Aug 31, 8 AM - Hike to Camp Rapidan

Rapidan Camp at Shenandoah National Park was once the riverside retreat of our 31st U.S. President, Herbert Hoover who frequented Rapidan Camp (also known as Camp Hoover) during the Great Depression, from 1929 to 1932. He loved to go fishing on the Rapidan River. Celebrities, foreign dignitaries and world leaders, including Charles Lindbergh, Thomas Edison and British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald were hosted at this retreat. At the end of his term, Hoover donated the 164-acre retreat to the National Park Service for incorporation into the soon-to-be-established Shenandoah National Park. In 1988, Camp Hoover was designated a National Historic Landmark.
To reach the trailhead we will follow the Skyline Drive from Swift Run Gap for 12.9 miles until we reach the Milam Gap parking area at Milepost 52.8. The trailhead is located across Skyline Drive from this sizeable parking area. There is a trail kiosk at the south end of the parking area with a black-and-white photo of President Hoover fly-fishing – wearing a jacket and tie, no less. Interestingly, Milam Gap was named for the Milam Apple, which got its start here.
To begin our 4.2 mile (Total) hike we’ll cross over Skyline Drive and take our first steps on the south-bound Appalachian Trail. After .05 mile, we’ll turn left onto the blue-blazed Mill Prong Trail to Rapidan Camp. Then it’s mostly downhill along a forested trail. At the .6 mile mark, large stones guide us across Mill Prong. . (A prong stream is a stream that is part of a larger river system, branching off and flowing into the main river. Prong streams can be found in various locations, often in mountainous areas, and are sometimes designated by name.) The hike continues, generally following Mill Prong. At the 1.1 mile mark, we will cross back over Mill Prong, again on stepping stones. The trail now splits at a concrete trail marker and we’ll bear right on the yellow-blazed Mill Prong Horse Trail that runs east alongside Mill Prong.
We will reach Big Rock Falls, a small waterfall, at the 1.6 mile mark. Then it’s another crossing over Mill Prong, this time on a flattened log that reaches both sides of Mill Prong. Hiking sticks or trekking poles are recommended for all these water crossings.
Now Mill Prong is on our left and the trail comes close to the rippling waters at a few points. At the 2.3 mile mark, we arrive at Rapidan Camp, Hoover’s partially restored summer retreat. There are three original structures, Creel Cabin, Brown House (President Hoover and First Lady Lou Henry Hoover’s Cabin) and Prime Minister’s Cabin. There is an outdoor deck at Brown House with benches where we’ll take a seat by the Rapidan River and reconstitute.
Car Pooling from Hickory Haven Park & Ride is recommended due to limited parking availability on the mountain. You can arrange your own group (preferred) or we'll figure it out before we leave the Park & Ride.
Good to Know
Difficulty - Moderate
Trail Type - Out-and-Back
Elevation Gain - 778 feet
Duration - 2.5-3 hours
Terrain - Mostly rock & dirt trails
Dog-Friendly - Yes
Fee - $30 per vehicle or use your National Park Pass
Beginning July 1, 2025, Shenandoah National Park will transition to a fully cashless fee system and accept only mobile or electronic payments for entrance and campground fees.
Length - 4.2 miles
Anticipated weather - TBD
Event Organizer Contact Number - 804-297-7634