Beginning from the Visitors Center, this route begins by following Rapidan Road through the lonely beauty of Big Meadows. With possible sightings of deer, badgers, raccoons, and gophers grazing between the gnarled pines, or even the occasional black bear, the trail begins descending into the shadow of Doubletop Mountain. Near the bottom of the valley, make a right towards Camp Rapidan (Camp Hoover) and pass through this historical equivalent to the contemporary presidential retreat: Camp David. As the trail passes Big Rock Falls, make a right on the spur that leads back to Rapidan Road and the trailhead.