Rapidan River

The Rapidan River begins west of Doubletop Mountain in Shenandoah National Park where the Mill Prong meets the Laurel Prong at Rapidan Camp, approximately 3 miles (4.8 km) south of Big Meadows.

Sections of the lower Rapidan River are preserved by a conservation easement.

[2] The Rapidan River was the scene of severe fighting in the American Civil War, and historic sites such as Ely's Ford, Chancellorsville, Brandy Station, Kelly's Ford, and the Battle of the Wilderness are nearby.

[3] In 2000, the upper Rapidan River was nominated for EPA designation as a Tier III Exceptional Waterway.

In 2001, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality rejected the application, citing uncertainty about the impact of the designation.

The *Rapidan* and *Rappahannock* Rivers. The Rappahannock is the highlighted river to the north, while the Rapidan is its southerly tributary.