Old Rag Mountain Stewards

Old Rag Mountain Stewards All-volunteer group providing resource interpretation specific to Old Rag's unique environment; also 1st responders to medical incidents. 501c3 nonprofit.

04/29/2026

Temporary Closure Order Public Notice

Pursuant to the authority outlined in 36 C.F.R. § 1.5(a)(1), which provides that the Superintendent may “impose public use limits, or close all or a portion of a park area to all public use or to a specific use or activity,” as necessary for the maintenance of public health and safety, the grounds of the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center (Visitor Center) at Shenandoah National Park (Park) will partially closed at the southern point connecting the Visitor Center and Skyline Drive on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The northern access point and public restrooms will remain open to the public during the identified time.

Additionally, the Visitor Center will be closed in their entirety on Thursday April 30, 2026, from approximately 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. to provide security during a dignitary visit and ensure public health and safety. These closure dates and times may be adjusted as necessary based on the needs of the United States Secret Service (Secret Service).

The attached map shows the closed areas outlined in red.

In addition to the above closures, please be advised the Secret Service will be maintaining security and restricting the possession of fi****ms, weapons, and other potentially hazardous items in the area.

The Park’s designated First Amendment area at Dickey Ridge will be unavailable during the entirety of the designated closure times. An alternate First Amendment Area will temporarily be established at the picnic grounds to the south of the Visitor Center for the duration of the closure.

Violating a closure, designation, use or activity restriction or condition, schedule of visiting hours, or public use limit is prohibited.

https://www.nps.gov/shen/temporary-closure-order-public-notice.htm

Fun finds on Old Rag today!This detached sole of a shoe was actually the second we found - the first was chucked into th...
09/01/2025

Fun finds on Old Rag today!

This detached sole of a shoe was actually the second we found - the first was chucked into the brush about a quarter mile earlier, and we just thought someone had a bad day. Little did we know we'd find the mate in a tree and then, a bit later, a pair of broken soleless shoes tucked onto a ledge. Someone had a REALLY bad day.

Hopefully not the same person answered the call of nature on the slab before the gumball drop (first major drop into a slot)- aside from being the least private place they could choose, they didn't even attempt to dispose of it better? One of our stewards got in a bit of golf practice moving the evidence off trail. 🏌🏻‍♀️

As ever, we encourage everyone visiting SNP to follow principles to improve everyone's enjoyment of the park.

Have you ever been out on a hike when suddenly your body announces "IT'S TIME TO P**P RIGHT NOW I DONT CARE IF THERE'S A...
06/23/2025

Have you ever been out on a hike when suddenly your body announces "IT'S TIME TO P**P RIGHT NOW I DONT CARE IF THERE'S A PRIVVY IN 20 MINUTES!"?

We get it, you do your best with what you have and maybe you don't carry a shovel for digging a hole - but there's never a good reason to do your 💩 within sight of the trail and leave pages of the magazine you apparently used to clean up all over the ground. Especially when that might lead to someone walking over to pick up what originally just looked like paper litter and discovering your extra surprise by stepping in it.

Scenes from the Old Rag Saddle Trail above Byrd's Nest today.

Curious about volunteering with ORMS? Join us this Sunday 23 February for a social hike at Sugarloaf Mountain in MD. Thi...
02/18/2025

Curious about volunteering with ORMS? Join us this Sunday 23 February for a social hike at Sugarloaf Mountain in MD. This is a great opportunity to meet some Stewards without having to commit to a full day on Old Rag, and we're always happy to answer questions about what we do!

DM or email [email protected] for details of our meeting time and place.

Can't make it this weekend? We'd still love to get you involved during the upcoming spring volunteer season - no specialized prerequisites and only a few days each season per person, but it makes a huge difference for SNP and the visitors.

Hope to see you soon!

Address

Shenandoah National Park
Etlan, VA
22719

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