White Oak Canyon to Upper Falls

Luray, Virginia

4.8/5

based on 9 reviews

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Distance

4.28 miles

Elevation Gain

866 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Christin Healey

White Oak Canyon to Upper Falls is an easy hike with one of the best falls in Shenandoah National Park. There is also easy access to lodging, restaurants and facilities when you are finished hiking at Skyland.

Between mile 42 and 43 of Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park is the trailhead for WhiteOak Canyon. Begin at the trailhead from the parking lot and cross the Limberlost Trail in .3 miles. Continue on and you will cross your first footbridge shortly. After another mile you will cross the second footbridge and turn left to get to the lookout for the falls. This is well marked. In a few hundred feet you will reach the best lookout of the falls on a rocky outcrop, and it's also a great stop for lunch or a snack, and of course some photos. Then just retrace your steps to complete this easy 4.3 mile out and back! This is one of the most popular hikes in the park, so go early or later in the afternoon during the weekend or holidays. The elevation gain is 1,200 ft, but it's gradual so an easy hike for the entire family.

You can extend this hike with a couple of other options:

White Oak Trail to Lower Falls - 6.7 miles, 2,000ft elevation gain

White Oak Canyon Cedar Run Loop - 7.7 miles, 2,250ft elevation gain

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White Oak Canyon to Upper Falls Reviews

Elias King

White Oak Canyon to Upper Falls

11/02/16

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.

5.0

Gen Utz

White Oak Canyon to Upper Falls

06/25/16

It's a great hike for beginners. It's the perfect length for its terrain. You'll definitely work up a sweat hiking up the slight slope. Luckily, there's a few waterfalls and swimming holes along the way!

4.0

Nick Boehm

White Oak Canyon to Upper Falls

03/06/16

Gets super busy but this is one of the best summer hikes in the area. Lots of swimming holes to cool off in. Be watchful for snakes.

4.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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White Oak Canyon to Upper Falls

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White Oak Canyon to Upper Falls Reviews

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White Oak Trail to Lower Falls

Hike Limberlost Trail in Shenandoah National Park

Hike Robertson Mountain in Shenandoah NP

Stony Man Trail, Shenandoah National Park

Little Stony Man, Shenandoah National Park

Hawksbill Mountain Summit

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