White Oak Canyon & Cedar Run (Strenuous 7.9 mi., 2,450 ft.) & Shotwell Run

This hike is a strenuous, 7.9-mile hike with approximately 2,450 ft of elevation gain. It has some of the most spectacular waterfalls in the Shenandoah National Park. Combining two out-and-back hikes, White Oak Canyon & Cedar Run, this loop starts at the bottom of the valley and cuts over near the top of the ridge. With five major falls, numerous smaller cascades and pools, this circuit hike is one of the best!

This hike will start at 9:30am from the White Oak Trail parking area on Weakley Hollow Rd. 38.53927, -78.34935.

We will take the White Oak Trail up! up! uphill passing many waterfalls and stream crossings, which could offer a cool dip if the day is hot! Note, again, it is A LOT of up! We’ll give our legs a little bit of a rest on the way back down taking Cedar Run through the gorge. This hike will take approximately 5 hours, plus time for breaks.

Official Hike Map: https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/upload/WhiteoakCanyon_RoadTrail-2025_508.pdf

Link to trail on Alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/white-oak-canyon-and-cedar-run-trail-loop?u=i&sh=oyoyh8

After surviving the hike, we will have a well-deserved beer at Shotwell Run Brewery (outdoors, located here: 38.493120447571975, -78.28291599340919 https://www.shotwellrunbrewing.com).

Please bring all the things you will need for a 5-hour strenuous hike! An adequate amount of water (at least 2 liters), snacks/lunch, sunscreen, bug spray, and rain gear (if forecasted). If it’s really hot, consider bringing some electrolytes like Gatorade or Nuun tablets and your bathing suit/towel if you want to take a dip!

Carpool Info
We encourage those with cars to bring others - you're the ones who make LMH great!

If you're a driver that is willing to bring others with you, please post a comment on the event page with the following information:
(1) Number of seats
(2) Meeting location
(3) Meeting time

As a rider, please comment on the driver's post to take a seat or post in the comments that you need a ride so a driver can find you. Riders are encouraged to help their driver out with the cost of gas.

Background information about the group:
Please remember that this group is an informal group of friends and volunteers initiating trips under the common adventurer model (http://www.ronwatters.com/CADefine.htm). We do expect our members to be familiar with the best practices of hiking – this is not a group for first time hikers and is NOT a group for those seeking hiking instruction.
We're also not experts or professionals, nor are we trained hike leaders, nor do we scout out hikes. We plan hikes for fun. You are responsible for your own welfare and safety at all LMH events. Be sure to choose to attend hikes only within your own physical abilities and hiking knowledge; take maps, suitable clothing, provisions (at least two liters of water plus any food or medical supplies you might require) and equipment, and act responsibly and safely at all times.

Acting responsibly and safely includes always making sure that you stay with a group (we advise using the buddy system) and staying on, or within sight of (if you need to answer the call of nature or avoid an obstacle on the trail), marked trails at all times. If you ever believe you may be lost, follow the advice of the US Forest Service (https://www.fs.fed.us/visit/know-before-you-go/if-you-get-lost)

LMH organizers and members shall not be liable for any injuries, loss or damage to persons or property, direct or consequential, arising out of any aspect of LMH activities. By attending this event, you represent that you have read, understand, and agree to the contents of our waiver of liability in the following link (Waiver of Liability - Google Docs).