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Elias King

live, love, learn

I would recommend doing Whiteoak Canyon in concert with the Cedar Run trail in order to catch the natural water slide on the latter trail. This will turn the hike into a 8.2 loop trail (make sure to park at the upper lot, around mile 48 in this case!), but well worth it for the natural water slide. On the other hand, you could also simply do the 3.4 out-and-back Cedar Run trail, with approx. 1500 ft of elevation on your return.

One of my favorite hikes on the east coast, I did it my first time as a fourth grader on a chilly October day, and most recently a year ago at the age of 23 on a warm sunny day. In between were many treks in the rain, sleet, ice and snow. One of the more challenging day hikes in Shenandoah National Park, it offers rock scrambling, and generous uphill climbs, wonderful views. I would recommend skipping the fire road loop and doing the hike as an out-and-back!