//
Photo: Ken Lund from Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Thornton Gap was one many mountain passes used to access the Shenandoah Valley by both Confederate and Union troops during the American Civil War. Neither side controlled it for very long and its scattered inhabitants were left largely undisturbed by the conflict raging in the valleys below.
Thornton Gap is a wind gap located in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia separating the Shenandoah Valley from the Piedmont region of the state.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
A hike near Stony Man is Little Stony Man (1 hour, 0.9 miles), a climb with breathtaking views. Alternatively you can reach Little Stony Man from Stony Man by using part of the Appalachian Trail, then walk down Little Stony Man, and return to the beginning of the Stony Man walk via the Passamaquody Trail.
Old Rag (6 hours, 7.2 miles; elevation gain: 2,510 feet) is an especially popular loop trail that covers forests, hollows, and rocky top. The peak, at 3,291 feet, has great views of the park and the surrounding countryside. The trail is typically traversed by ascending along the Ridge Trail, which is a strenuous trail of approximately 3 miles that includes a rope climb and rock scramble, and then descending along the Saddle Trail and Weakley Hollow Fire Road. Some hikers opt to hike in the opposite direction, which has a longer ascent but may be easier when descending the rock scramble. To reach the trailhead, travel north from Madison about 13 miles on Route 231, and turn left on Nethers Road. The small parking area at the trailhead is now closed, but a much larger parking area is available 0.8 miles from the trailhead. Recommended only for people in great shape, wearing appropriate hiking boots and with sufficient water and snacks on hand.
Limberlost Trail is a fully accessible trail in the Central District of Shenandoah National Park. Walk this 1.3 mile loop through a covered forest. See a columnar jointing geological feature and in the spring see the blooming mountain laurel that surrounds the trail.
Whiteoak Canyon has six waterfalls ranging from 35 to 86 feet making this trail one of the most popular places to hike in Shenandoah National Park. With swimming holes, many smaller cascades along the way, and surrounded by the forest canopy, Whiteoak Canyon can be a great place for a 2 mile hike to the lower falls or a longer full day hike to all six falls.
(1.5 hours, 1.4 miles, pets not allowed; elevation gain: 440 feet) The most popular waterfall trail leads to the Dark Hollow Falls. The trail descends steeply to the head of the falls and then to the foot. The return trip to the parking may be exhausting to some. This moderate out-and-back trail has some steep sections, but is rewarding once you look upon the falls. For an alternate route, follow the 4 mile Rose River Loop from Fishers Gap Overlook. Always be careful and use caution when hiking around waterfalls.
Camp Hoover
Herbert Hoover, the 31st president of the United States, bought land in Virigina for his summer weekend retreat in 1929, during the first peaceful days of his administration. Rapidan Camp provided President and Mrs. Hoover much needed rest and recreation during the later difficult years of his presidency. The Brown House is historically refurnished to the 1929 era with a ranger-guided tour in high season.