The trailhead for this hike is at the park's boundary. 600, which is roughly 0.75 miles from the start of the trail. The Old Rag Mountain hike in the Shenandoah National Park is one of the most popular hikes in the mid-Atlantic region. Old Rag Circuit Hike. 600, 0.8 mile from the trailhead. Parking for Old Rag is near Nethers on Rt. Most people tend to approach Old Rag Mountain from the eastern boundary, following the directions that I … As I mentioned before, parking for Old Rag Mountain is located near Nethers on Rt. The reward from the top of Old Rag is a 360° view of the Shenandoah Mountains. But be prepared for the crowds. An unidentified hiker reportedly injured on Old Rag Mountain last Friday could not be medevaced for medical treatment until the sun came up Saturday morning, the Rappahannock News is told. The Old Rag Mountain loop trail is roughly 10-miles in length and typically heavily trafficked during the prime hiking months of June, July, and August. With many spectacular panoramic views, and one of the most challenging rock scrambles in the park, this circuit hike is a favorite of many hikers. The hike itself is an 8-mile loop with a somewhat strenuous rock scrambling section leading to the summit. The elevation gain on this trail is no joke, reaching approximately 2,500 feet at the highest point of the trail. Fast Facts about Old Rag. The Old Rag hike is strenuous, with lots of switchback trails and rock scrambling. Why You Must Hike This Hike: Old Rag is Shenandoah National Park’s contribution to the great mountains of America. It’s a fun, challenging hike that is great for adults and very adventurous kids. Distance: 9.4 miles; How Long: allow 5 to 7 hours; Elevation Gain: 2,400 feet Bring plenty of water. Difficulty: Difficult. According to Shenandoah National Park Management Specialist Sally Hurlbert, a 42-year-old man collapsed Saturday afternoon while hiking with friends on Old Rag Mountain. Take the Robertson Mtn Trail W-NW over Robertson Mountain until it merges approx 2 miles later with the Old Rag Fire Trail. The granite-topped peak delivers incredible views and a rock scramble along the way. 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 … Continue on the Old Rag Fire Trail for another 1.5 miles until merging with the WhiteOak CanyonTrial which will take you back to your car. Old Rag's proximity to a major metropolitan area (about a 2-hour drive from Washington, D.C) contributes to the crowds that frequent the mountain, but any exceptional mountain accessible by paved roads and day hikes is bound to attract attention no matter where it is. The scrambling makes the hike most enjoyable; otherwise the trail isn’t much different from other options in the area. 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