Cedar Run/White Oaks Canyon Hike & Swim (11.9 mile, 3,192' gain, Strenuous)

DESCRIPTION:
The first 4 miles of this hike are all uphill with no break following White Oak Canyon from the bottom all the way up to Hawksbill Mountain. We will pass a slew of large beautiful waterfalls on the way up. We will take it slow and stop to jump in some pools to cool off on the way up so it's not a slog. Bring your bathing suits along with plenty of water to drink.

Once at Hawksbill, we will head over to Crescent Rock to have lunch. It's a beautiful overlook looking out over the west. From there, we will head back down via Cedar Run. Again, jumping in and swimming is part of the plan.

ALLTRAILS MAP: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/white-oak-canyon-trail-712a3c9?u=i

BRING: Swimsuit, towel, pool shoes if you want them, Good Hiking Boots or Trail Shoes, trekking poles if you have them, plenty of water, snacks, and a lunch.

PARKING/CARPOOLING/CARAVANING: Gather at the Lower Whiteoak Canyon Fee Station, 187 Chad Berry Ln, Syria, VA 22743 at 9:45 AM to get started and to be escorted in by cardholders or to escort others if you have a card. The White Oak Canyon Lower parking lot is free; however, they are often full and the nearby private lots charge $10 per car. National Park passes allow 4 guests. Otherwise, you'll have to pay an SNP entrance fee, so I recommend carpooling with someone who has a pass.

Also, I encourage carpooling wherever possible. If you need a ride or want a ride, look at the list of attendees and where they live (it says in their profile). Then, for those who live near you, hit the "Chat" button to ask if they want or can offer a ride. Be sure you coordinate at least the day before with who you are riding with to ensure you are in sync. If you are a rider, please chip in towards gas (usually $5 - $20 depending on distance and # of riders). Additionally, you can post a request to give or receive a ride in the chat section of the event.

POST EVENT DINNER, DRINKS, & SOCIALIZATION:
We will stop to get dinner & drinks afterward at a place to be determined. Make sure whoever you ride with has the same plans as you so you can eat afterward if you want.

EXPECTATIONS: Download the trail map onto your phone before you arrive. Bring plenty of drinking water and a lunch/snacks. Know your physical limits and cardiovascular fitness. Bring proper clothing and gear for the weather. If you have any concerns or questions, don't hesitate to contact the hike leader via the chat feature or direct messaging.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY & ASSUMPTION OF RISK AGREEMENT: By attending this hike, I acknowledge that hiking in nature carries the risk of potential harm to myself up to and including the risk of injuries such as broken bones or muscle/tendon injuries, illness, disability, or death. These can be caused by slipping or falling off rocks due to loss of balance or lack of coordination; twisting ankles on rocks, brush, limbs, or ice; Acts of nature such as rock falls, inclement weather, lightning, strong wind, extreme temperatures; drownings in rivers, streams, or other bodies of water; drinking unfiltered contaminated water or becoming dehydrated; succumbing to heat exhaustion; getting bit or stung by venomous reptiles, animals, or insects; and my own or other’s negligent or risky behaviors. This list is not exhaustive nor is it inclusive of all risks. In response, I release and hold harmless with respect to all injury, disability, death, or loss of property, whether caused by negligence or otherwise, the “Active Adventurers” meetup group’s leadership as well as the designated hike leaders for this hike.

SICKNESS (COVID/FLU/COLD): As always, if you have been exposed to a contagious illness, or are having any symptoms at all, please do not attend. There will be plenty of future events.

DOGS: Don't bring dogs. They can't handle the many steep steps.