Route 649 (Quaker Run Road) leaves Criglersville, turns to dirt past the state-maintained section and crosses the Rapidan Wildlife Management Area to a gate on the Rapidan Fire Road at the park boundary. Park along the road outside the gate, then walk the fire road up the Rapidan River to Rapidan Camp, about 1.9 miles. Return the same way.
It is about the same length as the Park Service route from Milam Gap, with the climb, about 600 feet, on the way in. You drive in from Madison County instead of over Skyline Drive.
Dogs allowed on a leash
Leash no longer than 6 feet at all times. NPS pet rules
Park entrance pass only
$30 per vehicle, good for 7 days, or an annual pass. NPS fees
Highlights
- President Hoover's 1929 summer camp
- From the Madison County side, no Skyline Drive
- Fire road the whole way
Before you go
- Virginia DWR requires a hunting or fishing license or a DWR access permit to use the wildlife management area this route drives through.
- DWR says the roads to and through the management area are narrow and rough and recommends four-wheel drive. Hunting is allowed there in season.
- Park outside the gate and do not block it.
- NPS publishes no time or distance for this route. These figures are our measurements, so leave extra daylight.
