The view from the rock scramble on Old Rag Mountain in Shenandoah National Park.

Quick Guide to Hiking Old Rag in Shenandoah National Park

ByChanelle

Steep climbs, panoramic views, and a thrilling rock scramble — the Old Rag hike in Shenandoah National Park is a true East Coast adventure. Find out why this popular trail is worth every step.

The Old Rag Circuit Hike, Shenandoah National Park

Quick Facts

  • Difficulty: Hard
  • Type: Loop
  • Distance: 9.4 miles / 15.1 km
  • Elevation gain: 2,605 feet / 794 meters
  • Time: 7 to 8 hours
  • Detailed overview: AllTrails

Trail Description

Old Rag is one of the best hikes in Shenandoah National Park (and on the East Coast USA) thanks to its rewarding, challenging climb and amazing panoramic views.

It’s especially beautiful in the fall when the Appalachians turn bright red, yellow, and orange as the leaves change color. But no matter what time of year you hike Old Rag, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular scenery.

Along this 9-mile circuit, you’ll pass multiple panoramic viewpoints and encounter several sections with rock scrambles that make it both fun and physically demanding.

Although rock scrambles are a lot of fun, they do create bottlenecks, limiting the number of people who can go through at a time. Plus, given the technical terrain and significant elevation gain heading up Old Rag, the round trip can take a good 7 to 8 hours. So, you should aim to start your hike early, to make sure you have plenty of time in case you need to wait along the trail, and so you can enjoy yourself when you get to the top.

The hike offers multiple viewpoints and several rock scrambles that make it both fun and physically demanding. However, these scrambles also create bottlenecks, limiting the number of people who can go through at a time. So it’s best to start early—both to avoid crowds and to give yourself enough time to enjoy the summit.

The view from the rock scramble on Old Rag Mountain in Shenandoah National Park, on one of the best East Coast hikes.
Photo by Meghan from The Traveling Teacher

Practical Information

Parking

Parking is available at the Old Rag Trailhead (formerly Ridge Trailhead) on Nethers Road. It fills up quickly on weekends and peak seasons, so arrive early.

Park Fees

You’ll need both a Shenandoah National Park entrance pass and a day-use ticket (required from March 1 to November 30). You can book this in advance through the National Parks Service website.

Facilities

There are restrooms and an information kiosk at the trailhead, but no facilities along the trail. Bring everything you need, including water and food.

Opening Hours

The park is open year-round, but entry to Old Rag is only permitted between sunrise and sunset. Plan your hike accordingly to finish before dark.

Dogs

Dogs are not allowed on the Old Rag Trail.

Trail Conditions

Expect steep, rocky climbs, narrow ledges, and several technical rock scramble sections. Wear sturdy footwear with good grip, and bring layers for changing weather.

Best Time to Visit

Spring and fall are the most popular seasons, offering mild weather and beautiful foliage. Avoid peak summer days if you’re not a fan of heat and crowds.

Leave No Trace

Make sure to follow the leave no trace principles: pack out all trash, stay on marked trails, and respect wildlife.

A trail through the forest on the Old Rag hike in Shenandoah National Park. Photo by carrollmt via Canva.
Photo by Carrollmt via Canva

Tips for Hiking Old Rag

  • A day-use ticket is required from March to November—book in advance through the National Parks Service website.
  • Wear sturdy hiking boots with good grip, and bring plenty of water, snacks, and layers.
  • Be prepared for technical terrain—the trail can be very rocky and steep, with narrow sections requiring hand-over-hand climbing.
  • Don’t forget to check the weather and trail alerts before heading out.

The Old Rag hike in Shenandoah is best suited to experienced hikers or those ready for a long, adventurous day. With the right preparation, it’s one of the most memorable hikes on the East Coast!

Recommended by Meghan from The Traveling Teacher

Chanelle is the founder and author of Chasing Chanelle, a blog that aims to help travellers and expats navigate new destinations and take on more outdoor adventures. She has lived in Canada, Europe, the UK, Australia, and South America, which has given her a local’s perspective of the places she writes about. She is also an avid hiker, camper, runner, paddler, skier, and snowboarder, and is passionate about sharing her hobbies with others through her blog.