About
Length (round trip)5.4 mi
ShapeOut-and-Back
DifficultyStrenuous
Elevation gain1,700 ft up
Typical time6 hr 30 min
TrailheadBerry Hollow, off Route 600
SurfaceFire road and Saddle Trail
Best seasonApril to early June for wildflowers and waterfalls; mid-October for fall colour. Skyline Drive closes in ice and snow.
DogsNot allowed
PermitRequired
AccessibilityAlthough pets are not allowed on the Ridge and Saddle Trails, service animals are welcome.
What you'll see ⛰️ Summit🌄 Big views

From March 1 - November 30, visitors to Old Rag Mountain, including hikers on the Saddle, Ridge, and Ridge Access trails, will need to obtain an Old Rag day-use ticket in advance, in addition to a Park entrance pass. Find out more information on our Old Rag day-use ticket FAQ page. Pets are not allowed on this hike. Old Rag is a popular, strenuous hike with sweeping views. This route starts from the Berry Hollow parking area and allows you to get to the summit without having to navigate the rock scramble. Even without the scramble, however, hiking to the summit is physically demanding and can be dangerous if you have not planned properly. Be sure to check out our Old Rag planning guide before you lace up your boots! Distance: 5.4-mile round trip hike Difficulty: Strenuous ( hiking difficulty scale ) Hiking Time: 6 hours 15 minutes Elevation Gain: 1,760 feet Hike Description From the trailhead at the Berry Hollow Parking Area on the Park boundary, hike the Berry Hollow Road 0.8-mile to the junction with Old Rag Fire Road. Turn right and continue 0.4-mile to the Old Rag Shelter. Turn left onto the Saddle Trail and continue the remaining 1.6 miles to the summit. Return to the parking area by the same route to avoid the Ridge Trail rock scramble.

Tips
Still needs the Old Rag day-use ticket. Half the distance and none of the scramble, which makes it the sensible route if the rocks are wet or you are not confident on them.
Location

Showing Shenandoah National Park — we don't have this trail's own trailhead coordinates yet.

Other Hikers
No one has logged this trail yet.
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