Shenandoah National Park

Whiteoak Canyon

Six waterfalls in one Blue Ridge hollow, this route reaches the tallest

Distance

4.6 mi

Elevation gain

1,040 ft

Difficulty

Moderate

Route

Out & back

Time

3 hr 30 min

Fee requiredDogs on leashWaterfallForest

A 4.6-mile round trip from the Whiteoak Canyon parking area down to the 86-foot Upper Falls, the second-highest waterfall in the park. The full canyon has six falls total; this stretch to the Upper Falls is the most commonly hiked.

Directions to the trailhead

The Climb

3,514 ft2,625 ft · +1,040 ft gain

What to Expect

Parking: Whiteoak Canyon parking area on Route 600, off Skyline Drive mile 42.6, in Madison County; small lot, fills early on weekends.
Fees: Standard park entrance fee applies.
Dogs: Permitted on leash
Best seasons: spring, fall
Water: Whiteoak Run parallels the trail; treat before drinking
Cell service: Unreliable for most of the route
Hazards: Rocky, narrow footing near the falls; wet rocks are slippery. The return climb is steep.