Shenandoah National Park - Old Rag - 3,291'
One of the most popular mountains to climb in Shenandoah National Park is Old Rag. Old Rag's summit is 3,291' and provides beautiful views in all directions. Although it is not the highest mountain located within the park, it is definitely one of the most difficult to climb. The most popular route to the summit is along the Ridge Trail. The Ridge Trail, marked by a blue blaze, starts at the Old Rag Parking Area and heads southwest towards the summit. The first two miles of the trail are a fairly easy climb with some moderate to steep switchbacks. When you have finished hiking the first section and reach the rock scramble the trail becomes a much more difficult hike, and a lot more fun! The rock scramble is quite strenuous and requires climbing up and down boulders, squeezing between rock faces and climbing up the natural staircase (pictured below). The scenery throughout the rock scramble is really fascinating. When you finally reach the summit you are rewarded with beautiful views. The summit is quite large and there are many areas to sit and enjoy the view. To complete the circuit hike and return to the Old Rag Parking Area follow the Saddle Trail. Although some sections of the trail are steep, there is no rock scramble to navigate and climb through, so the return trip is much easier. Along the Saddle Trail there are two day use shelters, the Byrd's Nest (pictured below), and the Old Rag Shelter. The Saddle Trail connects with the Weakley Hollow Fire Road and you can follow the fire road all the way back to the parking lot.
Below are some pictures I shot while climbing Old Rag.
Old Rag Trail Map - https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/upload/old_rag_area.pdf