This news story about the permanent day-use ticket system at Old Rag Mountain is based on a January 18, 2024, National Park Service press release. You can read the original release here.
“Following a two-year pilot program, Shenandoah National Park will implement a permanent ticketing system to access Old Rag Mountain from March through November,” the park said in a statement.
The system will improve visitor enjoyment, address congestion and public safety concerns, and better protect the landscape, including sensitive species, along the extremely popular trail.
The decision to implement a permanent system follows a multiyear pilot program and an extensive public engagement process that included visitor use data collection and analysis, public comment periods, and public meetings.
Old Rag Day-Use Ticket System Becomes Permanent
The permanent Old Rag day-use ticket system in Shenandoah National Park will closely follow the pilot program. Beginning March 1, 2024, all visitors are required to have a day-use ticket, in addition to a park entrance pass, to access the Old Rag area.
See the map below for the precise area where day-use tickets will be required.
“We appreciate the public input received as we tested management options,” said Shenandoah National Park Superintendent Pat Kenney. “We feel confident that this system has improved the visitor experience on Old Rag, reduced impacts on the area’s ecosystem, and is a good long-term solution.”
Day-use tickets for Old Rag Mountain for the 2024 season will be available starting February 17, 2024, at 10 am. Tickets cost $2.00.
Half of the revenue created will pay for the administrative costs of the program, and half will be used toward visitor and resource protection.
A total of 800 tickets will be available 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 are encouraged to reserve their tickets before arriving on Recreation.gov. Tickets are valid for the day of arrival only and are not transferable. A day-use ticket does not guarantee a parking spot, and entrance fees still apply in addition to the day-use ticket.
Hiking to the summit of Old Rag is physically demanding. Be sure to check out the Old Rag planning guide before you lace up your boots!
Check out this blog post for the best day hikes in Shenandoah National Park.