Thing to Do

Nicholson Hollow

An old, decaying log building is shrouded in fog in the middle of the woods.

An alternate option for visitors with pets who still wish to hike from the Old Rag parking area. This hike takes you to Corbin Cabin, an old homesite built by a former resident, and features several stream crossings along the way. There are several stream crossings on this hike.


Distance: 8-mile round trip hike
Difficulty: Moderately Strenuous (hiking difficulty scale)
Hiking Time: 7 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,240 feet


Hike Description 

  1. From the Old Rag parking area on the Park boundary, look for the Nicholson Hollow Trail concrete marker across the road.
  2. Follow the Nicholson Hollow Trail to Corbin Cabin and retrace your steps to return.

Details

The average hiking duration does not take into consideration fitness, exploration, rest, contemplation, etc.

Activity
Hiking

Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times.

An entrance fee is required to get into Shenandoah National Park.

Directions to Old Rag Parking from Sperryville: From Route 211, turn onto Route 522 and follow it south for 0.8-mile. Turn right on Route 231, follow 8 miles, turn right onto Route 601 and follow signs to the Old Rag parking area, approximately 3 miles.
Directions to Old Rag Parking from Madison: From Route 29 Business, turn onto Route 231 and follow it for 12.8 miles. Turn left onto Route 602. Follow signs for the parking area. Old Rag parking is approximately 3 miles from the turn onto Route 602.

Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Accessibility Information

This trail does not meet ADA accessibility guidelines.

Shenandoah National Park

Map of Old Rag Area with roads and trails

Download the trail map
Click the image to download the trail map. Print it out at home or save it to your phone to take with you on your hike.

Last updated: February 22, 2021