Old Rag Circuit Hike — Attraction in Luray

Old Rag Mountain- Etlan, Virginia 10/25/24

Weekending the right way.

Old Rag was something I'd been wanting to do all year. I tried when I was in Shenandoah over Memorial Day weekend, but ran out of time. This climb was intimidating due to its "very strenuous" rating, and it's 9.4 mile distance. Over the course of this climb, it wastes no time starting your assent. About three steps past the Rangers station, you start going upward. This will be the norm for the next 2-1/2 hours or so, as the mountain rarely shows you any level ground and any step without large rocks underfoot. The last weekend of October was definitely the perfect timing to catch the best fall colors that the mountain would offer, giving a welcome distraction to the seemingly Neverending climb. About 2.8 miles up the mountain starts a rock scramble that goes on for an additional mile until you reach the mountain summit at 3291 feet. At the top, several large boulders rest at the peak, allowing a perfect 360 degree view of the valleys below. Once my time at the top was over, another 5-1/2 miles lie on the backside of the mountain to complete the trails circuit. This was (so far) my longest and most difficult hike to date. It let me know that not only could I accomplish it, but I could do more. And even though my legs and feet were done at the end of my 6-1/2 hr visit to Old Rag, it was worth every...

Our recent adventure on the Old Rag Circuit Hike in Shenandoah National Park was nothing short of spectacular. This rugged and challenging loop showcases the very best of Virginia’s backcountry, combining breathtaking vistas, exhilarating rock scrambles, and a sense of accomplishment that lingers long after the hike ends. We chose to ascend via the Saddle Trail—a steady climb surrounded by lush forest and the occasional viewpoint teasing what’s to come. The real thrill began when we descended the Ridge Trail, famous for its rocky terrain and scrambling sections. Clambering over boulders and weaving through jagged rock formations made every step exciting. That said, we quickly realized this trail is best tackled in the traditional direction—up the Ridge Trail—where signage is clearer and wayfinding easier. On our descent, gaps in the markers forced us to backtrack a couple of times to rejoin the route. Despite that minor challenge, Old Rag absolutely lived up to its reputation as the hardest and most rewarding hike in Shenandoah National Park. The panoramic summit views, the hands‑on rock scrambles, and the raw, untamed beauty of the landscape make this a must‑do for any serious hiker. Old Rag isn’t just a hike—it’s an unforgettable...

I spent the day off-grid at Old Rag’s 9.4 miles trek. Avid hikers will love the challenge of the 3,284 elevation steeped with large granite boulders broken up by scramblings from gymnastics obstacles using my hands, upper body strength, legs, and sheer might between prayers and curses to pull up near-vertical rock faces.

Have on a lightweight backpack with the essential sunscreen, electrolytes, nuts, banana, peanut butter crackers, hydration veggies like celery and cherry tomatoes, cubes of baked turkey and cheddar cheese, and bits of almonds and cashews for energy. Bring chalk for your hands to grip rock formations.

The Blue Ridge Mountain’s core is Old Rag Granite. It rewards with sweet smells of pine and endangered flora including shale barren rock cress and mountain sandwort. You’ll see many different fauna along the trail from fast drumming pecks of woodpeckers, to an unidentified animal that sounded like a cry-wolf teenager on a distress call. White-tailed fawns with spring-loaded stilts pranced in tall grass and a black bear cub can be spotted with the assumption of mother near by.

It took 6 hours to get to the peak that resembles Pride Rock. Take short breaks between sharp switchbacks. This is a full on commitment...