Old Rag Mountain Hike in Shenandoah
2577 Nethers Road, Etlan, Virginia 22719
Dawn to Dusk
$$$
hikes, outdoor-adventures
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This Day Trip is An Amazing and Memorable Experience for the Whole Family!
If you’ve been in the DC area for more than 15 minutes and like hiking, you’ve likely heard that Old Rag Mountain is a staple. It’s a challenging hike and day trip worth the trip. This hike is most appropriate for teens or children ages 8 and up with a lot of energy and athleticism.
We’ve also done the hike with babies and toddlers in backpacks when eager for a challenge. The loop is 9 miles or you can do an out and back option, which is closer to 6 miles with some boulder climbing along the way. When younger kids are involved, we recommend reserving seven to eight hours for this portion. Of course, it is possible to do it faster but on this moderately strenuous adventure, you’ll want to leave plenty of time for refueling and experiencing nature.
The views are spectacular, and the hike is great fun but requires proper planning. Find preparation guidance on the NPS website.
Bring plenty of water, snacks and a first aid kid.