This route does not begin on Skyline Drive, but along Route 600 near Syria. It's in the central district, along the easternmost edge of the park. Other maps list it as the Whiteoak Canyon Parking Area.

For day one, plan an early start and follow Whiteoak Canyon up from the trailhead. While it is a stunning area of the park, it "receives extraordinarily high use on weekends," the NPS warns. Whether you're day hiking or heading out for an overnight, you should start as early as possible to avoid the crowds. This circuit would be best on a weekday, not a weekend.

After leaving Whiteoak Canyon, you will spur right onto a horse trail, hike a couple of miles on an old fire road, then turn onto Indian Run Trail. From here, the trail descends to Nicholson Hollow Trail. Turn right (eastbound) and look for a campsite after walking half a mile. The NPS highlights abundant camping for the next mile or two, so you shouldn't have an issue finding a quiet site.

For day two, you'll continue down Nicholson Hollow Trail, then turn right on Route 600. There are several notable river crossings along the way, so prepare for knee to waist high water in the spring or after heavy rains. One key highlight of the trail, however, is its "excellent swimming holes that exist even in drought," according to the NPS.

After a brief road walk on Route 600, you'll reach the trailhead for the traditional Old Rag Loop. The NPS suggests taking Weakly Hollow Fire Road back, but the trek over Old Rag is extremely rewarding - should you have some energy saved for the challenging scramble to the summit.

Dogs are allowed if you bypass Old Rag Mountain, but they are not allowed anywhere near the summit.

Sources: https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/hikewhiteoakcanyon.htm https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/upload/SHENBCTrip-WhiteoakCanyonandNicholsonHollowE060-508.pdf