Nethers, Va
Region’s Best Hike
Old Rag Mountain
Distance: 8.5-mile loop
Old Rag is arguably the best day hike in the region, making it popular despite its difficulty. This mountain offers a panoramic view of the peaks along Skyline Drive and of the countryside. The trail ascends through the forest and above the trees to a rocky, raggedy top—hence the hike’s name. To reach the summit, you climb up rock chutes and scramble over boulders and ledges. The way down follows an old fire road across several streams. In late afternoon, the granite peak glows orange through the trees along the end of the trail. See nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/old_rag.htm.
