I'm looking for advice from anyone who has climbed Old Rag at Shenandoah. How long a hike is it to get to the top and back down? I'll be doing the hike mid-week, so crowds shouldn't be a factor.

ttt

Old Rag is a great hike. My recollection of the time is a bit fuzzy. The hike is about 9 miles or so. The uphill is mostly trail with some rock scrambling, and much of the downhill return is on a fire road. If you're a fast hiker, I suppose 3 hrs or less is a possibility. Taking it more recreationally, and enjoying the views (lunch on the rocks up top is hard to beat) - maybe 5 hrs or more. I've only been once, probably 6 or 7 years ago, so these are just best guesses. Of course, it depends on your fitness and experience level.

Thanks, that is excellent advice. Anyone else tried it?

It is a real nice hike, but very long, but worth it. As I a recall, at the top you have to do some rock scrambling which is neat if you like that, which I do. You have to register and I think pay to hike it. I guess the money is your entrance fee to the park. Also, the trail head is not on skyline drive, it is on another road that deadends at the mountains, as I recall.

Asdaven,
I believe you are correct. I think it's off route 29 south of Culpeper, maybe in the Madison area. A state secondary road goess through Syria to the base of the mountain.

I've done it, I agree with the time estimates. It is a great hike. The rock scrambling is so fun! (but not overly exposed or difficult). You should have a great time midweek with fewer crowds - we did it Memorial Day weekend a couple of years ago & it was still great fun!!!!

A hike up Old Rag was part of one of five hiking trips I took to Shenandoah last year. I went up the fire road (not too difficult 4.4 miles) and down the VERY tricky 2.8 mile rock climb. NO WAY I could have gone up it; I'm simply not that good at rock scrambling. Also, it's sometimes difficult to follow -- never leave one blaze till you spot the next one.

These directions are from Bert and Jane Gildart, _Hiking Shenandoah National Park_; a MUST-buy if you want to day hike in Shenandoah.

To get to the trailhead, get to Madison VA on US Hiway 29. Then take VA Hiway 231 north for about 2.8 miles. Turn left onto VA 602. In half a mile this road becomes VA-601. In 0.8 mile it becomes VA-707, and 1.7 miles later it becomes VA-600. Take this to one of two parking lots.

There is a small parking lot (max twelve cars) right at the trailhead. If it's full, you must park 0.8 miles from the trailhead at a large grass lot. You must have paid for access to the Park before hiking this trail; either via purchase of day-pass (you can self-register at the lot, even with nobody there), a year pass to the Park, or some kind of pass to all national parks.

The book also notes that you should NOT attempt this hike after or during any threat of rainy weather. People have been seriously injured after slipping on the rocks, and there is NOWHERE to hide (or run!) if lightening comes. Be willing to admit the danger and your limitations BEFORE you hurt yourself!

I went up the rocks & down the fireroad, just my opinion, it is easier to scramble UP than down (& easier to see the next blaze). Plus, walking UP the fireroad seems just plain boring to me.

Agree, though, not a good idea in questionable weather.

Perfectly timed question. I climbed old rag 1 week ago!

I am in good shape and was hiking solo, and it took me 3 1/2 - 4 hours round trip. That is about as fast as I could see anyone doing it. This is a challenging hike. The incline is extreme, and the rocks are tough. It doesn't require a mountaineer, but it does require that you pay close attention to your steps and the climb.

The fire road side is much easier, but still a steep incline.

I would not do the rock side if I was out of shape or climbing with children. No way children should attempt that.