Trail Review: Old Rag Circuit

Here we are. Two very nieve men, pointing to Old Rag. We had just arrived in Shenandoah National Park and were still blissfully unaware of the harsh lessons that she was going to teach us. Old Rag was the first, but not the only lesson she had in store. In fact upon completing this hike, we both said it was one of the most physically difficult things we had done so far. We were so unaware of what was still to come. But for now, on to Old Rag.

The day of the hike was an early morning. We got on the move at 7:00 in the morning to get to Old Rag. To access the mountain from Big Meadows, you actually need to drive out of the park and drive to the Old Rag Parking Lot. It took us about an hour between leaving the park and getting to the lot. We arrived around 8am. I would recommend doing the same, it is a long hike and the parking fills in fast.

In order to get on the trail, you have to check in with your tickets with the ranger. Make sure you have your tickets, Park Pass, and your ID to save yourself the trip back to the car. Once you have checked in- enjoy the uphill climb. It is a LONG way up to the summit. The first part of the hike is switchbacks that lead through the forest at the base of the mountain. Even these switchbacks are steep. We were pretty smart about it. we would break frequently and make sure to drink water as we caterpillared up.

Once you break the treeline, the views become almost immediately stunning. Here Seningen engages in the first of many day-dreamy wordless gazes off into the horizon. But with the addition of the views, so too came the more technical parts of this climb. While I will say that the uphill switchbacks were not exactly the easy, they were nothing compared to the mental and physical challenge that was the rock scrambling to the summit was.

When I heard that there was a rock scramble, I was picturing a classic boulder field at the top of a mountain. I was not expecting the amount of technical work that would be required. It certainly required the use of upper and lower body strength. It involved tight squeezes, caves, climbing, and ducking. While it was completely doable without a harness or anything, it was not as simple as walking across some boulders in a rockfield. Thankfully Seningen and I had each other’s back the way we did. He called things out as he went ahead and I held packs and acted as a back support when needed.

The technical climb, the uphill battle, and whatever scrapes and cuts you get on the way are worth it from the top. It is one of the most stunning views of the National Park you can get. It was truly a stunning look. We stared at it and ate our lunch in awe. Spectacular. Just remember that you have to go back down. Even down had its challenges, so remember that there is still some distance taking the fire road. Budget your time and your strength accordingly.

Overall Review:

Difficulty: Extremely Strenuous- One of the toughest hikes I have done.

Views: Absolutely Stunning- unmatched in Shenandoah National Park.

Best Part: The views and the sense of accomplishment.

Worst Part: The up. There is A LOT of up to get there.

Recommendation: I am only recommending this hike to experienced hikers who are well prepared. Monitor weather. Follow the recommendations of the National Park Service.