Trip/Event Location: Etlan, VAUS
Trip Leader(s):
Max # People: 10
Trip Guiding / Event Fee: No, I will not be asking participants for money
Difficulty Level: Moderate
This is a moderate 4 mile hike up White Oak Canyon and back. These are good trails although there are some steep sections. Due to the recent rains, the falls should be pretty full and although the
We’ll meet at the White Oak Canyon trail head, which is west of Etlan, VA and WNW of Syria, VA. (This is NOT the White Oak Canyon trail that is accessible from Skyline Drive!)
If you are coming from Richmond, Norfolk, Roanoke, and other places south head towards Syria, VA
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Syria,+VA+22727/@38.487903,-78.3261152,15z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x89b447329467a2e9:0x22a822568ef3ea2b
If you are coming from DC, Northern VA, etc, then head towards Etlan, VA (South of Sperryville; West of Culpeper)
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Etlan,+VA+22719/@38.525402,-78.2625022,15z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x89b438597291698b:0x6cce87a575f6393
Turn off VA 231 (right) onto VA 643, Etlan Road and head West. Continue several miles on until you hit VA 600 Weakley Hollow Road and turn RIGHT. Head NW up VA 600/Weakley Hallow Road towards the Shenandoah Park parking Lot (Brown sign, on your left a few miles up.).
Map of White Oak Canyon Parking and directions can be found at
http://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/upload/whiteoak_canyon_area.pdf
Go Report
White Oak Canyon and Cedar Run Hike
09/24/2016
We arrived at the trailhead around 0945, and since everyone was there got an early start on the hike, headed up the trailhead northwest towards the Cedar Run and White Oak Canyon trail split. We took a left onto the Cedar Run Falls Trail and headed southwest along a rocky mountain stream with pools and waterfalls
After 20 minutes of mostly moderate hiking-except for a little steep section that challenged us—we arrived at a nice large pool & waterfall and took a water break. Due to the dry conditions, the water flow was below normal, although we could see trout in the pool at the base of the waterfall.
We rested a bet and then we headed back down the trail we just came up to get to the Cedar Run Link Trail
and headed NNE towards White Oak Canyon Trail. We walked about 20 minutes along the Link Trail which ended at a bridge that crossed the river and we joined up with the White Oak Canyon trail towards the Lower White Oak Falls. This section took about 45 minutes and we arrived at the Lower Falls which consists of a large pool being fed by a pretty large waterfall. The water flow on this part of the hike was much, much better and provided a very comfortable, scenic place to stop. We found a small ledge surrounded by running water and had a relaxing snack.
After lunch we hike all the way up to the upper falls through someone steep, rocky climbs, but nothing too severe. After about a mile we got to the upper falls, enjoyed the scenery and hiked back to the lower falls which were being utilized by quite a few young guys providing the final great view of the day!
We got back to the trailhead and parking area after 4 hours and about 6.5 miles.
- The Trip Has No Photos -
Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate to Strenuous
Outdoor Fitness Level: Moderate
