Lower Whiteoak Falls

Madison County, Virginia

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height: 59 ft (18 m)
Location: Madison County, Virginia
Access status: Guide: easy trail from the boundary parking area
The walk: 2 miles round trip (NPS)
Ground & access: Forest trail with a stream crossing; the park rates it easiest, with 500 feet of climb.

National Park Service: Whiteoak Canyon Falls Lower Trailhead

Lower Whiteoak Falls, VA
Photo credit
Photo: Fredlyfish4, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Lower Whiteoak Falls is the lowest of the six waterfalls in Whiteoak Canyon, Shenandoah National Park. The park calls this the easier way to the canyon. From the Whiteoak Canyon parking area at the park boundary, start on the Whiteoak Canyon Trail and keep right at the junction with the Cedar Run Trail. Cross a small stream and continue to the base of the lower falls. Return the same way.

Plan your visit

Whiteoak Canyon parking area at the park boundary on Route 600, Whiteoak Canyon Trail to the base of the lower falls

The National Park Service gives this hike as a 2-mile round trip from the boundary parking area, with 500 feet of elevation gain.

Forest trail with a stream crossing; the park rates it easiest, with 500 feet of climb.

Where to start

Whiteoak Canyon parking area at the park boundary on Route 600. NPS directions from Sperryville: Route 211 to Route 522 south for 0.8 mile, right on Route 231 for 10.2 miles to Etlan, right on Route 643 for 4.5 miles, right on Route 600 for 3.5 miles.

Timing & water

The park lists the hike as open year-round.

Before you go

Shenandoah National Park entrance fee required: $30 per private vehicle, valid for seven days. The park does not accept cash. No booking is needed for this hike. The park says the entrance fee applies even when hiking in from the boundary.

Visitor information

Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.

Explore Virginia

Waterfall location

Madison County, Virginia.

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