New Years Day Hike-Camp Hoover-Moderate-7 Miles
Details
Starting Point - Milam Gap
Ending Point - Milam Gap
Hike Distance/Rating - 7 Miles/Moderate
Trailhead GPS Coordinates - [38.500388, -78.44556]( "Get Directions")
PLEASE NOTE - This is a winter time hike at elevations about 3000 feet. Hikers should bring beanies, gloves, and layers of clothing. Since this hike originates at Skyline Drive, there will be a backup hike should the weather force Skyline Drive to be closed. The backup hike will be posted in the comments.
Hike Highlights - Appalachian Trail, Mill Prong Trail, Camp Hoover, Laurel Prong Trail, Cat Knob Trail, Hazeltop Views
Hike Details - For the annual New Years Day hike, we are going to be hiking down to Camp Hoover in Shenandoah National Park. Camp Hoover was the presidential retreat. We will start the hike by crossing Skyline Drive and turning left onto the Mill Prong Trail. We will descend down to the Camp Hoover location. Upon arrival at Camp Hoover, we will explore the area and the different cabins that make up the complex. We will continue on the Laurel Prong Trail up to the Cat Knob Trail junction. We will turn right and steadily climb up to the intersection of the Appalachian Trail. We will turn right on the Appalachian Trail and reach the hike high point on Hazeltop. For the last 2 miles, we will descend back down to Milam Gap. If the weather cooperates, we will have a potluck post hike. Please bring something to share with the group. I will preview what hikes I will be looking to do in 2026.
What to Bring - Broken in Hiking Boots, Trekking Poles, Lunch/Snacks, 3 to 5 Liters of Water/Electrolytes, First Aid Kit, Good Day Pack, Camera, Tick Repellent, Money for Your Driver, Layers of Clothing for colder winter Weather, Beanies, Gloves, A potluck food or drink to share with the group.