Don’t Try This One Hike in Virginia If You’re Afraid of Heights

Hiking your way through Virginia can be one of the most inspiring, beautiful adventures imaginable. It can also be quite extreme, considering the high-elevation climbs, scrambly terrain, and narrow trails. There are plenty of beginner-friendly hikes that are great for all ages, and others that should probably be avoided if you're not interested in testing your fears.

One prime example is Old Rag Mountain. It's easily one of the most famous Virginia trails, but it requires many, many miles of hiking, narrow scrambles, and more than a few fear-inducing crevices.

First, a bit of background. Old Rag Mountain is one of the most famous and most difficult hiking trails in Virginia. It's so popular, in fact, that a permit is needed to access the trail (as well as the Saddle, Ridge, and Ridge Access trails) between March and November. You can learn more by visiting the official National Park Service website.

The trail has a reputation for being "brutally awesome." It requires at least five hours to complete, measures 9.3 miles in length, and requires hikers to ascend nearly 2,600 feet in elevation. After you check in at the Shenandoah National Park fee station, you'll locate the nearby trailhead parking area.

The first segment of the trail is somewhat approachable, though it begins to climb almost immediately. These first handful of miles aren't technically challenging, though; at this point, it's just about making your way up. The real challenge begins when you encounter the series of rock scrambles. Keep your eye on the blue trail blazes as you make your way over, under, and in some cases, squeeze through large boulders.

This trail is notorious for its false peaks, meaning that at several points on your hike, you'll think you've reached the summit—only to find that it's still in the distance! And then, there are the crevices. There are at least two sections near the summit where you'll need to navigate steep crevices, hopping over them, without being able to see the ground below. Some have described these as "fear-inducing," and the reason for turning back.

If you do decide to continue, you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking view—one so stunning that it'll almost make you forget the grueling miles you've just completed. (Almost!) Take your time, enjoy a picnic lunch, and then head back down the mountain whenever you're ready.

The view really is special, and there's some good news for anyone who just can't quite picture themselves hopping over high-altitude crevices: there's an alternate route! There's a fire road that will also take you to the summit, but you won't get much scenery along the way. It's known as the Weakley Hollow Fire Road, and it'll help you avoid the rock scramble altogether.

Have you ever tackled Old Rag Mountain? Is it on your hiking bucket list? If so, feel free to share this article with a friend and begin your adventure! If you prefer more approachable trails, there are plenty of those too. Take a look at these 12 beautiful Virginia trails that are three miles or less.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.