Hiked the same 8-mile loop in Shenandoah three years apart and the difference was wild

First time in 2021 the trail was almost empty, saw maybe 5 people total. This past October I went back and it was packed, passed 30 groups before I even hit the summit. What changed in that area to draw so many more hikers, or am I just unlucky with timing now?

2 comments

2 Comments

stella_lane15d agoMost Upvoted

Wait, you're telling me that's just how it is now? A buddy of mine went up there last spring and it was so packed he actually turned around at the second mile marker. He said it was like a conga line of hikers, people taking selfies every five feet, and someone actually tried to ask him for directions on their phone. He was so bummed because he'd gone two years earlier and it was totally peaceful, just birds and wind. He thinks it's just a combo of social media blowing up the spot plus more people getting into hiking after the pandemic. Has the park done anything to limit the crowds now?

sageadams15d ago

@stella_lane got it right. Social media blew up Old Rag and similar spots after 2020. Park did put a permit system on Old Rag last year but not on most other trails. Best bet is going weekday or before 7am. Or pick a different loop entirely. Hazel Mountain or the hike to Jones Run Falls are way quieter and just as good.