Old Rag ticketing system begins

Beginning this week, Shenandoah National Park began its Old Rag Mountain ticketing pilot project in an effort to control the number of hikers and combat bottlenecks that can create long waits along narrow corridors of

the nearly 10-mile loop trail.

As of March 1, 2022 visitors to the Old Rag area of Shenandoah National Park must have a day-use ticket in addition to their entrance pass. The requirement is part of a pilot program to reduce impacts to natural resources and improve the visitor experience. “The number of people climbing Old Rag Mountain continues to grow and congestion on the mountain is impacting resources and visitors,” according to Superintendent Patrick Kenney.

A total of 800 tickets will be available for each day from March 1 to November 30; 400 will be released 30 days in advance and the remaining 400 will be released five days in advance. Hikers must purchase their tickets before arriving via https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/10088450/ticket/10088451.

Due to the lack of internet connectivity tickets will not be available at the Old Rag fee station. There is very little cell phone coverage in the area so visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets ahead of traveling to Old Rag. Tickets are valid for the day of arrival only. A day-use ticket does not guarantee a parking spot, and entrance fees still apply in addition to the dayuse ticket fee of $1.