The name may not be flattering, but Claire Comer – who speaks for the Shenandoah National Park – says Old Rag is beautiful and challenging for those who like to hike.
“It was originally named, I think, by the locals, and it was actually called Old Raggedy, and it’s because it’s a ragged granite outcrop that’s just incredible!” she explains.
The site, in Madison County, is also popular, with more than 12-hundred people showing up on some days in summer, threatening rare plants along three trails and spoiling the visitor experience.
“There are a couple of pinch points along the trail where you have to literally go single file and scramble. We have had back ups at those pinch points over two hours!” comer explains.
So beginning March first, you’ll need to go online and get a ticket before showing up at Old Rag, and daily attendance will be limited to 800. In addition to paying for park admission, visitors will be billed a dollar for the ticket, and it won’t be available on site.
“You have to get your ticket before you come, because there is no connectivity at Old Rag,” she warns.
This system is already in use at Adirondacks, Rocky Mountain and Glacier National Parks. After a year, Shenandoah will assess its effectiveness here before making the new limit permanent.