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)
We only hiked down to Rapidan Camp from Milam's Gap and back. It was pretty easy, could definitely recommend this for families. Enjoyable for all abilities.
I'm not always a great judge of distance but I don't think the blue blazed Mill Prong trail begins 100 yards from the start of the AT. It's more like 50 feet. We went way past it and had to go back. Just bear in mind to make the FIRST LEFT after starting the white blazed Appalachian trail. If you're expecting a Park Service sign saying "Rapidan Camp", there isn't one. Look for the blue blazed trail on your left!
No surprises enroute. We did 3 easy stream crossings- big rocks to walk over- then passed the "Falls". In October, they were but a trickle, ot much to see there. Rapidan Camp is downhill off the road, coming back is the hardest part.
Took about 3.5 hours with water breaks.
By:
Cindy
Rating:
Date of Hike: Thursday, September 24, 2009
Our group did the Mill Prong --> Laurel Prong --> AT loop. The hike down to Camp Hoover (aka Rapidan Camp) was relatively easy. We were pleasantly surprised to find the Brown House (the Hoovers' residence) and the Prime Minister's House (now a museum) open to the public. The whole area is being restored. The knowledgeable park ranger in residence gave us an interesting and informative tour. The Brown House was furnished to replicate how it appeared during the Hoovers' days at the camp. The furnishings included some items that belonged to the Hoovers, as well as period pieces.
The hike up to the AT was the most challenging part of the circuit. The views of the surrounding mountains were lovely. At one point, we reached the summit of Hazeltop, which is the third highest point in the park. Once on the AT, the hike back to the parking area was easy going and quite beautiful.
By:
Cindy
Rating:
Date of Hike: Saturday, June 27, 2009
Nice hike but a bit too much for our 5 year old. We ended up cutting it short and skipping the AT section -- lucked out and my husband got a ride to our car while I stayed with my son. Trail was rocky with some wet spots and minor obstructions. We got a great tour from the Ranger at the Brown House and should have returned the way we came down. Feeling too ambitious, we decided to do the loop and it was just too much for our usually very energetic 5 year old. We saw quite a few hikers on the way to the Rapidan Camp, but no one on the loop.
By:
George
Rating:
Date of Hike: Sunday, February 22, 2009
We started around 10:00am on a beautiful sunny morning. It was about 20 degrees but the sun and lack of wind made it very comfortable. We started (backward) up the AT to Hazeltop. This was a long gradual ascent. The lack of leaves on the trees allowed us to enjoy the vistas for much of the hike on top. The trip down the Laurel Prong Trail was rocky and it was muddy closer to the bottom around Camp Hoover. I was surprised to see so much dead wood. There are no living fir trees - many large standing dead hulks, many leaners and a bunch of fallen stuff. It's sad looking. We ate lunch sitting in the sun on the porch of one of the 'cabins'. It was interesting to think of the history that may have played out when Hoover was there. I did the hike out of the Camp back to the parking lot with a fat belly. I whined trying to keep up the 'Seal Team'. I kept telling them that my mother told me not to go in the pool until an hour after I ate and I know she wouldn't approve of this. Oh well, I lived. It was a beautiful day and we only saw a few folks after leaving Camp Hoover.
By:
Rating:
Date of Hike: Friday, November 28, 2008
Great hike! Took about four hours to complete. We saw a handful of people at the cabin, but for the rest of the hike saw only one other couple on the AT. Overall, a great day hike!
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