White Oak canyon, Shenandoah National Park is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia just west of Washington, D.C. This a great hike and plenty of waterfalls. Watch me get soaked by one! We hiked from the boundary road approximately 3 miles up to the main falls then back down.
Whitoak Canyon is a popular waterfall hike that can be accessed either via Skyline Drive or the park boundary from Route 600. This guide includes information about hiking Whiteoak Canyon from Skyline Drive, from the boundary, and as a circuit with the Cedar Run Trail.
Good to Know Even if you are hiking from the boundary, you must have an entrance permit or annual pass. Please be prepared to self-pay (correct change or credit card) at the boundary trailhead. Backcountry camping sites are very limited in this area, so be prepared to go to a different area in the Park to camp, especially on weekends. Be sure you have a backcountry camping permit and that you understand the regulations, particularly those pertaining to site choice.
An average pace is: 1.5 miles per hour for easiest trails. 1.4 mph for moderate trails. 1.3 mph for moderately strenuous trails. 1.2 mph for strenuous and very strenuous trails.
Skyline Drive to Upper Whiteoak Falls Hike 4.6-mile round trip 3.5-hours hiking time Moderate 1,040-foot elevation gain From the Whiteoak Canyon parking area (mile 42.6), take the Whiteoak Canyon Trail. Pass the junctions for the Old Rag Fire Road and the Limberlost Trail. About 2.3 miles from the start you will come to a rocky ledge with a view of the upper falls. Retrace your steps to return to the parking lot. The return trip will be very steep! Hiking to the other five falls adds a strenuous 2.7 miles.
Cedar Run - Whiteoak Circuit Hike 7.3-mile circuit 6.25-hours hiking time Very strenuous 2,794-foot elevation gain From Hawksbill Gap parking (mile 45.6), take Cedar Run Trail, go left on Link Trail, and left on Whiteoak Canyon Trail. Just after the upper falls, go left on the Whiteoak Canyon Fire Road/Horse Trail (see inset #2). If the water is high, use the pedestrian bridge above the falls.
Boundary to Lower Falls Hike 2-mile round trip 1.5-hours hiking time Easiest 500-foot elevation gain From the parking area at the Park boundary (directions below), begin at Whiteoak Canyon Trail and keep right at the intersection with Cedar Run Trail. Cross a small stream and continue to the base of the lower falls. Return by the same route.
Directions to Boundary Trailhead From Sperryville - Follow Route 211 to Route 522 south for 0.8-mile. Turn right on Route 231, follow 10.2 miles to Etlan, turn right on Route 643. Follow for 4.5 miles and turn right onto Route 600. Proceed 3.5 miles to the parking area. From Madison - Route 29 Business, take 231 north for 5.6 miles to Route 670 at Banco. Continue 3.6 miles to Route 643 in Syria. Follow 0.8 mile on Route 643 to Route 600. Continue on Route 600 to the parking area.
Be the first to comment