Ridge Access Trail
Old Rag Circuit the Park Service's write-up
7-8 Hours · no dogs · entrance fee applies · reservation required
Start Central District (Park Boundary)
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. Featuring an adventurous rock scramble and a 360-degree view that makes you feel like you're on top of the world, there's no wonder why Old Rag is the most popular destination in Shenandoah National Park. While highly rewarding, hiking to the summit is also very physically demanding and can be dangerous if you have not planned properly, so be sure to check out our Old Rag planning guide before you lace up your boots!
Distance: 9.4-mile circuit hike
Difficulty: Very Strenuous ( hiking difficulty scale )
Hiking Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
Elevation Gain: 2,348 feet
Hike Description
From the Old Rag parking area at the Park boundary, take the blue-blazed Ridge Trail.
Continue along the Ridge Trail, across the rock scramble and descend on the Saddle Trail (blue-blazed), which becomes a fire road after you pass Old Rag Shelter.
At the T-intersection, go right and immediately right again at the fork onto Weakley Hollow Fire Road (yellow-blazed).
Turn right onto the Ridge Access Trail and then left onto the Ridge Trail to return to your starting point.
Pets Pets are prohibited on the Ridge, Saddle, and Ridge Access trails, as well as the section between Post Office Junction and Old Rag Shelter.
Accessibility Although pets are not allowed on the Ridge and Saddle Trails, service animals are welcome.