Old Rag Mountain Summit — Attraction in Luray

Old Rag Mountain Summit: A Hiker’s Paradise

My recent trek to the Old Rag Mountain Summit was nothing short of exhilarating. Here’s why: Challenging Adventure: This hike, although challenging, is one of the most popular in Shenandoah National Park. It has been referred to as a “brutally awesome” hike by many. Your climb to the peak includes many rocky switchbacks, so you will not be going straight up, but the trails are still at a steep grade. Boulder Scramble: The ascent begins with a two-mile climb along switchbacks before reaching the boulder scramble section. You’ll be going up, down, in between, around, and underneath granite boulders throughout the scramble. While going through the rock scrambling, keep your eyes open for the blue blazes, as sometimes they are in strange places. False Summits: Throughout your journey to Old Rag Mountain, each time you think you’ve reached the summit – you haven’t! This mountain has several false summits. You’ll know that you’ve reached the Old Rag Summit when you see the brown ‘Old Rag Mountain’ sign. Find a lovely rock with a fabulous 360-degree view for your lunch spot here before starting your descent back down by way of the Saddle Trail. Rock Hopping Descent: Rock hopping down, you’ll pass two shelters. First is the Byrds Nest Shelter, then the Old Rag Shelter (privy here) before hitting a junction. Stay to your right to continue back on the Weakley Hollow Fire Road for about four miles to return to the parking lot. You will pass through beautiful forests and see Brokenback Run that leads into the Hughes River. Plan Smart: Novices should plan smart and be prepared for a challenging but rewarding adventure. Good upper body strength is essential for some parts of...

Reaching the summit of Old Rag Mountain is truly an unforgettable highlight—not just of Shenandoah National Park, but of any hiking adventure in the East. Standing atop the massive granite outcrops, we were treated to sweeping 360-degree views that stretched over the lush valleys and rolling Blue Ridge Mountains. The feeling of accomplishment at the summit is unmatched, with the panorama offering a perfect reward for every steep step and exhilarating scramble along the way. But what truly sets this summit apart is that the journey is every bit as thrilling as the destination. The demanding ascent, with its hands-on rock scrambles and rugged terrain, keeps you engaged and energized. Along the way, we were treated to a magical sight—majestic eagles gracefully soaring on the thermal updrafts, their wide wings catching the wind just above the cliff edges. It’s the kind of wildlife spectacle we’ve often admired in the West Coast parks, and witnessing it here made it feel all the more special and awe-inspiring. Old Rag Mountain’s summit doesn’t just deliver with its breathtaking vistas; it’s a culmination of challenge, beauty, and memorable moments—truly the crown jewel of Shenandoah hiking, where the ascent is as rewarding as the...

Awesome hike with some beautiful views! Be sure to purchase tickets in advance, they only cost $1. I heard the trail can get crowded especially on the weekends, so I decided to go on a Friday morning, and I am so glad I did. Traffic on the trail was minimal and I was able to complete the circuit in about 4.5 hrs. I started from the Berry Hollow Parking lot around 9:30a. There’s not a ton of parking here, but on this particular day there was only a handful of cars parked. A ranger verified my ticket purchase prior to me starting the circuit. I worked my way clockwise, which is the best route to take. The trail is well marked. I walked right past a couple deer a few feet away, and they didn’t seem phased by my presence. Right as I begin thinking in my head that this hike was not all that bad, I entered the rock scramble. I am pretty fit and athletic, so the climbing, ducking, and maneuvering was amazing. If you’re not in shape or comfortable climbing rocks, it can be a bit challenging and some of the places that you have to maneuver through can be very tight. But the views are well worth it. I do recommend having shoes with good tread and I probably would not attempt on a rainy or with...