I actually did this hike twice this summer-- the first time, we did the up-and-back White Oak Canyon route. That route is about 5 miles round trip (we were pressed for time). It was a nice hike but I hate hikes that start off going downhill (the parking area if you do the out-and-back is at the top of the waterfalls), so the way back was sort of brutal-- plus we were rushing to get back to DC, so that wasn't that pleasant. The second time we hiked this, we did the 8-mile loop which I enjoyed a lot more. You can find detailed directions to the trailhead here: http://www.hikingupward.com/snp/WhiteOakCedarRun/
However you decide to do the hike, the waterfalls are amazing. And I'm not usually a huge waterfall fan-- I feel like, you've seen one, you've seen them all. But they're pretty great.
For the 8-mile loop (recommended), you start on the blue-blazed trail (WOC trail) and stay with it past two sets of great falls, til you get to the top. It's pretty self-explanatory. The trail is super steep at points, and it's a really popular family trail so there will inevitably be some slow parts. The last stretch is incredibly steep, then you get to an overlook of the main falls, and cross over to take the yellow trail back down (this is a horse trail/fire road). In about 2ish miles you'll intersect back with the blue blazed trail you started on.
This is a really gorgeous hike, and the trail is super well-marked, which is good for people like me who constantly get lost. It's a bit crowded, so go early. Probably my favorite hike in SNP so far, with Old Rag a close second.
Also this hike has a special place in my heart because I saw a black bear driving to the trailhead the second time I did this one.
Trail name: White Oak / Cedar Run (or you can do the White Oak Canyon out-and-back for a 5 mile hike-- the parking area is at the top of the falls)
Distance (RT): 7.9 miles
Elevation change: 2,500 ft.
Time: 5-5.5 hrs
However you decide to do the hike, the waterfalls are amazing. And I'm not usually a huge waterfall fan-- I feel like, you've seen one, you've seen them all. But they're pretty great.
For the 8-mile loop (recommended), you start on the blue-blazed trail (WOC trail) and stay with it past two sets of great falls, til you get to the top. It's pretty self-explanatory. The trail is super steep at points, and it's a really popular family trail so there will inevitably be some slow parts. The last stretch is incredibly steep, then you get to an overlook of the main falls, and cross over to take the yellow trail back down (this is a horse trail/fire road). In about 2ish miles you'll intersect back with the blue blazed trail you started on.
This is a really gorgeous hike, and the trail is super well-marked, which is good for people like me who constantly get lost. It's a bit crowded, so go early. Probably my favorite hike in SNP so far, with Old Rag a close second.
Also this hike has a special place in my heart because I saw a black bear driving to the trailhead the second time I did this one.
Trail name: White Oak / Cedar Run (or you can do the White Oak Canyon out-and-back for a 5 mile hike-- the parking area is at the top of the falls)
Distance (RT): 7.9 miles
Elevation change: 2,500 ft.
Time: 5-5.5 hrs
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