Hiking Project Logo

Among the best hikes --if not the best hike-- in Shenandoah. Enjoy waterfalls for 9 miles.


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

8.2

Miles

13.1

KM

Loop

3,385' 1,032 m

High

1,191' 363 m

Low

2,255' 687 m

Up

2,255' 687 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (6°)

47%

Max Grade (25°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Waterfall · Wildlife

Family Friendly You can turn around at any point and still consider this a great hike. The payoff is all around you and the river is very accessible during the first couple of miles.

Overview

This route has you climbing through Whiteoak Canyon along beautiful waterfalls. During warm months, you're under a canopy and during winter months you'll likely enjoy fog. Sections are fairly steep, but you'll never be far away from a great view allowing you to catch your breath.

Once past the upper falls, your climb continues across a bridge and up a fire road that connects you to Cedar Run Trail. From here, you'll hike down 2500' along Robinson River, where you'll discover more waterfalls and will see more wildlife.

Near the bottom, there is a swimming area and a waterfall slide.

Need to Know

This route looks like a 7-mile hike on some maps, but when you actually do it, you'll find it's just over 9 miles, so please adjust your plans accordingly.

Description

When hiking this loop you are immediately greeted with easy stream and bridge crossings, leading up to a steady climb. Rain changes the nature of the stream crossing; sometimes you have to splash through a couple of inches of water at 3 of the crossings. The careful stacking of rocks or the use of trekking poles can prevent a wet misstep. During this period, the trail is also wet, so bring a change of socks just in case.

Though never far from water, each crest and bend reveals yet another waterfall. Near the top, there is a stunning overlook where you can peer down the canyon and enjoy the waterfall far below you.

After the upper falls, the Whiteoak Canyon trail continues on, but you'll cross the river using the bridge, which will take you to a fire trail where you'll gain more elevation. The whole area is heavily forested and is absolutely remarkable when the leaves change.

Contacts

Shared By:

Nicholas Crow

Trail Ratings

  4.7 from 143 votes

#36

Overall
  4.7 from 143 votes
5 Star
75%
4 Star
21%
3 Star
3%
2 Star
1%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#2

in Virginia

#36

Overall
32 Views Last Month
23,272 Since Jan 17, 2016
Difficult Difficult

0%
0%
9%
8%
81%
2%

Photos

The second of 6 waterfalls in Whiteoak Canyon (the 1st being the very upper falls).
May 15, 2016 near Stanley, VA
The lower falls of Whiteoak Canyon (the 6th of 6 waterfalls).
May 15, 2016 near Stanley, VA
Whiteoak Canyon Falls.
Jan 17, 2016 near Stanley, VA
Looking back across the bridge connecting Whiteoak Canyon trail to the fire road.
Jan 17, 2016 near Stanley, VA
Whiteoak Canyon Falls.
Jan 17, 2016 near Stanley, VA
Lower set of falls. Nice place for lunch.
Apr 20, 2018 near Stanley, VA
loading

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 1 day ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.