Oct 29, 2020 · Rose River – Big Meadows – Rapidan Fire Road – Dark Hollow. This is the shortest loop from the Rose River Trailhead and is mostly fire road (although the lower Rose River Fire Road is pretty rocky), making it ideal for the novice trail runner.

Take a slight right onto the yellow-blazed Mill Prong Horse Trail and follow it to Rapidan Camp. After exploring the camp, take the Laurel Prong Trail (an old road trace) which is yellow-blazed for about a half mile. Continue straight on Laurel Prong when it becomes blue-blazed and stay on it past the junction with Cat Knob Trail.

At the fire road (yellow-blazed), turn right across bridge. For an added treat (and about .25-mile more hiking), you can take the Dark Hollow Falls Trail to the base of the falls and back. Then continue uphill about one mile back to Skyline Drive.

Apr 1, 2025 · Head out on this 11.9-mile loop trail near Syria, Virginia. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 5 h 40 min to complete. This is a popular trail for backpacking, camping, and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are April through November.

Nov 5, 2023 · The entire length of the Graves Mill Trail from the intersection of the Staunton River Trail to the Rapidan Fire Road, and the entire length of the Wilhite Wagon Trail will remain closed until further notice as firefighters continue efforts to suppress the Quaker Run Fire.

The trail begins as a fire road through the meadow of Big Meadows, then gradually heads downhill. When you reach the low point, you’ll be at the Rapidan camp, the predecessor to Camp David. There’s also a nice little waterfall before you reach the camp.

Mar 30, 2025 · Check out this 12.6-mile loop trail near Madison, Virginia. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 6 h 2 min to complete. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are March through October.

May 30, 2012 · The trail turned into a wide fire road and finally reached a junction with the Rapidan Fire Road two miles from Laurel Gap. Rapidan Camp, or Camp Hoover, is a former presidential retreat located near the headwaters of the Rapidan River.

An easy hiking road which winds through heavily wooded areas on both sides of it. The upper section of Rapidan Road is mainly used by park maintenance and also the parks shuttle tours of Camp Hoover (or Rapidan Camp), the former presidential retreat created by President Hoover.

Nov 26, 2021 · Big Meadows, as the name implies, is a very large meadow, essentially in the middle of the park. This high-elevation meadow is actually atop a mountain. From the parking lot, walk past the trail kiosk along the Rapidan Fire Road. In a few steps, you’ll see a sign about the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).