Old Rag Mountain massif

USA / Virginia / Round Hill /
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Elevation: 3280+ feet (1000+ meters)

Old Rag Mountain near Sperryville, VA.

Old Rag Mountain, or simply Old Rag, is a mountain in Madison County, Virginia. A popular hiking destination; it is located in Shenandoah National Park, and is considered unusual in that unlike most mountains of the Blue Ridge, it has an exposed (rocky) top.

It is also located near the Washington, DC area which adds to its popularity and traffic - especially during the first weekend of spring, and the peak leaf season in the fall. Foliage aside, however, the eight-mile loop hike is considered a rite of passage for mid-Atlantic hikers.

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Wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Rag_Mountain
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   38°32'33"N   78°18'50"W

Comments

  • Old Rag is one of my favorite places to go for outdoor fun in the near-DC-Richmond span of Virginia. Though it is rocky and there are faces to shimmy around and through to hike the whole path, the Old Rag hike is a moderate to low challenge physically, depending on how in-shape or experienced of a hiker/advetnurer you are. I've been visiting Old Rag around once per year for 7, since I was about 12 years old, and I would definitely keep on going for years to come. With its crisp views and plateaus bathed in sunlight and rock scrambles to wonder on at the top, no matter how easy or difficult the climb to the top may be for you, you won't regret it. I am sure by the end of your first visit, Old Rag will have won you over for nature-outings. Also, a good point to mention, Luray is not too distant with the various points of interest it has to offer. Try it out! I'm sure you will love it, even if your legs hate you on the way down the mountain. Just a note, down go down the mountain the back way if your legs are stiff and tired at the top already, though it may be faster by half an hour to get back to your car, it will make you conscious of how well you worked your legs (and possibly back) that day.
  • A came across a bear with a cub this June while ascending. No big deal, this is Shenandoah after all, but better look around.
  • Most of the 8 mile loop is on forest roads. Compared to Mt. Washington, Old Rag is a cakewalk.
This article was last modified 3 months ago