View 3-D Map!

Trail Notes: From the kiosk, follow blue-blazed White Oak Canyon Trail. Cross Cedar Run on a bridge. Pass blue-blazed Cedar Run Trail on the left and then Cedar Run-White Oak Canyon Link Trail also on the left.

Proceed to slowly switchback up the canyon taking in the views of the magnificent falls. You probably wouldn't want to do this portion quickly anyhow. At 2.7 miles from the start, come to a concrete post with no markings. This trail leads to the base of #1 Falls, a spot missed by many but worth the extra time to explore.

Return to the main trail and switchback up to the top of #1 Falls for a different perspective. At about 3 miles cross a small bridge and turn left onto yellow-blazed Skyland-Big Meadows Horse Trail. You will still be gaining elevation along this old forest road but at a much more gradual rate.

In about 1.5 miles the fire road will swing right. Stay on the horse trail almost to the Cedar Run parking lot on Skyline Dr. Turn sharply left on the blue-blazed Cedar Run Trail.

Over the next 2.4 miles you will pass several rapids, water falls and, about halfway down, Halfmile Cliffs. You will cross Cedar run twice. The second time is at the bottom. Watch the blazes as an old woods road continues straight while you have to turn left for that final crossing.

Pass the link trail and White Oak Canyon Trail on your left as you return to the parking lot.

Printable/Downloadable Directions and Trail Notes

Critique This Outing

________________________________________

Name: Carol Branscome Hike: White Oak/Cedar Run
Date: 7/20/07 Rating: 4.5

Critique: Have done several permutations of this loop in the past but this time we did Cedar Run up, crossed the Skyline Drive and then took the trail to Hawksbill summit and lunch. Lots of vertical (about 3300 feet) for those so inclined. Returned the same way we went up.

Cedar Run is in good shape with only 2 trees to climb over. On the way up despite the camp group of kids at the sliding waterfall, the trail was extremely quiet. On the way back down, even quieter and there was only a raccoon washing his paws at the sliding waterfall. Cedar Run has fewer people than White Oak so is more enjoyable despite it being much steeper.

________________________________________

Name: Koyote Hike: White Oak Canyon/Cedar Run
Date: 4/29/07 Rating: 5

Critique: This hike was just wonderful! I did add to the hike by hiking the full length of the White Oak Canyon trail up to Skyline Drive. I crossed Skyline at Skyland and headed south on the AT. I took the spur trail up to Betty's Rock to gain the summit. I then continued down the AT to cross back over Skyline and head back down the Cedar Run Trail. Thanks to mike for the suggestion. The hike was 11.1 miles with about 5000 ft. in total elevation change. I started at 6:50 am and was off the trail at 2:30.

The trails are well marked and obviously well traveled. I was fortunate and did not see a single soul heading up White Oak until I reached the intersection with the Limberlost trail. The Streams and waterfalls were perfect and beautiful! Wildflowers lined the trail most of the way, though Spring lost it's grasp a bit towards the top. Trails were well maintained and without obstacles. A trail crew had recently cleared the Cedar Run Trail per the ranger I contacted to check on conditions. some loose stones on the Cedar Run Trail bear a bit more caution when you are tired and heading down. I stopped for a half hour, much needed, rest and lunch at Betty's Rock. Conditions were a bit raw on the western side of the Mountain making me wish I had packed a light pullover. The streams offer multiple opportunities for cooling off and re-supply of water if you have a filter. This hike is a must do and would be gorgeous in the Fall. Absolutely one of my favorites!

________________________________________

Name: Galen Hike: White Oak Canyon/Cedar Run

Date: 4/14/07 Rating: 3.5

Critique: My wife and I did this hike on a rainy Saturday in the Spring with our two dogs. This was a hike in three distinct parts - a strenuous climb up White Oak Canyon, an uneventful walk along the horse trail, and a steep descent along Cedar Run. It took about 5 hours.

WOC has some really nice waterfalls with plenty of photo opportunities and rest stops. For the adventurous, you can stray off-trail and get a closer look at the falls. There are also some neat rock formations. The climb takes a lot out of you. I was shedding layers the whole way up. the top waterfall is a great place lunch stop.

The horse trail is somewhat boring, but in hindsight, a good rest after all that climbing.

In my opinion, the descent along Cedar Run might be just as interesting as WOC. I don't recommend doing this part in the rain as we did. It can get very slippery with all the rocks on the trail. Trekking poles are great if you have them. Cedar Run just keeps descending, down and down and down and you're along side it. The water falls over small rocks, big rocks, deep pools, and gentle streams. Pretty cool. There's a couple of deep stream crossings near the end so bring dry socks.

In all, this is a memorable hike. I'd imagine it's pretty amazing in the summer and fall. Next time I'll do the whole thing in reverse.

________________________________________

Name: Jean-Louis Hike Name: White Oak Canyon/Cedar Run

Hikedate: 7/4/05 Ranking: 5

comment: This is a very pleasant hike with plenty of spots to stop and look at the stream for pools or waterfalls. On the way up the White Oak Canyon trail there is a small copperhead snake (venomous) that has decided to make the trail its home. It is marked with an orange ribbon and stones on the path encourage hikers to walk around its house, inside a rock crack.

We extended the loop by continuing up on White Oak Canyon trail (i.e. not turning left on the fire road) till we reached the Limberlost trail. Turned left on Limberlost (easy trail going through a hemlock forest devastated by the Woolly Adelgid insects) then continued till we saw on the left the sign for Crescent Rock Trail. We continued on the Crescent Rock Trail till we reach the road. We turned left on the road and enjoyed the beautiful views off Crescent Rock Outlook. Then we continue on the road descending till we reached the White Oak Fire Road on the left and finished the loop as described here. This longer loop took 6hrs and added summit views to the hike.

________________________________________

Name: Jason Hike: White Oak Canyon/Cedar Run
Date: 4/23/06 Rating: 5

Critique: This is a great hike but be prepared to work for it. Over the first four mile, you gain over 2300 feet, much of that is not via switchbacks either, just straight up the hill.

However, the rewards our well worth it. The waterfalls on White Oak Canyon are numerous, large, and quite a site. Plentiful wildflowers are also present, as you hike up the moist canyon.

We hiked this a day after a heavy rain, so the streams were full and both White Oak Canyon trail and Cedar Run trail seemed to ooze water everywhere, so be prepared to get wet and muddy. Horse trail/fire road at the top is quite unremarkable but you can make good time on this trail, which is good because you won't going up or down on the other trails.

Hike took us about 5.5 hours, but we took lots of breaks and also the distance appeared more like 8.2 miles rather than the 7.5 miles that is published.

________________________________________

Name: Greg Hike: White Oak/Cedar Run
Date: 9/9/06 Rating: 5

Critique: This is a great hike. The first waterfall is fantastic, the second is also breath-taking but the trial does not present as good a view as the first. This is a difficult hike, due to the pitch of the trail. The trail is in excellent condition, although I could see how it could be very slick on a rainy day. The description on this web site is accurate with the one exception of the length. The NPS guide indicates the loop described is 8.2 miles. I highly recommend the hike and the drive to it is also nice.

________________________________________