Day Hike - Old Rag (9.4 Miles) + CraftWorx Taproom
Details
Let's kick off 2025 hiking with an old favorite - Old Rag!
Old Rag is one of my favorite hikes on the east coast. The way up is nothing short of incredible - you will experience switchbacks, scrambles, false summits, interesting trail navigation, and absolutely amazing views. This is the iconic day hike in Shenandoah. Don't miss it. Please make sure to get a day-use ticket for $2 using the link below.
As usual, let's plan to stop afterwards for food/drinks at CraftWorx Taproom (5615 Wellington Rd #101, Gainesville, VA 20155).
We will meet at Vienna Metro at 9AM and carpool to the trailhead. Drive time is about 1 hour and 45 mins - Please post a comment below if you are willing to drive. Carpooling saves the environment and makes friends.
## Trail Facts
- Difficulty Level: Strenuous
- Length: 9.4 Miles
- Duration: 5-6 hrs
- Elevation Gain: 2,604 Feet
- Permits: Old Rag Day Use Ticket: https://go.nps.gov/oldragticket
- Parking: Vienna Metro Station
- Dogs: Not Allowed
- Trailhead Coordinates: 38.571008, -78.293499
- AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/old-rag-mountain-loop-trail?u=i&sh=rak641
Trail Details:
This hike, although challenging, is one of the most popular and spectacular hikes in Shenandoah National Park. It has been referred to as an “unforgettable” hike by many. Your climb to the peak includes many rocky switchbacks, various false peaks, and several scrambles. The descent, which will be slightly longer than your ascent, is a much more gradual grade that ends with an easy walk down a fire road. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on this trail.
This is a challenging hike that will take most of the day. It is highly recommended that you bring plenty of water as well as snacks and electrolytes (i.e. Gatorade). Hiking Old Rag is an adventure that should be on every Virginia hiker’s bucket list.
DAY USE TICKETS: Old Rag has become so popular that the National Park Service limits hikers via day-use tickets. The tickets are only $2, but they do sell-out. If you plan to attend this hike, please ensure you have a ticket in advance: https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/faqs-oldrag.htm
LIABILITY NOTICE:
Please remember that this group is an informal group of friends and volunteers initiating trips under the common adventurer model (http://www.ronwatters.com/CADefine.htm) We do expect our members to be familiar with the best practices of hiking – this is not a group for first-time hikers and is NOT a group for those seeking hiking instruction.
We're also not experts or professionals, nor are we trained hike leaders, nor do we scout out hikes. We plan hikes for fun. You are responsible for your own welfare and safety at all events. Be sure to choose to attend hikes only within your own physical abilities and hiking knowledge; take maps, suitable clothing, provisions (at least two liters of water plus any food or medical supplies you might require), and equipment, and act responsibly and safely at all times. If you ever believe you may be lost, follow the advice of the US Forest Service. https://www.fs.fed.us/visit/know-before-you-go/if-you-get-lost
Organizers and members shall not be liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to persons or property, direct or consequential, arising from any aspect this group’s activities. By attending this event, you represent that you agree to personally assume any and all risks associated with the Activity. You further agree to hold group organizers harmless from any and all claims, loss or damage to personal property, liabilities and costs, including attorney’s fees, as a result of my participation in this Activity, including travel to and from the Activity or any events incidental to this Activity.