Old Rag is the traditional climbing crown of Virginia. For those willing to brave the somewhat lengthy approach with a full rack and rope, gorgeous single pitch, Joshua Tree-esque granite awaits you. Classic splitters, corners and faces on very old and bomber rock define this area. There are a few routes that go for two pitches, but not many. The same can be said for bolted routes- they are sparse and most require the augmentation of traditional gear.

Comprehensive Guidebook: stores.sharpendbooks.com/ol…

The climbing at Old Rag offers plenty of opportunity for adventure. Choose wisely, because an injury here requiring a rescue is quite an involved and arduous procedure. Be cautious.

There is a great resource for more informationHERE.

Good non-climbing info at: hikingupward.com/SNP/OldRag/

Directions from Google Maps;daddr=38.57036+-78.28705&submit2.x=47&submit2.y=7

From Washington DC metro area, outer loop of beltway:

Take exit 49 to merge onto I-66 W toward Front Royal/Manassas 21.7 mi.

Take exit 43A to merge onto Lee Hwy/US29 S toward Gainesville/Warrenton 11.5 mi

Take the US29 Bus/US211 W exit toward Luray/Warrenton/US-15 Bus0.2 mi

Merge E Lee Hwy/US-211 W/US-29-BR S Continue on US-211 W/US-29-BR S 1.8 mi

Turn right at Frost Ave/US-211. Continue to follow US-211 27.0 mi

Turn left at Berryville Pike/US-522 0.1 mi

Turn left at Main St/US-522. Continue to follow US-522 0.7 mi

Turn right at Fort Valley Rd/VA-231 7.3 mi

Turn right at Sharp Rock Rd 1.2 mi

Turn right at Nethers Rd 2.2 mi

Large Parking lot will be on left. There are also ~10 parking spots at the trailhead.

Parking fees may be required unless you have an annual SNP $20? or NPS/America-the-Beautiful $80 pass.

NOTE: AS OF MARCH 2022 YOU MUST RESERVE AN OLD RAG DAY USE TICKET TO BE ANYWHERE ON THE MOUNTAIN. 

https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/10088450

PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO LET THE PARK SERVICE KNOW HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT THIS NEW POLICY.

***THIS PARKING ABOVE IS THE HIKER PARKING. IT ADDS ALMOST AN EXTRA MILE AND A FEW HUNDRED EXTRA FEET OF ELEVATION AND EXTRA 4TH CLASS SCRAMBLING TO YOUR APPROACH- BUT IT IS FUN! IF YOU WANT THE CLIMBER'S APPROACH, SEE BELOW.***

Take route 231 (whether coming from North or South) to route 670 (Old BlueRidge Turnpike). Follow this to the small, one intersection town of Syria, VA. From here, follow Weakley Hollow Road all the way to Berry Hollow Rd (it actually turns into Berry Hollow Road at some point) until you reach the Berry Hollow Parking lot. You'll have a small river on your left most of the way. You'll also pass White Oak Canyon on your left. When you get to Berry Hollow parking, you won't be able to go any further. Parking is limited. Get there early, don't block anyone in, don't take up two spots, and no fee required. Hike up the fire road and take your first right at the sign. In no time you'll be at Old Rag Shelter, then you'll reach Byrd's Nest Shelter, then it's just a quick jaunt to the summit from there.  Here's a Google Maps link to Berry Hollow parking: Berry Hollow