eyse."Asleep we went laying out on towels only to be awakened after midnight by a biting cold and frantic search for firewood of which there was scarcely any.Jim Lundy 05/07/08
Reviewed by Sandro on 3/30/2008 Thanks for this nice tip on the hill. Into 1h15min on the peake from the ranger station. If you would like to do this hike with kids, walk both time the longer way (fire road)so that the kids doesn't have to scrable over the rocks. Sorry my english... Sandro from Switzerland :-) 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||