White Oak Canyon to Upper Falls

Luray, Virginia

4.8/5

based on 9 reviews

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Distance

4.28 miles

Elevation Gain

866 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Christin Healey

White Oak Canyon to Upper Falls is an easy hike with one of the best falls in Shenandoah National Park. There is also easy access to lodging, restaurants and facilities when you are finished hiking at Skyland.

Between mile 42 and 43 of Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park is the trailhead for WhiteOak Canyon. Begin at the trailhead from the parking lot and cross the Limberlost Trail in .3 miles. Continue on and you will cross your first footbridge shortly. After another mile you will cross the second footbridge and turn left to get to the lookout for the falls. This is well marked. In a few hundred feet you will reach the best lookout of the falls on a rocky outcrop, and it's also a great stop for lunch or a snack, and of course some photos. Then just retrace your steps to complete this easy 4.3 mile out and back! This is one of the most popular hikes in the park, so go early or later in the afternoon during the weekend or holidays. The elevation gain is 1,200 ft, but it's gradual so an easy hike for the entire family.

You can extend this hike with a couple of other options:

White Oak Trail to Lower Falls - 6.7 miles, 2,000ft elevation gain

White Oak Canyon Cedar Run Loop - 7.7 miles, 2,250ft elevation gain

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White Oak Canyon to Upper Falls Reviews

Explorer

Brandon Dewey

Explorer

White Oak Canyon to Upper Falls

12/31/16

White Oak Canyon has some amazing waterfall right off the trail. This is one of the most popular trail in Shenandoah so expect to see a lot of people, but don't let that deter you, there is a great reason why it is so popular. I've hiked this trail from both the top (Skyline Drive) and the bottom and I recommend starting from the bottom. If you start the hike from the bottom you able to see both of the both large waterfalls and you can also turn it into a loop and see the waterfalls along the Cedar Run Trail.

5.0

Heidi

White Oak Canyon to Upper Falls

11/17/16

Hiked this trail in the summer and loved it! There were tons of waterfalls and even one that you can slide down into a little pond. So much fun. There are a lot of trails in the area to extend your hike a little more if you want something longer. I'm guessing that hiking this spot in the fall would be even better with all of the trees changing.

5.0

Kelly Park

White Oak Canyon to Upper Falls

11/02/16

Fun and challenging with waterfalls galore! The rock slide is fun if you go in the summer but the frozen waterfalls look amazing in winter photography!

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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White Oak Canyon to Upper Falls

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White Oak Canyon to Upper Falls Reviews

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White Oak Trail to Lower Falls

Hike Limberlost Trail in Shenandoah National Park

Hike Robertson Mountain in Shenandoah NP

Stony Man Trail, Shenandoah National Park

Little Stony Man, Shenandoah National Park

Lower Hawksbill to Salamander to Appalachian Trail Loop

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