Old Rag Cabin
By Jess LaPolla
In the words of the great American poet, Taylor Swift, there are currently “Autumn leaves falling down like pieces into place/And I can picture it after all these days.”
If you can imagine this “All Too Well,” then Old Rag Cabin should definitely be on your list of places to stay this fall. Picture the most satisfying leaf-crunch underfoot while the trees turn gold and red and orange all around you and the steam from your morning coffee mingles with the cool mountain air.
Located in Madison County, Va., PATC volunteers were largely responsible for the construction of this iconic cabin.
This cabin is completely ADA compliant on the first floor, with a wheelchair-accessible bathroom and ramp leading up to the back door. There are two daybeds on the first floor, and an additional two double bunks on the second. The arrangement is perfect for small families or a group of your favorite hiking buddies.
Old Rag Cabin is a hiker’s dream. This modern log cabin provides unique access to the Old Rag trailhead, just a few hundred yards away, accessible by a private trail. If you’re a confident hiker, hiking Old Rag Mountain is a must if you’re staying here. This hike has a good bit of scrambling, so keep that in mind. Other fun and challenging hikes include Nicholson Hollow Trail, which will take you through the Shenandoah Wilderness to PATC’s beautiful rustic Corbin Cabin.
Cap off your stay with hiking to White Oak Falls (upper), a moderately challenging hike with great views of the fall foliage and cascading falls. White Oak Falls (lower) is a much easier version offering beautiful views of the lower falls, without taking you all the way to the top. The White Oak Trailhead can be accessed by taking a short walk down the Weakly Hollow Fire Road.
The Old Rag trailhead parking area is just a stone’s throw from the cabin, meaning there are multiple hiking opportunities within walking distance of the cabin. This also means that you may see a fair amount of traffic from other hikers. Consider booking this cabin during the week if you’re looking for a quieter stay.
Hikers who wish to summit Old Rag will need to obtain a day-use ticket in advance for visits March through November. Hikers must purchase tickets before arriving via www.recreation.gov because tickets will not be available at the Old Rag fee station.
* Please note that pets are prohibited and outdoor fires are expressly forbidden. Electronic code access enables members to make last minute reservations. Learn more and book your stay today.
