Old Rag Mountain is a 3,284 ft (1,001 m) peak located in Shenandoah National Park in Madison County, Virginia. It is the most popular hiking destination in the park, and is known for its scenic views and challenging rock scramble. There are several ways to access the summit. One way is to hike up the mountain from the parking lot at the base. Another way is to take the shuttle from the Visitor Center.
History
The history of Old Rag Mountain is long and varied. The mountain has been home to Native Americans, early settlers, and Civil War soldiers.
The Native Americans who lived in the area called the mountain “Potomak,” which meant “place of the deer.” The early settlers who came to the area in the 1700s called it “Old Rag” because of its rocky and rugged appearance.
During the Civil War, both the Union and Confederate armies used the mountain as a lookout point. The mountain was also the site of a major battle between the two armies in 1864.
