Cedar Run Falls
Oldrag, Virginia
| Address: | Cedar Run Falls, Virginia 22743, USA |
| GPS: |
38°32'31.8"N 78°22'1.4"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | Virginia |
| Trails/Routes: | 2.8 mi |
National Park
Hike and Swim
Cedar Run Falls is a strenuous but rewarding hiking trail located in central Shenandoah National Park. This over 8 mile trail gives hikers views of six different waterfalls along the trail as well as sweeping views of the rest of the park. This trail takes hiker seven to 8 hours on average to complete, and should only be attempted by experienced hikers. This hike is difficult due to its length, elevation change and the rockiness of the trail. With an elevation change of 2,794 feet Cedar Run Falls Trail provides views from a variety of different vantage paints and hours of adventure for avid hikers.
Cedar Run Falls itself can be reached starting from either end of the trail if hikers wish to reach the falls without hiking the entire 8 miles. Though this shortens the hike the trail is still strenuous. The trail can be accessed either from the Hawksbill Gap Parking Lot or Whiteoak Canyon Trailhead, with the main waterfall being about 1.8 miles from each end. Just off the trail and below the falls the water deepens into a swimming hole with a natural waterslide, known simply as "The Slide". Swimmers and sliders should be cautious and check depth and safety of the water before sliding.
More Information
Be courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
Read More
- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From Oldrag, Virginia
- Head north on Old Rag Fire Rd toward Berry Hollow Fire RdRestricted usage road(0.3 mi)
- Turn right to stay on Old Rag Fire RdPartial restricted usage road(4.5 mi)
- Turn left onto Skyline Dr (2.0 mi)
- Turn left onto Whiteoak Fire RdRestricted usage road(0.7 mi)
Trails
Distance ?
2.8 milesElevation Gain ?
2,241 feetReal Ascent ?
2,241 feetReal Descent ?
0 feetAvg Grade (9°)
15%Grade (3° to 16°)
6% to 28%Elevation differences are scaled for emphasis. While the numbers are accurate, the cut-away shown here is not to scale.
Other Swimming Holes and Hiking Trails Nearby
Old Rag Area
Crewe, Virginia
0.0 miles SThere are numerous (we list 6 locations) swimming holes at the bottom of falls and elsewhere in rivers in the East Central region of the Shenandoah National Park, in the vicinity of...
Swim
Whiteoak Canyon
Syria, Virginia
1.5 miles NWhiteoak Canyon is a beautiful hiking area in Shenandoah National Park. This hike features two very unique waterfalls, Upper Whiteoak Falls and Lower Whiteoak Falls. Lower Whiteoak Falls is...
Hike, Swim
Rose River
Syria, Virginia
1.9 miles SRose River Falls is a beautiful forested hike in Shenandoah National Park. The lush greenery in this area provides ample shade for hikers as they explore this four mile trail. Rose River Trail is...
Hike, Swim 0.3 mi
Big Rock Falls
Syria, Virginia
4.5 miles SWBig Rock Falls is an easy hike to a beautiful cascading waterfall. The hike follows Mill Prong River giving hikers a beautiful view of the flowing water, forests and rock formations for the entire...
Hike, Swim
Nicholson Hollow Trail
Morning Star, Virginia
4.9 miles NNicholson Hollow Trail is a moderately strenuous trail that explores a more remote area of Shenandoah National Park. Hikers hoping to access this trail can find it off of Skyline Drive between Stoney...
Hike, Swim
Rapidan Rivers
Madison, Virginia
6.8 miles SRapidian Rivers is a perfect location to cool off while enjoying the day at Shenandoah National Park. The water along the Rapidian Rivers deepens in several places creating several unique swimming...
Swim 5.1 mi
Hazel River Falls
Sperryville, Virginia
7.7 miles NEHazel River Falls is a moderately difficult trail located inside Shenandoah National Park. This 5.3 mile hike follows Hazel River from the Meadow Spring Parking Area. This trail has a change in...
Hike, Swim
Piney River
Sperryville, Virginia
12.6 miles NEPiney River is a great location for visitors hoping to experience multiple swimming holes in the same location. Visitors hoping to reach the swimming holes should follow Cumberland Trail down Piney...
Hike, Swim
Rock Mills
Castleton, Virginia
14.9 miles NECLOSED. This property is owned by the Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church. Swimmers here without a permit will be prosecuted for trespassing. The Rock Mills swimming area, located near Castleton, Virginia, is...
Swim 3.8 mi
Overall Run Falls
Overall, Virginia
18.1 miles NOverall Run Falls is a challenging hike along one of Virginia's longest consecutively running waterfalls. Located in Shenandoah National Park, Overall Run Falls is accessible from Hogback...
Hike, Swim
Fridley Gap
Keezletown, Virginia
18.8 miles WThe Mountain Run swimming hole, also known as the Fridley Gap Hole, located just outside of Keezleton, Virginia, is a popular swimming hole located at about the halfway point of a great hiking loop...
Hike, Swim
Hazel Falls
Rixeyville, Virginia
20.1 miles EHazel Falls is a beautiful swimming hold near Double Ford, Virginia. Though this swimming hole is not large or deep, the water is cool and clear. This remote swimming hole surrounded by beautiful...
Swim
Overall Area
Crewe, Virginia
23.4 miles NSwim near Crewe, Virginia
Swim
Gooney Creek
Front Royal, Virginia
23.5 miles NCamp, Hike, and Swim near Front Royal, Virginia
Camp, Hike, Swim
Elizabeth Furnace
Strasburg, Virginia
26.8 miles NElizabeth Furnace is a recreation area with many options for people hoping to reconnect with nature. This beautiful area is equip with a campground that allows visitors to explore for multiple days....
Camp, Hike, Mountain Bike, Rock Climb, Swim
Buzzard Rock Hole
Strasburg, Virginia
27.8 miles NBuzzard Rock Hole is a popular swimming hole in the forests below the famous Buzzard Rock. The hike to Buzzard Rock is a moderate hike that can be anywhere from 4 to seven miles depending on what...
Hike, Swim
Charlottesville Area
Williamsville, Virginia
29.6 miles STwo nice swimming places north of Charlottesville. For details... Fees: Yes
Swim 6.1 mi
Rip Rap Hollow
Crozet, Virginia
33.2 miles SWRip Rap Hollow is a secluded swimming hole that makes for a great stop along the 10 mile loop hike in Shenandoah Valley. This is a difficult hike, but for those up to the challenge it provides...
Hike, Swim
Blue Hole Bergton
Bergton, Virginia
34.1 miles NWBlue Hole is a day use picnic area in Rockingham County Virginia. This picnic area is near a river that has been a popular spot for swimming and wading over the years. Do to flooding and erosion this...
Swim 15.6 mi
Sugar Hollow
Crozet, Virginia
34.9 miles SWSugar Hollow Loop is an 11 mile hiking loop that starts and ends and Sugar Hollow Reservoir. While no swimming and boating are allowed at the reservoir, this is a fun place to enjoy the beautiful...
Hike, SwimNearby Campsites
Gooney Creek
Front Royal, Virginia
23.5 miles NCamp, Hike, and Swim near Front Royal, Virginia
Camp, Hike, Swim
Elizabeth Furnace
Strasburg, Virginia
26.8 miles NElizabeth Furnace is a recreation area with many options for people hoping to reconnect with nature. This beautiful area is equip with a campground that allows visitors to explore for multiple days....
Camp, Hike, Mountain Bike, Rock Climb, Swim
Natural Chimneys
Mount Solon, Virginia
40.9 miles WNatural Chimneys is known for its beautiful vertical limestone formations. These formations are coated with trees and vines and surrounded by rushing river water giving visitors an otherworldly view....
Camp, Hike, Mountain Bike, Swim
North River Gap
Mount Solon, Virginia
44.8 miles WNorth River Gap is a recreation area between Todd Lake and Stokesville Campground. Though smaller, North River Gap is well worth exploring and enjoying its unique features. One of North...
Camp, Hike, Swim
