All of Rappahannock County is beautiful. But, there is something special about the southern section down near Old Rag Mountain.
The ancient mountain is like a magnet, attracting all types of visitors from casual sight-seers to hardcore hikers.
Whatever your skill level or interest, Old Rag Mountain and the surrounding area are not to be missed.
Grab a cup of coffee and a breakfast treat at Pelegatta's Eatery in Sperryville and then head south on Route 231, FT Valley Road.
Designated a scenic byway, the drive is, in and of itself, spectacular.
But, it is what you find as you turn off of Route 231 that is breathtaking.
Just 7.5 miles down FT Valley Road from Sperryville, you will cross the Hughes River, which separates Rappahannock and Madison counties.
The river is stocked regularly with trout and you may be tempted to throw in your line right at the bridge, but we encourage you to head up Nethers Road.
This lovely road meanders slowly along the river with outstanding views of Old Rag Mountain to your left. The road ends at the trailhead for Old Rag Mountain,
by far the most popular hike in Shenandoah National Park.
At an impressive 3,291 feet, the mountain stands alone, unlike others in the northern Blue Ridge Mountains.
On weekends and sunny days, the parking lot fills up quickly with the vehicles of enthusiastic hikers.
To reach the summit, take the challenging Old Rag Circuit along the Ridge Trail, a 7.2-mile, seven- to eight-hour round-trip hike.
The trail starts to the left of Weakley Hollow Fire Road. The climb is steep and there are rock scrambles at the top of the ridge.
Large boulders and sheer walls of granite make this hike difficult. Other treks to the summit are marked at the trailhead,
if you are looking for a less strenuous ascent. The summit is well-marked and affords unparalleled 360-degree,
panoramic views of the Virginia foothills. The Saddle Trail has several switchbacks that take you to the Old Rag Shelter.
From there, continue 0.4 miles until you reach a double junction. Hike downhill for 2.6 miles and you will loop around to the parking lot.
Or, turn around at the summit and retrace your steps back to the parking lot. When you finish your hike,
take a moment to enjoy the waterfall at the trailhead. Relax as you dip your feet in the clear, refreshing mountain water.
Hop back into the car or on your bike and head back down Nethers Road. Make sure to stop off at Sharp Rock Vineyards on your way
back to Route 231. The wines are spectacular and the views of Old Rag and the Hughes River from the vineyard are magnificent.
Enjoy a bottle of Virginia wine and munch on venison sausage, delicious cheeses, and crusty bread.
From Sharp Rock Vineyards, take Route 707, a gravel road, to Route 231. Turn right and carry on south to the quaint village of Etlan.
On your left is The Little Country Store. There, you will find groceries, a hot/cold deli, cold beer and sodas, fresh local produce,
hand-dipped ice cream, Old Rag souvenirs, and a friendly smile. Come in, share your hiking tales, and make yourself at home.
On some weekends, The Little Country Store hosts bona fide country cookouts featuring smoked country-style ribs, pork barbecue,
barbecue chicken, potato salad, baked beans, and Sylvia's homemade coleslaw. You can smell the tasty feast from a mile away.
A must stop!
From The Little Country Store, travel to the next destination. Take Etlan Road for 4.4 miles until it ends at a "T" intersection.
Turn right and travel 3.4 miles to the trailhead for another favorite hike, White Oak Canyon.
This is an easier hike than that of Old Rag Mountain. The trail takes you close to the water where you can take a dip in one of the
deep emerald pools. Allow two to three hours to complete this round-trip hike. Enjoy the trail any time of year.
Catch the colorful leaves in the fall, the icy blue water in the winter, and the abundant wildlife in spring and summer.
No matter what time of year, Route 231 takes you to an idyllic destination. Don't forget to bring your camera!
Shenandoah National Park publishes a handy reference called the "Old Rag Area Road and Trail Map", which shows the trails discussed here,
along with others. Pick up your copy on Skyline Drive, at information kiosks in Sperryville and at The Little Country Store in Etlan,
to name just a few places.
