One of the best waterfall hikes in the Park. This hike isn't difficult and can easily be completed
in under four hours. You can also see White Oak
Canyon falls from a more difficult loop hike that also descends Cedar Run and
starts at the bottom of the mountain. For a loop route see the WOC/CR hike.
Although this hike can be steep in sections it is still ok
for younger children as the trail is well maintained and doesn't
require any creek crossing without footbridges. Being one
of the most popular hikes in the park it can be very busy
in the peak seasons of spring and fall.
Start on a gentle grade downhill on the White Oak Canyon Trail
and cross the Limberlost Trail in 0.3 miles. Continue downhill
and re-crossing the Limberlost Trail and coming to the first
footbridge footbridge in another 0.3 miles.
White Oak Run is now off to your left. As you get closer to
the main falls, 1.0 miles after crossing the footbridge,
White Oak Road will come in from your right.
Turn left over the footbridge and continue downhill for another
200 yards to arrive at the best waterfall overlook in the park
and a great place for a picnic lunch.
To return just retrace your route.
Interactive Hike Map BelowPrintable
Topo Hike Map (PDF) Hike route in Drag the map with your mouse using the icon Zoom with the controls on the left Click the icons in the map below for location shots
Calculate roughly how many calories you could burn on the White Oak Canyon hike:
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Hiker
Reviews For The White Oak Canyon Hike (5 Most Recent)
Great day on the trail today! National Park Week meant no park fees -- thanks, Rangers! Hiked up from the bottom (VA-600 parking lot) with some beginning hikers everyone enjoyed it -- very well-marked, easy to follow trail, and while there are some slightly steep uphill bits, they're all short enough not to be too strenous with day packs. Easy access to great swimming holes all along the first half of the trail sadly it was a bit too chilly to swim today. I had no problem hiking up in good trainers (running shoes), however, if it was wet/muddy from a rain, or if you have weak ankles, you'll want to have good boots. Really glad to have hiked up from the bottom the people we encountered hiking out to the top lot looked knackered to be going uphill at the end of their hike. All in all, an easy hike with good uphill training for fit beginners.
By:
hiker
Rating:
Date of Hike: Friday, January 15, 2010
Has anyone hiked the trail recently within the past few days? I was wondering if the waterfalls were frozen from the recent cold and snow. Ice climbers were out the last time I went in January and I thought it would be neat to see that again. Thanks!
By:
older hiker
Rating:
Date of Hike: Wednesday, November 18, 2009
INFO: The White Oak trail-head parking area is closed for reconstruction just now. The hike can be reached easily from the Limberlost parking lot.
We hiked it in the fog, but it was spectacular because of the recent rain. Only saw 3 other people on the trail. One benefit of the popularity of the trail is that the leaves get cleared more quickly, compared to the Mill Prong the day before. Saw several deer right next to the upper part of the trail.
By:
tim_j
Rating:
Date of Hike: Sunday, November 08, 2009
I hiked out to the waterfall and back with my girlfriend on a gorgeous Sunday morning. We got to the parking lot at 9am and we were only the second car there. We saw only a couple people the whole way out to the falls and had the view completely to ourselves, for the half hour or so we sat at the overlook. On the way back, however, we saw at least 30-40 people heading out to the falls, so I can imagine it was fairly crowded in the early afternoon at the overlook. I would recommend starting early if you would like to enjoy the incredible view of the falls without a crowd. Lastly, we were advised by one group that they saw a bear on the opposite of the river, but we didn't get a glimpse of it ourselves. Overall, a fantastic hike and a nice change of pace from the usual summit hikes.
By:
Stephanie
Rating:
Date of Hike: Saturday, November 01, 2008
My dog and I did this hike today, and it was absolutely gorgeous! The first part down to the first falls was very easy, and it was nice being right along the stream. The view of the first falls is spectacular. The hike down to the base of the first falls is steep, but it is worth it for another amazing view, and some fun on the boulders. (Boomer was especially excited to do a little rock climbing). Since I was pressed for time I did not go down to the lower falls, but I plan on going back and hiking the White Oak/Cedar Run combo later. There was a lot of people on the hike, when I left at 3pm there must have been 30 cars parked in the parking lot and along the side of the road. This was good for me since I was alone and glad to have company in case something were to happen. Going down to the base of the falls and back took me just under three hours, so it is a good hike if you don't have a lot of time. Overall I loved this hike and it made for one great Saturday!
Start on a gentle grade downhill on the White Oak Canyon Trail
and cross the Limberlost Trail in 0.3 miles. Continue downhill
and re-crossing the Limberlost Trail and coming to the first
footbridge footbridge in another 0.3 miles.
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