Old Rag Summit via Berry Hollow

Berry Hollow is the back door to one of the most famous summits on the East Coast — and it lets you skip the infamous rock scramble that turns Old Rag's front side into a full-body obstacle course. Starting from the Berry Hollow parking area, you'll climb steadily through hardwood forest on the Saddle Trail, gaining serious elevation over just under three miles each way. The trail is well-worn but relentless, threading through oak and hickory canopy that explodes with color in autumn. Without the scramble section, the footing stays manageable — packed dirt and modest rock steps rather than car-sized boulders. The summit delivers a panoramic reward that rivals anything in the Appalachians: layers of Blue Ridge ridgelines fading into haze, with the Shenandoah Valley sprawling below. This route is ideal for hikers who want Old Rag's legendary views without the Class 3 gymnastics.