Hiking Permits in Shenandoah Park

For the first time, officials at Old Rag Mountain, one of the most popular sites in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park, will issue climbing permits in an effort to reduce the crowds--and the damage--during the peak fall climbing season.

Lured by breathtaking views and a challenging 7.2-mile-circuit climb, more than 100,000 hikers flock each year to the rocky peak (pictured left) about 35 miles north of Charlottesville, Va.

Officials say that during October, the prime time for autumn leaf viewing, it’s not uncommon to find as many as 900 hikers on the mountain on a weekend day, marching shoulder to shoulder or waiting in line to reach Old Rag’s 3,291-foot-high summit.

Many of those climbers try to drive to the trail head, swamping parking facilities, clogging roads, and enraging residents.

This year, a free permit will be required to hike Old Rag from the trail head on all weekends in October. Although permits will not be needed on weekdays, one will be required on Monday, Oct. 9, Columbus Day.

Permits will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis at the temporary parking lot along State Route 600, near Nethers, Va. When the lot fills, no more permits will be issued and no more hikers will be admitted. Information: (540) 999-3500.