It is composed of eight separate tracts of land along the eastern slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains; four of these adjoin Shenandoah National Park, and combined they share 25 miles (40 km) of boundary.

Most of the woods are hardwood, dominated by chestnut oak and tulip poplar; populations of sugar maple and yellow and black birch may be found in some of the higher and deeper areas.

Evidence of former human habitation, including old home sites, cemeteries, and rock piles, may still be found in the area.

The area is open to the public for hunting, trapping, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and primitive camping.

[3] The deer and turkey populations in the Rapidan area are moderate, but stable in numbers, providing quality hunting opportunities.