The Experience
You will love: A trail that features a little bit of everything great about SNP from water features, history to bountiful forest.
You need to know:
Your adventure begins at the Milam gap parking lot off mile marker 52. Cross Skyline Drive to the trail head. After a quick 50 yard trail walk, make a right onto the Appalachian trail (AT) - white blazed. The AT portion is a delightful ride across vast areas of fern, towering trees and mild elevation gain. The trail will lead to Hazeltop mountain, the third tallest in Shenandoah National Park (3,812ft) but alas no big view at the top (unless during winter). Continue for another mile to the Bootens Gap area making a left onto Laurel Prong trail. The Laurel Prong trail is more rugged than the AT, it can be overgrown in summer months. The trail does continue with the forest theme, now adding solitude as you wander through rockier terrain to the junction of Laurel Prong and Cat Knob. Make a left to continue on Laurel Prong. the trail picks up speed and beauty as the forest opens up, The trail elevation becomes a gliding downward stroll through mountain laurel, fern and hemlock. After 2.2 miles you will reach the Camp Rapidan area. This area is worth the visit, as built by President Hoover this retreat exists today for hikers and visitors to experience. Make sure to have a seat on the back porch of the prime ministers cabin and enjoy a trail snack or lunch while listening the sounds of the babbling brook behind you. When ready to continue find a return to the trail by the creel house, the trail is now the horse trail/ Mill Prong. Mill prong is your only real elevation gainer but its filled with beautiful pitstops at Big Rock falls and several small water features, the last mile of the trail rides Mill Prong through lush forest canopy to the trail head. Recross skyline drive to complete your adventure.
HIKE ON!
GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS
HIKE ON!
You need to know:
- Fee required to access park.
- Use Milam gap parking lot off mile marker 52. Cross Skyline Drive.
Your adventure begins at the Milam gap parking lot off mile marker 52. Cross Skyline Drive to the trail head. After a quick 50 yard trail walk, make a right onto the Appalachian trail (AT) - white blazed. The AT portion is a delightful ride across vast areas of fern, towering trees and mild elevation gain. The trail will lead to Hazeltop mountain, the third tallest in Shenandoah National Park (3,812ft) but alas no big view at the top (unless during winter). Continue for another mile to the Bootens Gap area making a left onto Laurel Prong trail. The Laurel Prong trail is more rugged than the AT, it can be overgrown in summer months. The trail does continue with the forest theme, now adding solitude as you wander through rockier terrain to the junction of Laurel Prong and Cat Knob. Make a left to continue on Laurel Prong. the trail picks up speed and beauty as the forest opens up, The trail elevation becomes a gliding downward stroll through mountain laurel, fern and hemlock. After 2.2 miles you will reach the Camp Rapidan area. This area is worth the visit, as built by President Hoover this retreat exists today for hikers and visitors to experience. Make sure to have a seat on the back porch of the prime ministers cabin and enjoy a trail snack or lunch while listening the sounds of the babbling brook behind you. When ready to continue find a return to the trail by the creel house, the trail is now the horse trail/ Mill Prong. Mill prong is your only real elevation gainer but its filled with beautiful pitstops at Big Rock falls and several small water features, the last mile of the trail rides Mill Prong through lush forest canopy to the trail head. Recross skyline drive to complete your adventure.
HIKE ON!
GEAR RECOMMENDATIONS
- 1 water bottle or camelback
- hiking shoes or Trail Runners
- Snacks
- bug spray (warmer months)
HIKE ON!
