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Whiteoak Canyon to Cedar Run Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Difficult Difficult
 4.7 (144)
  1. Areas
  2. VA
  3. …Shenandoah Valley
  4. …Shenandoah National Park
  5. Central District
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“Among the best hikes --if not the best hike-- in Shenandoah. Enjoy waterfalls for 9 miles. ”

Nicholas Crow
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Map Key

8.2

Miles

13.1

KM

Loop

3,385' 1,032 m

High

1,191' 363 m

Low

2,255' 687 m

Up

2,255' 687 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (6°)

47%

Max Grade (25°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Waterfall · Wildlife

Family Friendly You can turn around at any point and still consider this a great hike. The payoff is all around you and the river is very accessible during the first couple of miles.

Overview

This route has you climbing through Whiteoak Canyon along beautiful waterfalls. During warm months, you're under a canopy and during winter months you'll likely enjoy fog. Sections are fairly steep, but you'll never be far away from a great view allowing you to catch your breath.

Once past the upper falls, your climb continues across a bridge and up a fire road that connects you to Cedar Run Trail. From here, you'll hike down 2500' along Robinson River, where you'll discover more waterfalls and will see more wildlife.

Near the bottom, there is a swimming area and a waterfall slide.

Need to Know

This route looks like a 7-mile hike on some maps, but when you actually do it, you'll find it's just over 9 miles, so please adjust your plans accordingly.

Description

When hiking this loop you are immediately greeted with easy stream and bridge crossings, leading up to a steady climb. Rain changes the nature of the stream crossing; sometimes you have to splash through a couple of inches of water at 3 of the crossings. The careful stacking of rocks or the use of trekking poles can prevent a wet misstep. During this period, the trail is also wet, so bring a change of socks just in case.

Though never far from water, each crest and bend reveals yet another waterfall. Near the top, there is a stunning overlook where you can peer down the canyon and enjoy the waterfall far below you.

After the upper falls, the Whiteoak Canyon trail continues on, but you'll cross the river using the bridge, which will take you to a fire trail where you'll gain more elevation. The whole area is heavily forested and is absolutely remarkable when the leaves change.

Contacts

Land Manager: NPS - Shenandoah National Park

Shared By:

Nicholas Crow
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 144 votes

#2

in Central District

#34

Overall
  4.7 from 144 votes
5 Star
75%
4 Star
21%
3 Star
3%
2 Star
1%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in Central District

#2

in Virginia

#34

Overall
32 Views Last Month
23,272 Since Jan 17, 2016
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81%
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Photos

The second of 6 waterfalls in Whiteoak Canyon (the 1st being the very upper falls).
May 15, 2016 near Stanley, VA
The lower falls of Whiteoak Canyon (the 6th of 6 waterfalls).
May 15, 2016 near Stanley, VA
Looking back across the bridge connecting Whiteoak Canyon trail to the fire road.
Jan 17, 2016 near Stanley, VA
Whiteoak Canyon Falls.
Jan 17, 2016 near Stanley, VA
Lower set of falls. Nice place for lunch.
Apr 20, 2018 near Stanley, VA
This is the lower falls on a winter day when water is very active.
Feb 26, 2016 near Stanley, VA

1 Comment

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Minor Issues 21 days ago
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Check-Ins

Sep 21, 2024
J H
Went clockwise from the bottom. Lots of water after recent rain, but crossings still manageable. 8.6mi — 5h 45m
Jun 29, 2024
Rachel Ricks
5 hours of actual hike time; pretty much exactly 6 hours total with the break we took for lunch and to slide down the rock slide/swim. 9.7mi — 5h 00m
Feb 9, 2024
Jack Ostermeyer
Dec 25, 2023
Dan Schned
Oct 22, 2023
Colleen Gebauer
Nice trail, should walk in the opposite direction than recommended otherwise you go up 2 miles of horse/fire road. We also started at hawksbill gap 8.6mi — 6h 00m
Oct 22, 2023
Brooke Walczak
We started at Hawksbill Gap, so second half was uphill. Best waterfalls, but minimal flow due to drought. The horse trail was all uphill. 8.6mi
Jul 16, 2023
Jodi K
Going to lower white oak falls. Just stopped raining! Yay! 2.6mi — 9h 35m
Jun 21, 2023
Justin Tripoli

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