nI d ai n Run Trail

Nicholson Hollow Trail

Hughes River

Old Rag

Parking

Ridge Trail

to Nethers Ridge Trail

Trailhead

Summit (3296’)

600

600

600

Old Rag Fire Road

Weakley

Hollow

Fire Road

(3,291’)

Park information: (540) 999-3500 

www.nps.gov/shen

*

* 

Old Rag Circuit Hike

Do not attempt this hike unless you are fully prepared.

This is a very challenging 8.8-mile hike and rock scramble to 

spectacular views. The Ridge Trail takes you across a strenuous 

rock scramble to the summit. To complete the circuit hike, return 

by way of the Saddle Trail, past Old Rag Shelter, to Weakley 

Hollow Fire Road, and back to the Old Rag parking area. Bring 

plenty of water. No pets on the Ridge or Saddle trails.

Note: Alternative hikes for visitors with pets are listed on the 

back side of this map.

For Your Safety

As you hike Old Rag you will see handwritten 

numbers below the blue trail blazes. In the event 

of an emergency please note the closest number to 

the incident and include this information when you 

report the emergency. This will help emergency 

responders greatly.

National Park Service

U.S. Department of the Interior

Shenandoah National Park

Old Rag Road & Trail Map

01/13

Park Emergency Number (800) 732-0911
Hiking Old Rag Mountain

Park Emergency Number: (800) 732-0911

Old Rag Mountain is a popular hike in Shenandoah National Park. The trailhead for this hike is at the park's 

boundary. Parking for Old Rag is near Nethers on Rt. 600, 0.8 mile from the trailhead. Parking is not permitted 

along the road or on private property. 

Directions to Old Rag Parking Area

From Sperryville, Route 211, turn onto Route 522 and follow it south for 0.8 mile. Turn right on Route 231, follow 

8 miles, turn right onto Route 601 and follow signs to the parking area, approximately 3 miles.

From Madison, Route 29 Business, turn onto Route 231 and follow it for 12.8 miles. Turn left onto Route 602. 

Follow signs for the parking area. Old Rag parking is approximately 3 miles from the turn onto Route 602.

To Old Rag from Berry Hollow

Some hikers prefer to start from the Berry Hollow parking area near Whiteoak Canyon, because this hike allows 

you to avoid the rock scramble. Take Route 231 South past the turnoff for Nethers. Continue south to Route 670 

near Banco. Turn right at Syria, then left onto Route 600. Go past the Whiteoak Canyon parking area to Berry 

Hollow. The hike starts on the Berry Hollow Fire Road and then takes the Saddle Trail to the summit (avoiding the 

rock scramble). Roundtrip hike is a strenuous 5.4 miles. Parking is extremely limited at Berry Hollow.

Fees

Visitors hiking Old Rag must have a valid Shenandoah National Park entrance permit. Seven (7)-day permits or 

yearly passes may be purchased from rangers, when present, or via self-pay in the Old Rag parking area. Thanks to 

a Federal Recreational Fee program, 80% of your entrance fee is returned to the park to support previously 

unfunded maintenance, resource management, visitor services, and trail rehabilitation projects. 

Safety

Be prepared. Be sure you are physically able to do this strenuous hike. Take plenty of water and wear sturdy shoes. 

Food, extra layers of clothing, and a flashlight are also recommended. Do not attempt to hike Old Rag if the rocks 

are wet or icy. Stay on the trail. Stay together and do not allow children to hike ahead. Allow enough time to 

complete your hike before dark. There is no public transportation in the Old Rag area and cell service is 

unreliable.

Pets

Pets are NOT permitted on the Ridge and Saddle Trails–alternate hikes are listed below. Pet owners have the special 

responsibility of following the park regulations for pets. Pets must be kept on a lead no longer than 6 feet while they 

are in the park. This is for the protection of the park, its wildlife, for the pet's safety, and the safety of others.

Alternate Hikes for Visitors With Pets: 

• Robertson Mountain Trail – 7.8 miles round trip to summit. Fairly steep climb with a stream crossing. Take 

Weakly Hollow Fire Road to Robertson Mountain Trail. 

• Nicholson Hollow Trail to Corbin Cabin – 8.9 miles round trip to renovated mountain cabin along mountain 

stream. Moderate climb.

• Nicholson Hollow Trail to Junction of Corbin Mountain Trail – 3.5 miles round trip. Fairly easy hike along 

stream.

• Nicholson Hollow/Corbin Mountain – 12.8-mile circuit, moderately strenuous along a mountain stream and 

through woods. Take Nicholson Hollow Trail to Indian Run Trail to Corbin Mountain Trail. Involves a stream 

crossing.

Backcountry Camping

There are limited opportunities for backcountry camping in the Old Rag area. Camping is prohibited above 2800' 

on Old Rag. Park boundary limitations must be observed and neighbors' property rights respected. Please do not 

trespass on private property.

A backcountry camping permit is required and backcountry camping regulations are strictly enforced. The permit 

can be obtained at park entrance stations, visitor centers, or at a self-registration station. The self-registration 

station is located in the Old Rag parking area. Note that Old Rag and Byrds Nest shelters are for day use only. Visitors 

may purchase detailed hiking maps at park visitor centers, entrance stations, and from some local merchants in the 

Old Rag area.

Leave No Trace of your visit. Pack out all trash and do not disturb, damage, or remove wildlife, plants, rocks, or 

historical artifacts.

Map available online at www.nps.gov/shen