Old Rag Parking (Ranger Station) — Attraction in Luray

This is the most beautiful and accessible hike in Virginia, in my humble opinion. It offers extraordinary views of the Shenandoah, it is a hike that virtually anyone can do and it's one that I've enjoyed for many years. It truly is a shame that the National Park Service (which is funded by my tax dollars, I might add), has recently turned it, like virtually everything else it touches, into a money grab.

Take a look at your paycheck the next time it comes through and note the line where it tells you about all the taxes that were deducted from the money that you make. Then Google, "Is the National Park Service funded by taxpayers." Now, as you pull into the Old Rag parking lot, note all the signs about how you need to purchase a day pass and show it to a Ranger before you can hike on the mountain that is maintained by your tax dollars. Do you see the dilemma?

I have nothing against the hike, it is absolutely wonderful. I have nothing against the Park Rangers who care for the land, everyone I've come across has been very friendly. I don't really even have a problem with the idea of day passes to help control the flow of people on the mountain as it does get very busy. My issue is with the National Park Service taking an absolutely beautiful and popular hike in the area and commercializing it for profit.

I've hiked this trail for well over 15 years and when I first started parking was a simple grass lot where it was free to park and free to hike. Then, slowly, but steadily, the Park Service began to encourage folks to start paying to hike on the trail, then they posted a ranger outside of the parking lot to enforce that people paid to park. Then, as I found out this year, they completely moved and paved a commercial parking lot (that even allows for tour busses!) and re-routed the trail so that it runs directly past this Ranger Station where they scan your day pass to allow you to hike on the mountain – like you're walking into a movie theater, and they have several Park Rangers on the trail to make sure you don't try to sneak past.

It's a shame. The day pass is only a dollar at the moment but, judging by how much it costs to drive on Skyline Drive, I would anticipate that it won't be long before that price starts to increase.

I love Old Rag and am disappointed by what it has become. If you're looking for a beautiful (and free!) hike, skip on over to the George Washington National Forest. It is beautiful, rural and there for you to enjoy...not to make the Park Service an...

This hike starts off deceptively easy—just a gentle walk for the first 2–3 miles. Don’t let that fool you. Eventually, you’ll arrive at a scenic viewpoint where the mountain views really open up. It’s the perfect place to take a breather and soak in the surroundings before things get intense.

After the viewpoint, the trail shifts dramatically into rock scrambling territory. It’s tough, technical, and not something I’d recommend for beginners. But if you’re up for the challenge, it’s a rewarding climb.

Once you reach the peak, the view is breathtaking—totally worth the effort.

The descent offers two options: • The loop: Easier and more gradual, but much longer (about 9 miles total). • The original route: Shorter at around 7 miles, but much steeper and more intense.

We took the original route back down for some extra fun of rock scramble. If you’re not confident with scrambling or steep terrain, the loop might be a better (though longer) choice.

Interesting moment along the way: I spotted a black, non-venomous snake—added a little excitement to the adventure! After the scrambling section, the trail evens out and becomes much milder, making for a more relaxed finish.

This trail is no joke, but the views and sense of accomplishment are more than worth it. Come prepared, wear good shoes, and don’t underestimate the rock scramble. If you’re an experienced hiker looking for a challenge, this...

Much improved from when we went back in 2018. The 'new' ranger station is convenient. The gravel lot is also nicely located and is an improvement over the grassy patch that is the lower lot when it rains. I was pleasantly surprised to learn you can purchase an America The Beautiful National Parks Pass ($80) there. It wasn't advertised as a location you can do that on the NPS website. Also the ranger station hours are not fixed. We rolled in around noon and the station was manned, we got back to the lot around 5:30PM and between our return and when we actually left the Park (15 min), the station was unmanned. We saw a ranger coming in about when we left, so there must be someone there most of the day I would guess. You will need an Old Rag Day use pass for each member of your group ($2/person) in addition to a NPS or Shenandoah NPS pass ($30 for one day $50 for the year). We hiked the crest trail (the left path when you come to the split) almost all the way to the peak and back the same way. The closer you get to the peak the more interesting/challenging the hike becomes. Lots of crawling up, down, over, and under rocks. This is where the views get really good since you are up above the tree line. We saw a younger buck deer, and some birds. There were lots of spotted lantern flies (invasive species),...