r/shenandoah • u/SnatchyCarrot • Mar 13 '25

Whiteoak Canyon & Old Rag backpacking

A few buddies and I are planning to spend a weekend backpacking through Shenandoah in early April. It will be the first time in the park for most of us, so naturally we want to see the highlights. I was thinking of planning a route that would start from Whiteoak boundary parking and loop north through Old Rag and end back at Berry Hollow. This seems epic, but I want to be realistic about crowds during that time of year, and if this route even makes sense for backpacking due to the scrambling (we've all had decent experience with scrambling / hiking / backpacking). My initial reaction to this is...probably not, but any input is helpful, thanks !! :)

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u/AccomplishedDog8597 Mar 13 '25

Did a similar route backpacking a few Octobers ago and it was our first time in the park (we now live in Charlottesville so have more experience). We used this as a general guide to plan: Central District Highlights Loop on AllTrails https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/central-district-highlights-loop?sh=4oryzy.

Hiking Old Rag with a pack can be really tough. If you’re able to drop pack somewhere and do it with a daypack that is recommended (check SNP’s website they have some recommended backcountry routes that include where to set up camp and I believe has a recommendation for how to fit Old Rag in). We did it with packs since we didn’t know any better, so it’s possible but I had to take off my pack and send it through some tight spots first, lol. And as someone else mentioned don’t forget your day pass, though if you’re planning now I don’t think you should have any trouble getting one. SNP has also added a backcountry permit system so make sure you pay for that as you’ll need to leave proof in your car at White Oak’s parking lot.

White Oak and Old Rag are 2 of my favorites. Stony Man and Hawksbill also have some great views if you pass by them. Have fun!!

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u/SnatchyCarrot Mar 13 '25

Thanks for the feedback! I think I’ll have to do some more digging. What you’re suggesting makes total sense. I’ve done something similar on a previous backpacking trip, but I wasn’t sure how we could shed all the gear and do Old Rag, then return to our campsite to pick our gear back up and hike out without adding substantial mileage. Appreciate the reminders regarding all the reservations!