Camp Hoover, also known as Rapidan Camp, is a scenic and historic hike that passes the retreat of former President Herbert Hoover, and First Lady Lou Henry Hoover. The circuit is a moderate hike and passes Big Rock Falls, which is a small pool and stream cascade where the trail crosses Mill Prong.
From the parking area at Milam Gap, cross Skyline Drive and follow the white blazed Appalachian Trail (AT) for 100 yards to the intersection of the blue blazed Mill Prong Trail. Turn left downhill on the blue blazed trail as it descends into the valley, then in 0.5 miles crosses Mill Prong for the first time. Continue to follow the trail for another 0.4 miles where it crosses another small creek that feeds Mill Prong, and in 100 yards arrive at the intersection of a horse trail that leads to the Rapidan Fire Road.
Turn right downhill on the now yellow blazed Mill Prong Trail, from this point to Camp Hoover, backcountry camping is not allowed. In 0.3 miles from the previous intersection, the yellow blazed Mill Prong Trail will cross Mill Prong and pass Big Rock Falls. Continue downward on the trail for another 0.4 miles where the Mill Prong Trail ends at Camp Hoover. Turn right on the access road, then immediately left down the footpath passing "The Creel" house. "The Creel" was occupied by two of President Hoover's chief aids. Larry Richey, a former F.B.I. agent assigned to guard the President who also acted as his personal secretary; and Joel T. Boone Jr., the Presidents personal physician.
60 yards past "The Creel" house is the presidential main quarters known as the "Brown House". The rear deck on the "Brown House" is a great place to enjoy the same view former President Hoover and world dignitaries enjoyed back in the 1920's. When he left office, Herbert Hoover, and his wife Lou Henry Hoover, donated the land to the government to become part of the newly created Shenandoah National Park.
From the "Brown House" continue on the yellow blazed Laurel Prong Trail, that starts at the Camp Hoover turn around. The yellow blazed trail will initially follow an old forestry road for the first 0.4 miles, then the forestry road veers right uphill. Remain left on the narrower yellow blazed trail for another 0.5 miles to the intersection of the yellow blazed Fork Mountain Trail. Stay straight on the now blue blazed Laurel Prong Trail for 0.4 miles, then pass a spring and only good camp site on the hike. Follow the trail uphill for another 0.8 miles to the saddle, and junction of the Cat Knob Trail.
Turn right on on the blue blazed Cat Knob Trail as it continues uphill for 1.1 miles to the intersection of the white blazed Appalachian Trail (AT). Turn right uphill on the AT crossing over the hike high point, and Hazeltop Mountain, in 0.4 miles. From the high point, the AT now heads downward for the remaining 2.3 miles back to Skyline Drive, and the Milam Gap parking area.
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Reviews For The Camp Hoover Hike (5 Most Recent)
This is a very pleasant hike and would be perfect for beginners or those who don't wish anything too strenous. My wife, daughter and I, along with our dog started on a Saturday morning with the temperatures in the upper 40's. We carried daypacks with basic gear along with some food and water. We are all very athletic, (our ages range from 17-40), and did not find this hike to be physically challenging with the exception of the mild uphill climb to the saddle after leaving the camp area. This hike could be done by people in a range of fitness levels; you do not have to be in superb physical shape to complete this hike. We all started with light fleece tops over baselayers but ended up removing the fleece on the second half of the hike. The Hoover Camp at about the midpoint is a nice break and the numerous signs give great historical information about the place. The adjacent streams make this a beautiful setting. The last stream crossing prior to the camp took a bit of planning and teamwork, but was fairly easily crossed and our feet remained dry. I agree with the previous reviewer that the best part of the hike is from Laurel Gap to Hazeltop. Along the ridgeline, it is exactly as you would imagine a mountain hike to be; rocky but passable trail with a fairly steep drop and some truly spectacular views. The trail was a bit muddy in places this time of year and I'd recommend waterproof boots or shoes if you want to keep your feet dry. We did not see much wildlife on this hike but did run into several other hikers along the trail. The hike ends with pleasant downhill stretch back to the parking lot. As an aside, this is the first hike on which my wife and I used trekking poles. For those of you considering their use, I would recommend them. Once you find the appropriate length and grasp the rythm of walking with the poles they are very useful.
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Date of Hike: Monday, March 03, 2008
I was by myself, took no breaks, and this took me just over 3 hours. This was a great late winter hike especially for someone like me who has been fairly inactive through the winter and was looking to log some miles. Conditions were pretty good, the stretch down Mill Prong and up Laurel Prong were through natural water sheds and as such were fairly muddy (I imagine it might get worse in spring). There were a few obstructions on Laurel Prong but nothing too serious.
The stretch from Laurel Gap on the southside of Hazeltop to the AT is easily the best part of the hike. It is very steep but it mostly follows the contour and has an awesome view down into the Rapidan wilderness or whatever that is. It is very rewarding after trudging up to laurel gap.
I saw 9 other people! Mostly on the AT, but still it seemed very busy for a Monday in early march.
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Date of Hike: Saturday, July 28, 2007
My dog and I did this hike as a back and out (rather than the loop). When we visited, a volunteer couple were spending the summer at the camp and treated me to a private tour and talk about the camp. I found it fascinating - and I'm not a history buff. The hike itself was about 4 miles total. Most of it is wooded and this is not a hike to be done for the view. It is great on a warm, hazy day when the views are disappointing anyway. My dog loved the stream crossings. He was welcomed at the camp, but was not allowed inside any of the buildings. There were plenty of places for him to wait in the shade outside with his water to refresh him. Next time we'll do the loop.
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