Old Rag Mountain Tickets
Shenandoah National Park
Featuring hikes with adventurous rock scrambles and 360-degree views that make you feel like you're on top of the world, there's no wonder why Old Rag is one of the most popular destinations in Shenandoah National Park. Most visitors choose to hike to the summit via a loop originating near the Park’s eastern boundary. The 9.4-mile loop, which incorporates the Ridge, Ridge Access, and Saddle trails, is extremely strenuous and includes a significant rock scramble. To help ensure your safety and get the most out of your hike, be sure that you prepare to hike Old Rag before you arrive.
Visitors to Old Rag Mountain are required to purchase a $2 day-use ticket in advance of their visit, in addition to a park entrance pass. Day-use tickets are not required during the months of December, January, and February; however, you still need to pay the park admission if you don't already have a park pass. With the increasing popularity of the Old Rag area, a visitor-use study found that this was necessary to provide a positive visitor experience, increase visitor safety, and protect natural resources. Find out more information about the Old Rag day-use ticket.
Featuring hikes with adventurous rock scrambles and 360-degree views that make you feel like you're on top of the world, there's no wonder why Old Rag is one of the most popular destinations in Shenandoah National Park. Most visitors choose to hike to the summit via a loop originating near the Park’s eastern boundary. The 9.4-mile loop, which incorporates the Ridge, Ridge Access, and Saddle trails, is extremely strenuous and includes a significant rock scramble. To help ensure your safety and get the most out of your hike, be sure that you prepare to hike Old Rag before you arrive.
Visitors to Old Rag Mountain are required to purchase a $2 day-use ticket in advance of their visit, in addition to a park entrance pass. Day-use tickets are not required during the months of December, January, and February; however, you still need to pay the park admission if you don't already have a park pass. With the increasing popularity of the Old Rag area, a visitor-use study found that this was necessary to provide a positive visitor experience, increase visitor safety, and protect natural resources. Find out more information about the Old Rag day-use ticket.
Need to Know
- Entrance Pass
All visitors to Old Rag Mountain are required to also have a Park entrance pass , in addition to an Old Rag day-use ticket. Entrance passes may be purchased online prior to your visit, or at any of our entrance stations, including at Old Rag. Old Rag day-use tickets must be purchased online (click here) and are not available for purchase at entrance stations.
- Where Tickets are Required
Visitors to Old Rag Mountain, including hikers on the Saddle, Ridge, and Ridge Access trails, will need to obtain an Old Rag day-use ticket in advance, in addition to a Park entrance pass. View the map of the full area where tickets are required.
- Proof of Purchase / Photo I.D.
You are required to bring evidence of your ticket purchase for entry to Old Rag Mountain. Print or save a digital copy of your reservation with the confirmation code, which will be scanned to verify the reservation. Cell service is unreliable at the trailhead.
The person who purchased the ticket(s) online must also present the Ranger with a photo I.D. (any form of I.D. with your name and picture). Photo I.D.s are also required for Interagency passes and Shenandoah annual passes.
- Safety
This is a strenuous, remote hike – know what to expect before you arrive . Children often need assistance navigating the rock scramble. Wear proper hiking clothing and footwear, and stay on the marked trail (e.g., follow blue blazes through rock scramble) — hazardous terrain and conditions frequently result in visitor injuries. Bring plenty of water, and prepare for unexpected weather and delays.
- Cell Service
Cell and GPS services are unreliable near Old Rag Mountain, so please plan accordingly. There is no internet service available. If possible, download an area map to your phone's GPS app for offline use before leaving home.
- Pets
For safety reasons, pets are prohibited on the Ridge, Saddle, Old Rag Access, & Ridge Access trails.
- Food, Gas, and Other Services
Food, gas, lodging and other services are not available at Old Rag; services are available in nearby towns.
- Parking
Parking at the NPS-operated parking lots located at the Old Rag boundary area is free. However, an Old Rag day-use ticket does not guarantee a parking spot. Because parking is limited, we strongly recommend carpooling with other hikers. Parking is prohibited along any public road. Be sure to bring your Old Rag day-use ticket and I.D. (if applicable), along with your park pass and I.D. (or method of payment) to the Old Rag fee station. Please don't leave them in your vehicle.
- Tread Lightly
Old Rag Mountain is host to many rare and endangered plants that live in the rocky environment of the granite boulders. These plants are particularly susceptible to trampling, so please stay on the marked trail and observe all rock outcrop management closure areas .
Booking Windows
A total of 800 tickets will be available for each day (except during the months of December, January, and February), released on a daily, rolling window.
• Primary Booking Window: 400 of the daily tickets are available 30 days in advance of the reservation date, at 10 a.m. EST.
• Secondary Booking Window: 400 of the daily tickets are also available five days in advance of the reservation date, at 10 a.m. EST on a rolling daily window.
While not guaranteed, if there are any remaining tickets after the 30-day and 5-day booking windows, they will be available to purchase the day of. Cell service or an internet connection is needed to make the transaction, neither of which is available at the Old Rag Entrance Station.
Changes and Cancellations
You have until noon the day before your ticket is valid to cancel or change your reservation, however, we are not able to issue a refund of the $1 cancellation fee for any reason. To change the date of your Old Rag day-use ticket, you can choose from the next available day.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
2923 Nethers Rd Sperryville VA 22740
Phone Number
540-999-3500 EXT 3747
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