Whiteoak Canyon Trail: Hiking Options + Maps

Whiteoak Canyon – Upper Falls

This route begins from the Whiteoak Boundary Parking Area and ends at the Upper Falls Overlook. This is a great option to see all six waterfalls along the Whiteoak Canyon Trail!

Trailhead Location: Located at the Whiteoak Boundary Parking Area which is just outside the park boundary along Weakley Hollow Road

Length: 5 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,450 feet

Difficulty: Moderate to hard

Hiking Time: 2.5 to 4 hours

Route Type: Out-and-back

Pet-friendly? Yes, must be on leash

Hike Features: Six waterfalls and swimming holes

Upper Falls Overlook via Whiteoak Canyon Trail Map:

Whiteoak Canyon – Lower Falls

This route begins at the Whiteoak Boundary Parking Area and leads to the Lower Falls, a fantastic destination for swimming and relaxing by the water. This route is an ideal choice for families and beginner hikers!

Trailhead Location: Located at the Whiteoak Boundary Parking Area which is just outside the park boundary along Weakley Hollow Road

Length: 3 miles

Elevation Gain: 420 feet

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Hiking Time: 1.5 to 2 hours

Route Type: Out-and-back

Pet-friendly? Yes, must be on leash

Hike Features: Lower Whiteoak Canyon Falls (swimming hole)

Lower Falls via Whiteoak Canyon Trail Map:

Alternate Routes

You can also hike the entire Whiteoak Canyon Trail from one trailhead parking area to the other. This is a 10-mile out-and-back hike with about 2,420 feet of elevation gain. Most people prefer to begin from the boundary parking area and tackle to incline first then descend back down the trail.

You can also start your hike from the Whiteoak Canyon Parking Area along Skyline Drive. Some people will hike to the Upper Falls Overlook and back (4.6 miles roundtrip) or hike all the way to the Lower Falls and back (7 miles roundtrip).

Cedar Run Trail + Map

Trailhead Location: Located at the Hawksbill Gap Parking Area off Skyline Drive at milepost 45.6 in Shenandoah National Park

Length: 6 miles

Elevation Gain: 2,230 feet

Difficulty: Challenging

Hiking Time: 3.5 to 4.5 hours

Route Type: Out-and-back

Pet-friendly? Yes, must be on leash

Hike Features: “The Slide” (a natural water slide) and Cedar Run Falls (swimming hole)

You could always hike to the two waterfalls then retrace your steps instead of completing the entire trail. The hike will be somewhere around 3 to 4 miles out-and-back.

You can start from the Hawksbill Gap Parking/Hawksbill Loop Trailhead Parking Area or the Whiteoak Boundary Parking/Whiteoak Canyon Falls Lower Trailhead Parking Area.

Cedar Run and Whiteoak Canyon Loop (my favorite route)

This is my all-time favorite waterfall hike in Shenandoah National Park! The trail showcases a stunning series of 8 beautiful waterfalls, with some inviting enough to swim in, offering a refreshing experience on a hot day.

One of the highlights is the natural slide along the Cedar Run Trail, where you can slide down smooth rocks and enjoy the thrill of nature’s waterpark! There are also several swimming holes along Whiteoak Canyon Trail and Cedar Run Trail, too.

Trailhead Location: Located at the Hawksbill Gap Parking Area off Skyline Drive at milepost 45.6 in Shenandoah National Park

Length: 8 miles

Elevation Gain: 2,800 feet

Difficulty: Challenging

Hiking Time: 4 to 6 hours

Route Type: Loop

Pet-friendly? Yes, must be on leash

Hike Features: 2 waterfalls along Cedar Run Trail and 6 waterfalls along Whiteoak Canyon Trail as well as a few swimming holes and a natural waterslide

Directions and Parking

Whiteoak Boundary Parking

Also known as the Whiteoak Canyon Falls Lower Trailhead, this parking area is situated off Weakley Hollow Road in Syria, Virginia, just outside the boundary of Shenandoah National Park.

It provides access to both the Whiteoak Canyon Trail and Cedar Run Trail. You’ll either pay an entrance fee at the ranger station or show your annual pass in order to enter the park.

The Whiteoak Boundary Parking Area can hold 25+ vehicles. There is one large parking lot then another overflow parking lot.

Hawksbill Gap Parking

Also known as Hawksbill Loop Trailhead Parking, this lot is located off Skyline Drive at milepost 45.6 in Shenandoah National Park.

There are two parking areas on either side of the road. One is for Hawksbill Summit and the other is for Cedar Run Falls (and the Cedar Run and Whiteoak Canyon Loop).

Each parking area can hold about 5 to 8 vehicles. They can fill up fast, so get there early!

Whiteoak Canyon Parking

Also known as the Whiteoak Canyon Falls Upper Trailhead, this lot is located off Skyline Drive at milepost 42.6 in Shenandoah National Park.

This paved parking area can hold about 20 to 30 vehicles, and it provides access to the Whiteoak Canyon Trail.

Shenandoah Entrance Fee

Entrance to Shenandoah National Park costs $30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. However, if you have the America the Beautiful Annual Pass, your entry is free! For those who love exploring national parks, investing in the Annual Pass is a smart choice. At just $80, it grants you access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country!

Best Time to Hike Whiteoak Canyon and Cedar Run Trails

The best times to hike these trails are late spring to early summer, when the waterfalls are at their most vibrant, or mid-to-late fall, when breathtaking foliage and crisp weather create a perfect hiking atmosphere. Summer is also a popular season, offering the chance to swim and unwind in the refreshing pools near the falls.

Spring (April to June): Spring is the best time to see the waterfalls at their peak, fueled by spring rain showers. The trail bursts with greenery and wildflowers, creating a vibrant setting. Cool temperatures make hiking comfortable, though the path can be muddy.

Summer (July to August): Summer is perfect for swimming, with pools near the falls offering a refreshing escape. The lush canopy provides shade, but expect warm weather and potential crowds, especially on weekends.

✨ READ THIS: 15 Ways to Avoid Crowds in the Great Outdoors

Fall (September to November): Fall transforms the trail with stunning foliage in reds, oranges, and yellows. Cooler temperatures and fewer bugs make it ideal for long hikes. While the waterfalls may be smaller, the scenic views are unmatched.

Winter (December to March): Winter offers solitude and the chance to see frozen waterfalls in a serene setting. The trail is peaceful but can be icy, so caution and proper gear are essential. Icy conditions may cause road closures – be sure to check the current conditions HERE.

Tips for Hiking Whiteoak Canyon and Cedar Run Trails

Plan Your Route: The Whiteoak Canyon and Cedar Run Trails offer multiple hiking routes and several parking options. To ensure a smooth adventure, plan your route in advance, carry a physical map and compass, and download offline maps to navigate confidently in areas with limited cell service.

Start Early: Beat the crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures by starting your hike early in the morning, especially during peak season.

Bring Plenty of Water & Snacks: Pack plenty of water in order to stay hydrated, especially during the summer months. Make sure to bring high-energy snacks to refuel your body!

Footwear and Gear: The trail involves some rocky terrain, so wear comfortable, sturdy hiking shoes (or boots). Hiking poles may be beneficial with stream crossings and rocky sections, especially when descending. Make sure you wear proper clothing for the season and bring layers just in case.

Sun Protection: Even though this hike takes you through a shaded forest, it’s always smart to take extra precautions and protect yourself from the sun, so wear sunscreen and SPF lip balm.

Waterfall Safety:

• Avoid climbing rocks near the waterfall as they can be slippery and cause you to fall.
• When swimming near the base of a waterfall, stay aware of strong currents and avoid getting too close to the cascade itself.
• Never swim upstream near the edge of a waterfall, as the flow can unexpectedly pull you toward the drop.
• Always assess water depth before jumping in and be mindful of submerged rocks or debris.
• After heavy rain, water levels can rise rapidly, increasing the risk of strong currents – choose calmer conditions for a safer experience.

Be Bear Aware: Black bears are active within Shenandoah National Park. Follow these guidelines to avoid any negative interactions with a black bear.

Leave No Trace: Stay on the trail, pack out all trash, and avoid picking plants or disturbing wildlife. Help keep Shenandoah National Park pristine for future hikers.

Cedar Run and Whiteoak Canyon Loop: Trail Directions

Cedar Run Trail

From the Hawksbill Gap Parking Area, head to the left to start on the Cedar Run Trail. Be careful on this section! It’s VERY rocky, and after a good rain the rocks become quite slippery.

“The Slide”

After trekking along the trail and tackling a few stream crossings, and you will eventually see two waterfalls. Both absolutely beautiful! The first waterfall forms a natural slide which is where it got its name “The Slide”.

Cedar Run Falls

The second waterfall is Cedar Run Falls. It’s much taller than the first one and very gorgeous. You can hike to the top of the waterfall or go to the base of it and hang out at its swimming hole.

Whiteoak Canyon Trail (6 waterfalls!)

As you continue hiking, you will reach an intersection in the trail. Go left to get onto Whiteoak Canyon Trail. You will follow the stream for a little while until reaching the first waterfall.

On this section of the hike, you will see SIX waterfalls! How cool is that!? Whiteoak Canyon Falls is actually made up of an upper, middle, and lower falls.

It’s basically just one GIANT waterfall but split up into six separate parts. The first one, a part of the lower falls, is a 60-foot waterfall followed by two more waterfalls back-to-back.

The next two are basically side-by-side. The second waterfall is 49 feet tall, and the third one is 41 feet tall. These two aren’t as easy to see unless you do a little bit of rock hopping to get closer. They both are a part of the lower falls.

As you hike up further on the trail, you will have a better view of the third waterfall.

Continue on until you reach two more waterfalls. I guess these are considered the “middle falls”. Not sure if that’s “official” but why not?

They’re in the MIDDLE of the upper and lower falls. Anyway, these are number four and five. The fourth waterfall is 35 feet tall and the fifth one is 62 feet tall.

Soon you will reach the sixth and final waterfall. This is an 86-foot waterfall, and it’s known as the Upper Falls.

There is an overlook where you can get a nice view of it. It is far away and not easily accessible for a closer look, but still worth seeing regardless.

Whiteoak Canyon Fire Road

Continue a little bit past the Upper Whiteoak Canyon Falls and past the first intersection in the trail. There is at a sign at the first intersection that says “Skyland-Big Meadows Horse Trail”. Don’t go that way!

Keep hiking to the left of that sign. You will quickly reach another intersection. Take a left on the Whiteoak Canyon Fire Road. That will lead you back to the parking area.

Congrats, you did it! 🥳

Conclusion

Hiking the Whiteoak Canyon and Cedar Run Trails in Shenandoah National Park is a truly unforgettable experience, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and adventure. From cascading waterfalls to serene swimming holes, these trails showcase the park’s diverse landscapes and breathtaking scenery.

Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly outing or a more challenging loop to explore all the highlights, this hike will leave you feeling energized and planning your next trip back! Bring your adventurous spirit and see for yourself why these trails are among the most cherished gems of Shenandoah National Park.

If this guide inspires you to hike Whiteoak Canyon Falls and/or Cedar Run Falls, I’d love to hear about your adventure. Leave a comment and share your experience!