Apr 24, 20232 min read

#NPSAccomplishment - Conquering Old Rag

Today's #MyParkStory relates to accomplishment. There is no greater feeling than getting out in nature, facing your fears, and scrambling to the summit of a mountain for breathtaking views after a lengthy, strenuous hike. Hiking The Old Rag Mountain Loop was definitely an accomplishment that tested my limits both mentally and physically. After completing this hike I felt inspired to conquer more challenging hikes that tested my fear of heights.

Old Rag is a mountain located in Shenandoah National Park and is part of the Blue Ridge Mountain Range. The hike is the most popular destination in Shenandoah National Park with rock scrambles and 360- degree views. Although this hike is rewarding, it is physically demanding and can be dangerous if you have not prepared properly. Be sure to wear hiking boots, bring plenty of water, and know your limits. An extra pair of socks never hurts! Children and adults under 5'3" may need assistance navigating the rock scramble.

Getting An Early Start

It's imperative to get an early start because of the distance and time the hike requires, and the parking lot fills up quickly! We stayed at Graves Mountain Lodge the night before our hike. We enjoyed an absolutely beautiful sunrise at the lodge before the 21 minute drive from Graves Mountain Lodge to the parking lot at The Old Rag Trailhead.

Old Rag visitors need to obtain an 'Old Rag day use ticket' in advance in addition to a park entrance pass from March 1st through November 30th. More information regarding ticketing can be found on the Shenandoah National Park site.

The Trail

According to AllTrails Old Rag Mountain Loop and the NPS website, this hike is a little over 9 miles. However, AllTrails tracked our hike at just over 11 miles and over 2,350 ft. of elevation gain with a total time of just under 7.5 hours (including lunch at the summit). This hike remains one of my favorites even after visiting and hiking trails in over 25 other national parks. One of my favorite aspects of this trail is all of the rock scrambling required as you approach the summit. Check out our YouTube video of this hike to get a better idea of what that entails. I felt a huge sense of accomplishment after completing this adventure, although it was exhausting. I slept GREAT when my head hit the pillow that night! I can't wait to return during the summer months.