camp rapidan

This is a beautiful "camp," where President Hoover got away from the pressures of Washington. We visited in late October, so the ranger tour was not available (nor the bus) so we hiked in and out. It took us about one hour fifty minutes each way, and we took our lunch and drinks with us. Along the way, there are at least three beautiful waterfalls on the Rapidan (?) Creek. The hike is classified "moderate" and that about nails it. We're in decent shape, for seniors, and made it in and out with no difficulty. Bring at least one quart of water per person. Do NOT drink the creek water, unless you can filter or disinfect it. (NO creek water should be drunk, anywhere.) At the camp itself, there are plenty of historical placquards to read, and one of the cabins (The Ambassador's Cabin) is a small museum where you can learn about the Hoovers and how they had the camp built. Better carefully calculate local sunset time, because portions of the trail would be dangerous in the dark. Well worth a leisurely day, in good weather.

It's a 2 mile each way walk to get to the camp but worth it for the history behind what conversations might have happened here between Hoover and his visitors.

President Herbert Hoover created this as his Presidential mountain getaway as much as Camp David serves our current presidents. The site had to have met a number of requirements to include physical distance, travel time and security. Add to this trout fishing since President Hoover was an avid fly fisherman. When hiking from the Skyline Drive starting at the Milam Gap Parking area which is about 1 mile south of the Big Meadows entrance there are two hiking routes. The first is a 7.4 round trip hike via the Mill and Laurel Prong Trails. The other is a more strenuous 4 mile round trip hike via the Mill Prong Trail where you will cross 3 small streams by stepping on large rocks. We chose the shorter more strenuous 4 mile hike which took us about 75 minutes being pretty much a downhill trek. Wanting to say I fly fished the famous stream (headwaters of the Rapidan River)I took along my small fly rod and gave it a try by the Prime Minister's cabin. No luck a fun experience. There are only 3 remaining cabins from the original 13 with 2 being opened to the public. Sometime after Hoover's administration the property was transferred to the NPS/Shenandoah National Park. The hike back was uphill most of the way taking about 90 minutes. Take a walking stick and some water with you. If it had previously rained as it did prior to us hiking the trail, be more cautious as the rocks can be slippery. About half way down the trail combines with a horse trail so look out for what the horses leave behind. There is a third choice! Take the NPS bus! The NPS offers guided trips from the Byrd Visitor's Center at the entrance of Big Meadows. Check in advance for times and any fees. Allow about 2 1/2 hours for the tour.

When we went there were tour guides. The tour guides can let you into and give you a tour of Hoover's summer house. If the guides are not there it may not ne worth the hike.

This is a fairly easy hike, although some sections are steep. At the bottom, you are rewarded with the Presidential and Prime Minister houses and many historical plaques. If you want to tour the houses, check before you hike down since they are not open year-round and not every day. Even if the houses are not open, there is enough information and relaxing porches to enjoy the area.

Fun hike down, interesting to see. rough going back up the trial, maybe plan to make a loop of it up the access road if the climb back up is too much.

My dad and I wanted to go fly fishing in Shenandoah, and lo and behold, we shared that desire with President Hoover! Apparently he was instrumental in getting the park made because he wanted a presidential retreat where he could go fishing. The camp is mostly intact and makes for a great exhibit.The trail itself is pretty, if fairly steep, with several creeks running near the trail. The trail is in good condition too.Once Dad and I got to the Camp, we decided to try the fishing. It's quite good. Within a half hour, both of us had caught a beautiful little brook trout. Don't forget, though, make sure you've got your fishing license and it's catch and release in the park!

long hike in and out but worth the historical significance. the volunteer tour guide was very thorough and insightful. the buildings are extremely interesting with the furnishings.there are a few ways to get to the camp, but anyway you look at it it is a 3-4 hour round trip but worth the exertion.

Do you know anything about Herbert Hoover, if not this is a good place to learn about this amazing man and his exceptional wife. We don't hear much about this couple now a days, but we should. The story of their life is amazing. The prime minister cabin is very nice and so is he presidents cabin. The NPS has done a good job of caring for them. However, there isn't much that is authentic. Also the grounds....well it doesn't appear anyone does much with them and when you hear the stories you know that Mrs. Hoover tended to them. With all that the park service has at it's disposal you would think they could find a garden club or someone would spend some time tending to them. The grounds themselves need a lot of work. It is 4 mile RT hike.