You'll need a reservation to hike to Old Rag in Shenandoah this year./NPS file

Crowds impacting the visitor experience and fragile natural resources have Shenandoah National Park officials turning to a reservation system trial to control access to Old Rag.

Beginning in March, those who hope to use trails in the Old Rag area (Saddle, Ridge, and Ridge Access) from March through November will need a day-use ticket for the area. The year-long pilot is intended to help the park staff evaluate and possibly adapt to a permanent system in the future.

Availability of the $1 tickerts will be limited to 800 per day. 

A recent visitor-use and expectations study indicated significant crowding and congestion at Old Rag during certain times of the year, a park release noted. The study also revealed that most visitors agree that limiting users in the area would improve their experience and safety and better protect the rare ecological communities found on Old Rag.  

Hikers must purchase their tickets in advance via www.recreation.gov. Tickets will not be available at the Old Rag fee station, and there is very little cell phone coverage in the area. Tickets may be purchased up to 30 days in advance and are valid for the day of arrival only. Although a total of 800 tickets will be available for each day, 400 will be released 30 days in advance and the remaining 400 will be released five days in advance.

A day-use ticket does not guarantee a parking spot and entrance fees still apply in addition to the day-use ticket. Tickets will become available on February 1 at www.recreation.gov.