Old Rag Mountain

Old Rag Mountain rises as a bare granite crown above the forested Blue Ridge, its summit stripped to open rock while nearly every peak around is covered in trees. That exposed top gives you both a unique shooting subject and a breathtaking panorama of the horizon. The Shenandoah Valley stretches out endlessly and because of its exposed summit both sunrise and sunset are extremely photogenic. You can easily wander amoung the summit boulders and shoot the big balanced blocks against the ridge lines behind them. The last section of the hike is filled with rock piles and rugged ledges that frame the distant peaks, so keep your eye out for unique views to pause and capture before you reach the top. Getting here is the real commitment, but the views at the top are definitely worth the effort. It's a strenuous nine-mile loop along the Old Rag Circuit Loop that includes a solid mile of climbing over granite boulders to finally reach the summit, and most people budget five to seven hours. From March through November you need a specific Old Rag day-use ticket that must be booked ahead of time, plus pay the Shenandoah National Park entrance fee. Cell service dies near the trailhead, so make sure you are prepared with trail maps and water. Ideally plan to be at the trailhead at first light if you can, to give yourself as much time as possible to capture the spectacular views at the top! (Sperryville, Virginia, United States)