Presidential Rapidan Camp Trail, Shenandoah NP

We had two new attendees this time, Jesse and his friend, Howard, from Richmond.  Thanks for joining us!!

All 6 of us headed to the trailhead, crossing the road from the parking lot and coming to a fork which we turned left and headed down Mill Prong Trail.  There were several springs along the way until we reach Mill Prong (creek) which following us all the back down to Rapidan Camp but passing a very nice waterfall, Big Rock Falls.  The camp, which had 13 different buildings at the beginning, some of considerable size, now only has a handful of buildings left, mainly the Creel Cabin, The Brown House (Hoover’s cabin) and the Prime Minister’s cabin, home to about a half-dozen water snakes.  It was too early in the season and so we didn't see any.   The cabins were still closed for the season so we ready the signs just outside the Prime Minister’s cabin.  After a short lunch, we headed up the Fork Mountain Horse trail before splitting off onto the Laurel Prong Trail.  At first this was a gentle rising trail but halfway up it was a rather steep and long climb back.  There were several places to stop and enjoy views through the open spaces between the trees which were many since there were no leaves on the trees.  We found an overlook and one of the hikers took quite a few pictures.  The Laurel Prong Trail ended at the AT, which we took back to the parking lot.  The hike and walk around the camp totaled about 8.5 miles and 5.5 hours.  A good day’s hike.

In Central Shenandoah National Park this is a hike to Rapidan Camp, the summer retreat established by President and Mrs. Herbert Hoover during his administration is located within the boundaries of Shenandoah National Park. The camp has recently been restored to its 1929 appearance and is an excellent reflection of not only its era, but also of President Hoover.

Hike is moderately difficult and is 7.4 miles long so this is a good day hike. We’ll walk along the Appalachian Trail down to Laurel Prong Trail and arrive at Rapidan Camp, stop and have lunch then return via the Mill Prong Trail.

Total hike will be 7.4 miles and about 4-5 hours.  Bring at least a liter of water, hiking boots, lunch/snacks, a hat, sunscreen, bug spray and sweat rag.

https://www.nps.gov/shen/learn/historyculture/rapidancamp.htm <--(There’s a nice video about the camp)

https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/upload/RapidanCamp_RoadTrail.pdf