Page Updated: February 13, 2024
Shenandoah National Park
2023 FEB
Laurel Prong Trail - Shenandoah National Park
Our adventure into Shenandoah National Park was way too short. Leg 28 was packed with historical sites and our visit to Washington D.C., so we worked in what we could when we could.
Virginia is beautifully scenic and we were happy to get out and enjoy a piece of it!
Since our rental wasn’t far from the park, It’s a shame we didn’t have longer to get into the park more.
Just for ease sake and in hindsight, we should’ve hiked Old Rag since it didn’t require a permit at the time of our visit. We’ll return to hike it one day. But with our busy Leg, we wanted a hike that was less intense and decided on Rapidan Camp Loop via the Appalachian Trail.
Rapidan Camp
Today, Rapid Camp is a National Historic Landmark. Back in the day, Rapidan Camp was a fishing camp for President Herbert Hoover while he was in the White House. Ranger-led tours from Byrd visitor center involve a shuttle ride to the camp, a visit inside the buildings, and some time on the grounds.
Our hike took us past it, so we stopped to check it out. No tours were in the area, nor were there any other people. The buildings were locked, so we didn’t get to see inside; but interpretive signs around the area provided us with plenty of history.
Harry F. Byrd Visitor Center
The Harry F. Byrd Visitor Center does a great job presenting the history of the Park. The Center includes a small museum on the formation of Shenandoah National Park and the obsession with the park’s Skyline Drive. Views of Big Meadows from the Center are impressive!
scenes from Shenandoah National Park
Michie Tavern ca. 1784 Pub
Rapidan Camp Loop via Appalachian Trail
