Ramseys Draft Trail landscape

Photo: Photo by Alex Moliski on Unsplash

Ramseys Draft Trail

~2 days · 7.2 mi · easy · Point-to-point

Quick facts

Distance7.2 mi
Days out2
Elevation gain1,850 ft
Gain / mile257 ft
High point4,049 ft

What the Ramseys Draft Trail is known for

The Ramseys Draft Trail follows its namesake stream about 7 miles one way through the Ramseys Draft Wilderness in Virginia's George Washington National Forest, passing one of the state's last old-growth stands (this line maps the one-way route). Expect many unbridged stream crossings; camping is primitive and dispersed, and loop options return via the Shenandoah Mountain Trail.

Route map & campsites

Route map of the Ramseys Draft Trail on OpenStreetMap terrain Open in Planner →

Route shape from OpenStreetMap geometry. Start · End · Camp

Elevation profile

Elevation ranges from 7,415 ft to 13,271 ft over 7.2 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).

  • Uphill 5.9 mi · 83%
  • Downhill 0.8 mi · 11%
  • Flat 0.4 mi · 6%

Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.

Frequently asked questions

How many days does the Ramseys Draft Trail take?

Most backpackers hike the Ramseys Draft Trail in about 2 days (1 nights out) over its 7.2 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.

How much elevation gain is on the Ramseys Draft Trail?

The Ramseys Draft Trail climbs roughly 1,850 ft total — about 257 ft per mile, topping out near 4,049 ft.

Related trails

Sources & attribution

Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.

Plan the Ramseys Draft Trail Plan Free →