Old Rag Mountain Fire Lookout
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Status: Former Lookout
Elevation: 3,280 feet
Prominence: 1,367 feet
State: Virginia (Shenandoah National Park)
County: Madison
Taken in 1957, Ranger Dick Rayner stands beside the Old Rag Fire Tower and operates an instrument called the Osborne Fire Finder.
The most popular destination in Shenandoah National Park is the 9.8 mile Old Rag Mountain Loop. For most of the year, the park service requires a ticket to hike Old Rag. It is a tourist destination hike but because it is difficult to do for most tourists, the park service and novice hikers make it out to be some kind of exceptional accomplishment that is even dangerous.

Lookout History
In 1943, construction of this lookout was done by CPS workers. These were conscientious objectors who provided public service in civilian work as an alternative to military service. The construction of this structure required them to hand carry materials more than a mile up 45 percent grade to the site.

In 1959, the lookout was removed.
Shenandoah L.O.
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Old Rag Mountain Lookout in 1943
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Under construction
Old postcard showing Old Rag Mountain from Skyline Drive