4 m away
Whiteoak Canyon -> Nicholson Hollow -> Old Rag Circuit
A challenging, but epic, overnight loop showcasing Whiteoak Canyon and Old Rag Mountain.
Severe Hiking
- Distance
- 28 km
- Ascent
- 1.5 km
- Descent
- 1.5 km
Whiteoak Canyon -> Cedar Run Loop
A spectacular hike with eight waterfalls and plenty of summer swimming holes.
Hiking Moderate
- Distance
- 12 km
- Ascent
- 713 m
- Descent
- 713 m
- Duration
- 3-4 hrs
- Low Point
- 337 m
- High Point
- 1 km
- Gradient
- 11˚
White Oak Canyon is one of the most talked-about hikes in all of Shenandoah National Park. This circuit includes six waterfalls "ranging from 35 to 86 feet and many smaller cascades along the Whiteoak Canyon Trail," according to the NPS. It's also "one of the most popular places to hike in Shenandoah National Park," they continue. There are countless swimming holes along the route, though you should expect some company during the warmer months due to its popularity.
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Description
The lower trailhead (as mapped) is the most common place to start. Parking is limited, and some spaces require a fee. You could also begin on Skyline Drive at Hawksbill Gap, milepost 45.6. Nearby Hawksbill Mountain is another excellent day hike that begins from the same trailhead.
Starting from the lower trailhead, this loop pairs Whiteoak Canyon Trail and Cedar Run Trail, plus a little bit of fire road in the middle. It can be hiked in either direction, though counter-clockwise would offer the best views of the waterfalls since you'll be hiking towards them.
Another spin on this route could be to shuttle the Whiteoak Canyon Trail between Skyline Drive and the lower trailhead. Leave a car at one end, and start your hike from the other.
Difficulty
Moderate
Hiking along trails with some uneven terrain and small hills. Small rocks and roots may be present.
Medium Exposure
The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.
Remoteness
Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.
Best time to visit
Features
- Wildlife
- Picturesque
- Dog friendly
- Wild flowers
- Water features
- Forestry or heavy vegetation
Similar routes nearby
3.8 km away
Hawksbill Mountain Loop
A short loop to the highest peak in Shenandoah National Park.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 4.3 km
- Ascent
- 236 m
- Descent
- 236 m
6.3 km away
Rose River Loop
A moderate 4-mile hike with stunning waterfalls, an abandoned mine, and a historic cemetery.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 5.8 km
- Ascent
- 275 m
- Descent
- 275 m
6.4 km away
Old Rag Loop
A epic and mesmerizing hike — "One of Shenandoah's premier experiences."
Difficult Hiking
- Distance
- 15 km
- Ascent
- 734 m
- Descent
- 734 m
7.5 km away
Dark Hollow Falls
A classic short hike to a stunning waterfall in Shenandoah National Park.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 2.5 km
- Ascent
- 181 m
- Descent
- 181 m
7.5 km away
Stony Man & Little Stony Man
A short hike with epic views atop the northernmost 4,000' peak in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Difficult Hiking
- Distance
- 6.4 km
- Ascent
- 310 m
- Descent
- 310 m
8.2 km away
Blackrock & Lewis Spring Falls
A short yet challenging hike pairing the epic views from Blackrock with Lewis Spring Falls, the fourth-largest waterfall in the park.
Difficult Hiking
- Distance
- 5.2 km
- Ascent
- 301 m
- Descent
- 301 m
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Guidebooks in this area
6 routes · Hiking
Find Your Perfect Overnight Trip in Shenandoah NP
10 routes · Hiking
10 Classic Hikes in Shenandoah National Park
10 routes · Hiking
10 of the Best Day Hikes in the Appalachian Mountains
63 routes · Alpine Climbing · Hiking
The Most Famous Hike in Every US National Park
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