Hike Cedar Run Trail — Shenandoah National Park in Virginia

What to bring

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TL;DR: Cedar Run Trail in Shenandoah National Park is the steeper, rockier counterpart to Whiteoak Canyon. The trail descends through a gorge with waterfalls and stream crossings that range from ankle-deep rock hops to knee-deep fords after rain. Pairs with Whiteoak Canyon for a loop that is among the hardest day hikes in Shenandoah.

What to Expect on the Trail

Cedar Run drops into a steep gorge on the western side of Shenandoah’s central district. The trail descends rapidly through forest to Cedar Run, where waterfalls and cascades punctuate the gorge. The stream crossings are the defining feature — in dry conditions, they are manageable rock hops. After rain, they become genuine fords where the water reaches knee depth and the current demands careful footing.

Most hikers combine Cedar Run with Whiteoak Canyon for a loop that descends one gorge and climbs out the other. The Cedar Run side is steeper, rockier, and wilder than the Whiteoak Canyon side. The combination creates the most demanding standard day hike in Shenandoah National Park.

How Hard Is This Trail, Really?

Cedar Run alone is challenging. The steep rocky descent demands careful footing and the stream crossings add a variable that flat-trail hikers are not prepared for. The return climb out of the gorge — whether via Cedar Run or Whiteoak Canyon — gains over 1,600 feet on rocky terrain. In high water the crossings can be genuinely impassable. Check recent conditions before committing.

Before You Go

The trailhead is accessible from Skyline Drive near Hawksbill Gap. Standard Shenandoah entrance fee ($30/vehicle). Trekking poles are essential for the stream crossings. Bring gaiters or be prepared for wet feet. Dogs are allowed on leash but the stream crossings are challenging for small dogs. The drive from DC is about 2 hours.

Best Hiking Season

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