Whiteoak Canyon
Syria, Virginia
| Address: | Whiteoak Canyon Trail, Virginia, USA |
| GPS: |
38°33'51.5"N 78°21'51.9"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | Virginia |
National Park
Hike and Swim
Whiteoak 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 a multilevel waterfall with small drops along the way and Upper Whiteoak Falls is a more classic cascading waterfall with a single larger drop.
Hikers can choose whether to hike to just the lower falls or continue on to the upper falls using the same trail. The trail to the lower falls is two miles round trip with a 500 foot elevation gain. The trail to upper falls is a 4.6 mile round trip hike with a 1,040 foot elevation change. Both trails are moderately difficult, with the trail to the upper falls being significantly more strenuous. Hikers need to come prepared with water and snacks. The trails are surrounded by trees on all sides, providing respite from the sun.
A couple of spots along the trail have water deep enough that hikers can enjoy wading in the water. Before entering the water hikers should check depth and flow for their safety. The water here is cool year round, providing hikers with a wonderful way to take a break and cool off.
Whiteoak Canyon is a rewarding hike for those looking to reconnect with nature.
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 Syria, Virginia
- Head northwest on VA-670 toward State Rte 643 (210 ft)
- Turn right onto State Rte 643 (0.8 mi)
- Turn right to stay on State Rte 643 (4.3 mi)
- Turn left onto VA-231 N (9.9 mi)
- Turn left onto US-522 N (0.7 mi)
- Turn right to stay on US-522 N (0.1 mi)
- Turn left onto US-211 W (7.0 mi)
- Take the Skyline Drive exit toward Shenandoah Nat'l Pk (0.2 mi)
- Keep left at the fork and merge onto Skyline Dr (13.8 mi)
- Turn left onto Whiteoak Fire RdRestricted usage roadDestination will be on the left(1.8 mi)
Other Swimming Holes and Hiking Trails Nearby
Cedar Run Falls
Oldrag, Virginia
1.5 miles SCedar 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...
Hike, Swim
Old Rag Area
Crewe, Virginia
1.5 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
Nicholson Hollow Trail
Morning Star, Virginia
3.4 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
Rose River
Syria, Virginia
3.5 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
5.8 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 5.1 mi
Hazel River Falls
Sperryville, Virginia
6.7 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
Rapidan Rivers
Madison, Virginia
8.3 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
Piney River
Sperryville, Virginia
11.2 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
14.1 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
16.6 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
19.2 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
19.7 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
21.9 miles NSwim near Crewe, Virginia
Swim
Gooney Creek
Front Royal, Virginia
22.0 miles NCamp, Hike, and Swim near Front Royal, Virginia
Camp, Hike, Swim
Elizabeth Furnace
Strasburg, Virginia
25.3 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
26.3 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
31.1 miles STwo nice swimming places north of Charlottesville. For details... Fees: Yes
Swim
Blue Hole Bergton
Bergton, Virginia
33.6 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 6.1 mi
Rip Rap Hollow
Crozet, Virginia
34.5 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 15.6 mi
Sugar Hollow
Crozet, Virginia
36.2 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
22.0 miles NCamp, Hike, and Swim near Front Royal, Virginia
Camp, Hike, Swim
Elizabeth Furnace
Strasburg, Virginia
25.3 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
41.6 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
45.3 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
