White Oak Canyon, Hawksbill, Cedar Run (Rating: A+)

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike.

This is an A+ hike due to distance and elevation gain. PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE POST BEFORE RSVP-ING.

This will be a 12 miles with an elevation gain of around 3,200 ft., featuring some of the best loved trails in Shenandoah. We will start by climbing the White Oak Canyon Trail past one of the tallest waterfalls in SNP to a nice example of columnar basalt. Then we will use Limberlost Trail, Crescent Rock Trail, the AT, and Salemander Trail to the summit of Hawksbill Mt. (the highest point in SNP). After taking in the views, we will use Lower Hawksbill Trail and Cedar Run Trail to return to the cars.

You must be an experienced, fit hiker to attend. If you have ANY question of your about your ability to complete this hike, please contact me. For experienced A hikers, this is a good transition to A+ hiking.

I will be vetting people for this hike. If you have experience doing NVHC A and A+ hikes, I will be able to see that. Otherwise you should message me about your recent hiking experience with hikes of at least 9 miles and 2500' of vertical ascent. This is especially important if your privacy setting keep me from messaging you. I will remove anyone from this hike whose experience I deem to be inadequate for the sake of their own health and safety.

CARPOOL: Carpools: Meet at the Centreville Park and Ride at 7:00 AM for DEPARTURE by 7:15 AM. Please arrive early enough to form car pools. Drive time from here to the trailhead is about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Suggested carpool fee: $10.00 per rider.

Please message me or post it in the comments if you will be going to the trailhead directly or carpooling without using Centreville.

Trailhead meetup time: White Oak Canyon Fee Station Parking lot: 8:45 A.M. Please arrive promptly. The early start is to beat the crowds to the parking lots. The WOC lower parking lot gets crowded early and if you're late, you may not get a space. There is overflow parking on private property for an additional $10.

• Trailhead Parking Coordinates: 38.53943,-78.34909
• Hike starts: 9:00 A.M. SHARP

NEED TO KNOW DETAILS:

• Distance: 11-ish miles
• Elevation gain: 3,200ish ft
• Pace: 2.0-2.5 mph overall (medium when moving)
• Terrain: Steep, rocky, wet on Cedar Run and White Oak Canyon.
• There is one tough stream crossing early in the hike
• Park entry fee: $30/vehicle (or free with pass).
• Bring: Adequate water, food/snacks, hat, layers, basic first aid kit, map, rain gear (depending), hiking poles, hiking shoes, boot covers for the stream crossing (just to be prepared) and a good attitude
• Pets: Not permitted due to their being prohibited on Limberlost Trail.

Any questions? Message or call the Hike Leader:
Edward S. 703-850-3251