Rapidan Camp/Camp Hoover (Rating: A) Option for B

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike.

This hike is about 11.5 miles with an elevation gain of about 1725 ft.

There will be an option for a B level hike at 7.6 miles and 1400 ft elevation gain.

Description:
A very nice hike in Shenandoah National Park, to the iconic Camp Rapidan, or better known as Camp Hoover, President Hoover's summer mountain retreat.

We will hike starting at the Byrd Visitor parking area and connect on the Appalachian Trail (AT) to the summit of Hazeltop Mtn, (600 ft elevation over 4 miles). We will depart the AT to Laurel Prong trail and descend to Camp Rapidan. We will stop for lunch at Camp Hoover with some time to look over the Camp. We will then begin our return on Mill Prong trail and back to Milam Gap and return on the AT back to the parking lot at Byrd Visitor Center.

For those interested in the B level hike, plan to meet us at the Milam Gap parking lot at about 10:30 am and join us at that point. Milam Gap is at mile marker 52.6 , GPS 38.49985, -78.44556.

You should be in good physical condition to deal with the mileage and elevation gain. If you haven't hiked with me before, I may contact you to discuss this hike. If you have any questions about this, please contact me.

Hiking Pace: The pace will be about 2.5 mph, slower on the uphill. Hiking time with lunch, about 5 hours.

Hiking Upward hike details for Camp Hoover:
https://www.hikingupward.com/SNP/CampHoover/
We will be hiking counter clockwise to this route

Bring:
Adequate water/hydration (at least 2-3 liters), snacks/lunch, and sturdy hiking shoes for some of the rocky areas, tree roots, and potential wet areas. Hiking poles are helpful if you usually hike with them. There are several stream crossings, which are usually easily crossed. Recommend insect repellent and sunscreen.

Park Entrance Fee:
$30 entrance fee for Shenandoah National Park unless you have a National Park pass or a Shenandoah annual park pass. Military and Veterans are eligible for a military pass, just show your military/retired/veterans ID.

Dogs:
Are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy
Please ensure your dog is up to the distance and elevation gain.

CARPOOLING: For those who are looking to carpool, meet at University Blvd - Gainesville Park and Ride and plan to leave at 7:45-8am to arrive at the trailhead in time to get signed in and start hiking at 9am.

A new Sheetz has opened in the Park & Ride, this would be a good meeting point. New Stable Way, directly across from the Sheetz store.
GPS 38.801119, -77.589532

Suggested carpool fee is $8. The hike leader will be at the carpool location. Driving time to Byrd Visitor is about 1 hour 45 minutes. Carpoolers should plan to leave the Park & Ride by 7:30am. The hike leader may leave the Park & Ride earlier than 7:30am.

**NOTE: The hike starts at the Byrd Visitor Center at 9:30am
The hike times listed above include starting from and returning to Gainesville Park & Ride.

Neither the Club nor the hike leaders are responsible for coordinating transportation to/from the trailhead. Hikers are not guaranteed to get a ride to the trailhead from the carpool location. Carpooling is organized by the participants and they participate at their own risk.

If you are driving directly to the Byrd Visitor Center, please be there a few minutes before 9:30am so we can get everyone signed in. Byrd Visitor Center is at mile marker 51 on Skyline Drive , GPS 38.51795, -78.43678.

Optional post-hike rehydration at Big Meadows Lodge

If you haven't hiked with me before, please provide you full name, cell phone number, and emergency contact number. You can provide the info to me on Meetup message or text me at the number below.

Any questions? Message me on Meetup messenger or text me, 202-528-0456. If you text me, please include your name.