Near Sperryville in Rappahannock County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Old Rag
Photographed by Craig Swain, October 4, 2008
1. Old Rag Marker
Old Rag's rugged summit consists of spectacular outcroppings of Old Rag granite, the oldest rock in Shenandoah National Park. Extremely resistant to weathering and erosion, Old Rag granite gives the ridgecrest a "rugged" appearance that prompted the mountain's name.
Erected by Shenandoah National Park.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Natural Features.
Location. 38° 37.348′ N, 78° 19.381′ W. Marker is near Sperryville, Virginia, in Rappahannock County. It is on Skyline Drive, on the left when traveling south. Located at the Pinnacles Overlook in Shenandoah National Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Sperryville VA 22740, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area and in Northern Virginia. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: If These Walls Could Talk (approx. 0.9 miles away); Civilian Conservation Corps (approx. 1.1 miles away); Marys Rock Tunnel (approx. 2.1 miles away); Rocks Older than Mankind (approx. 2.1 miles away); Old Man in the Mountain (approx. 2.3 miles away);
this page online
Other markers no longer nearby. Stony Man (was approx. 2.3 miles away but has been permanently removed); Visiblity-Endangered? (was approx. 2.3 miles away but has been permanently removed).
More about this marker. On the right side of the marker is a profile of the mountain indicating the summit. A Photo below and to the left of the profile shows Old Rag's crest is strewn with massive Old Rag granite, rock that is ten million centuries old. To the lower right is a photo of a Natural staircase through granite walls on Old Rag.
Also see . . . Old Rag Trail. The trail is no easy climb. (Submitted on November 2, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Photographed by Craig Swain, October 4, 2008
2. The Pinnacles Overlook Parking Area
Photographed by Craig Swain, October 4, 2008
3. Old Rag and Surrounding Area
Looking southeast toward Old Rag. The valley below is drained by Hannah Run. To the left are Catlett Mountain, Hot Mountain, and Short Mountain. On the right is part of Corbin Mountain. The highest peak, in the far distant center, is Old Rag. The straight line distance from the overlook to Old Rag is about five miles.
Photographed by Craig Swain, October 4, 2008
4. Old Rag Mountain
Narrow view of Old Rag.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 2, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,707 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 2, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
