Old Rag Circuit
Shenandoah’s signature full-day circuit combining a sustained climb, technical rock scramble and long descent.
Route overview
Old Rag Circuit in Blue Ridge Mountains.
Old Rag is a major mountain objective rather than a casual summit walk. The circuit climbs from the park boundary, crosses an extended boulder scramble with narrow passages and exposed moves, reaches the granite summit and returns by Saddle Trail and fire road. Crowding, heat and slow movement through the scramble can greatly extend the day.
Trail facts
- Country
- United States
- Region
- Blue Ridge Mountains
- Distance
- Approximately 9.4 miles / 15.1 km circuit
- Typical duration
- 7–8 hours
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Elevation gain
- Not published by official source
- Best season
- Dry, stable conditions; avoid ice, thunderstorms, extreme heat and peak congestion
- Trail type
- Circuit
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- Park entrance plus current Old Rag day-use ticket during the regulated season
Safety context
Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure. Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.
Falls, entrapment in boulder passages, heat illness, dehydration, lightning, crowd delays, routefinding and late finish
Highlights
Shenandoah National Park, Old Rag, rock scramble, permit hike, strenuous circuit
Why find a buddy
A compatible partner is strongly valuable for scramble spotting, decision-making, emergencies and avoiding a solo late finish.
Primary source
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.