Long exposure of the creek in Whiteoak Canyon.
NPS / N. Lewis · Public domain

Cedar Run and Whiteoak Canyon Circuit

A long, steep loop that drops down Cedar Run and climbs back up past the Whiteoak falls.

Stays on the map
Distance
8.1 mi
circuit
Elevation gain
2,794 ft
Hiking time
7 hr
NPS estimate, no breaks
Difficulty
Very strenuous
NPS scale

Starting from Hawksbill Gap on Skyline Drive, this loop links the Cedar Run and Whiteoak Canyon trails. Expect several stream crossings and close to 2,800 feet of climbing. NPS rates it very strenuous.

Dogs allowed on a leash

Leash no longer than 6 feet at all times. NPS pet rules

Park entrance pass only

$30 per vehicle, good for 7 days, or an annual pass. NPS fees

Highlights

  • Two waterfall canyons in one day
  • Several stream crossings
  • Nearly 2,800 feet of climbing

Before you go

  • Stream crossings can be difficult after rain.

Where to stay, by the drive

Rank on the map

Ordered by drive time to the parking area, then by how close the stay is to this area and how complete and current its listing is. How ranking works.

Exterior of the Skyland dining room and taproom.
Unclaimed

Skyland

Lodge rooms and cabins inside the park · Skyline Drive, mile 41.7

9min drive

3.7 mi by road · 2.5 mi straight

Exterior of Big Meadows Lodge.
Unclaimed

Big Meadows Lodge

Lodge rooms and cabins inside the park · Skyline Drive, mile 51

17min drive

6.6 mi by road · 3.5 mi straight

Sunrise over Big Meadows.
Unclaimed

Big Meadows Campground

National park campground (reservation only) · Skyline Drive, mile 51

17min drive

6.5 mi by road · 3.3 mi straight

Moss phlox on the rocks at Crescent Rock Overlook in spring.
Unclaimed

Lewis Mountain Cabins

Rustic cabins inside the park · Skyline Drive, mile 57.5

26min drive

11.9 mi by road · 9.6 mi straight

Main Street in Sperryville, Virginia, in October.
Unclaimed

Hopkins Ordinary

Bed and breakfast with a brewery · Sperryville

45min drive

21.6 mi by road · 11.1 mi straight

2 more beyond 60 minutes
Fields toward the Blue Ridge from Route 231 near Etlan, Madison County.
Unclaimed Some pet-friendly units

Graves Mountain Farm & Lodges

Lodge rooms, cabins, farmhouses and campground · Syria

1 hr 17 mindrive

41.1 mi by road · 5.7 mi straight

Panorama across a field toward Old Rag from Route 231 near Etlan.
Host verified Dogs welcome

Birch's Library

Cabin, 1865 homestead · Syria

1 hr 34 mindrive

40.8 mi by road · 2.7 mi straight

Sources

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