Old Rag's main parking lot is closed through November
Construction closed the main Old Rag lot on Nethers Road on May 4, 2026. NPS expects the work to finish by November 2026. Use the Nethers Road overflow lots or the Berry Hollow lot on the Syria side.
Old Rag needs a $2 day-use ticket through November 30
Everyone on the Ridge, Saddle and Ridge Access trails needs a day-use ticket bought in advance on Recreation.gov, plus a park entrance pass. 400 tickets a day are released 30 days ahead and 400 five days ahead. A ticket does not reserve parking.
Old Rag is the hike people plan a trip around. The Ridge Trail climbs through switchbacks to a mile of granite scrambling, with squeezes, ledges and one chute where you will use your hands. The views from the summit rocks run across the whole central Blue Ridge.
The descent follows the Saddle Trail past the Old Rag shelter, then the Weakley Hollow Fire Road and the Ridge Access Trail back toward Nethers. It is long and exposed, so start early and carry more water than you think you need.
No pets on this trail
Shenandoah prohibits pets on this route. Service animals are welcome. NPS pet rules
Day-use ticket required
$2 per person, March 1 to November 30, plus a park entrance pass. Recreation.gov
Highlights
- A mile of granite rock scramble
- 360-degree summit views
- Old Rag shelter on the descent
Before you go
- The scramble is hard to reverse and slow when crowded. Plan for a full day.
- Tickets do not reserve parking. Arrive early on fall weekends.
