Old Rag Circuit Hike - Etlan, VA
The Old Rag Circuit Hike is an iconic destination in the heart of Etlan, Virginia, and is known for its challenging, dog-friendly hiking trails. Widely regarded as one of the best pet-friendly hikes in the region, this 9-mile loop offers rugged terrain, rock scrambles, and stunning 360-degree summit views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley. If you and your pup enjoy a challenging outdoor adventure, this is a top pick among dog parks and hiking spots near Etlan.
Please note that this trail can be strenuous and is best suited for experienced hikers and dogs accustomed to long, rocky hikes. Public restrooms are available for owners, and the trails are kid-friendly, though not recommended for younger children or anyone uncomfortable with rock scrambles or steep drop-offs. Accessibility is limited, as wheelchairs cannot access most of the route, and passes are required during the busy season (March-November). Bring proper hiking shoes, plenty of water, and plan for a full day of outdoor fun on this unforgettable Virginia trail!
FAQ
- Are restrooms available for owners? Yes, there are public restrooms available at the trailhead.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? No, the trails are not wheelchair accessible due to steep and rocky terrain.
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, Old Rag Circuit Hike is a notable hiking trail loop.
- Is there a playground or activities for kids nearby? The area offers kid-friendly hiking experiences, but the trail can be physically demanding and is not suitable for very young children.
- How busy does the park get on weekends? Old Rag is extremely popular, especially during the spring to fall months, and permits are required due to the high number of visitors.
Reviews
Wow. There are a few hikes that I can remember and this will be at the top of the list. This isn’t really a quick and easy hike. And difficulty really depends on each person, but for me it was fun and a little bit challenging. The top is definitely worth the climb and it’s nice to see a lot of people hiking along with you and you get to meet some cool people along the way. I would do it again. Just let me rest my knees haha
Good hike and strenuous..we are in our mid 50’s, and we’re able to complete it. Not for short people, though. Did take a 6-7 ft rope with evenly spaced knots to assist with pulling a couple of the shorter people in our party, up over some of the bigger boulders. Have good shoes, and plenty of water with you.
The Old Rag Trail in Shenandoah National Park is one of the most iconic hikes in Virginia. This 9-mile, strenuous trail takes you through rugged terrain, including rock scrambles and steep ascents, leading to the summit of Old Rag Mountain. Once at the top, hikers are rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah Valley. It’s a challenging but rewarding hike, ideal for experienced adventurers looking for both physical challenge and natural beauty. Be prepared for a full day of hiking and bring plenty of water!
Extremely popular hike in prime season MAR-NOV and will need to get one of limited passes from ranger to enter. Fairly strenuous rock scrambles and sharp unguarded dropoff ledges so definitely not for little kids or those with physical issues. Beautiful views awaits you and a great hike.
This trail was very strenuous and difficult. It took over 5 hours to hike. The rock scramble was very difficult especially with me being short. I needed help climbing up on the rocks multiple times. The trail back to the parking lot was very long and seemed like it would never end. The views on the way were beautiful but the actual summit views were ok.