Where To Park To Hike Old Rag?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Lot one (lower lot) is the main parking lot. Lot two (upper lot) is for RVs, horse trailers and cars

. It will make sense when you drive along Nethers Road en route to the parking lots. On your GPS, enter 3577 Nethers Road, Etlan as the Old Rag parking lot address.

Can I hike Old Rag alone?

Allow 4-8 hours to complete the Old Rag circuit. I did it in just under five hours, moving fairly quickly with several photo breaks and a 30-45 minute break at the summit to drink my beer and eat my Pringles.

You can hike Old Rag as a circuit (9.1 miles) or an out and back (8.2 miles)

.

Can you access Old Rag from Skyline Drive?

Once we reached our car at Limberland Trail Head, we collapsed and chugged a lot of water. From our knowledge,

this is one of the only ways to access Old Rag Mountain from Skyline

. We recorded about 18.7 miles and 7 1/2 hours of hiking with pretty minimal breaks and a fast pace.

Is it hard to hike Old Rag?

The Old Rag hike is

strenuous

, with lots of switchback trails and rock scrambling. The reward from the top of Old Rag is a 360° view of the Shenandoah Mountains. It’s a fun, challenging hike that is great for adults and very adventurous kids.

How much does it cost to park at Old Rag?

Trail Stats Fee

$30 per vehicle

(good for seven days)
Driving Directions Click Here

How much does it cost to hike Old Rag?

You would still have to pay the

$30 entrance fee per vehicle, good for seven consecutive days, or $15 for walk-ups or those on bicycles

. Park officials said the aim is to make the Old Rag experience as rewarding as possible for visitors.

What should I bring to Old Rag?

  1. 1/7. Abby Vesoulis Make sure to bring at least two liters of water per person. …
  2. 3/7. Abby Vesoulis Wear a sweat-wicking shirt or tank top, but bring a light jacket in case the morning is cold. …
  3. 5/7.

What is rock scrambling?

Rock scrambling is

a method of ascending rocky faces and ridges

. It’s not rock climbing, but it’s not walking either. Rock scrambles are typically associated with trails that offer ‘non-technical’ summits as a destination.

How long does a 9 mile hike take?

Using Naismith’s Rule, a nine mile hike should have a base hiking time of

three hours

at a calculation of three miles per hour. The elevation gain was 3,169 feet. Adding on 10 minutes to the overall hike time for every 328 feet, that’s roughly 100 minutes to tack on.

Do you need a reservation to hike Old Rag?


Hikers must purchase their tickets in advance via www.recreation.gov

. Tickets will not be available at the Old Rag fee station, and there is very little cell phone coverage in the area. Tickets may be purchased up to 30 days in advance and are valid for the day of arrival only.

Do you have to pay for Old Rag?

Although Old Rag Mountain is within the boundaries of Shenandoah National Park, most people approach it from the Park’s eastern boundary, instead of from Skyline Drive.

You are still required to pay an entrance fee, but parking at the lots operated by the National Park Service is free

.

Is scrambling safe?

Scrambling can be higher-consequence than regular hiking: the footing is often less secure, and a fall on exposed terrain could lead to injury.

With some preparation and the right technique, you can scramble safely and level up your hiking

. If you’re new to scrambling, there are many ways to ease your way into it.

How do you scramble when hiking?

What is a scrambler in hiking?

Scrambling is “

a walk up steep terrain involving the use of one’s hands

“. It is an ambiguous term that lies somewhere between hiking, hillwalking, and easy mountaineering and rock climbing. Sure-footedness and a head for heights are essential. Canyoning, Gill and stream scrambling are other types of scrambling.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.