A Walk in the Woods - Shenandoah National Park

On Saturday, Adam and I hiked the Mill Prong trail down to Camp Hoover. (The precursor to "Camp David" - which is the current presidential retreat) When we got to the camp, we found that the retreat buildings were open for tours. Every now and then, the NPS arranges guided tours for people who can't hike to the location. They bring everyone down by van on one of the fireroads. We've hiked down to the camp lots of times, but this is the first time we've ever been able to go inside.

 

The presidential cabin is so rustic and beautiful. I could totally make myself at home there - it has electricity, cozy furniture and indoor plumbing. The military brought the phone and electrical lines in from Madison, Virginia when Herbert Hoover was president. (And here's a trivial fact about me... as much as I love to hike and be outdoors, I've never really gotten into backcountry camping. My mom has told me I'm like the girl from the fairy tale "The Princess and the Pea". Nothing makes me grumpier than an uncomfortable bed. Adam always teases that my personal comfort level hangs precariously on a very thin thread. I know it's the truth, too. Sorry... but I like a soft bed, 1000 thread count sheets and my down pillows.)

 

The walk down the Mill Prong was so gorgeous on this October weekend. There were several spots that looked like tunnels of gold, the trees were so colorful. The small stream that eventually merges into the Rapidan River was flowing too low to get water photos, but I thought the colorful leaves looked so pretty on the mossy rocks.

 

This is one of our favorite short hikes in Shenandoah - it's just 4 miles and the trail is nicely maintained. It's all uphill on the walk back - but it's a very gentle, gradual climb. Camp Hoover is a great place to take a picnic lunch. You can sit on the president's deck, eat your meal and enjoy the rushing sound of the Rapidan River.

Done