A side waterfall in Oak Creek Canyon (December 2011)
I visited Shenandoah National Park in December 2011, which probably seems like an odd time to visit the park. The weather was beautiful, the temperature was just right…it was a wonderful day for a hike to see waterfalls. So which waterfalls to visit? I decided to visit White Oak Canyon, as there seemed to be a number of separate drops along the river.
This is not a hike for the faint of heart. It is not very problematic as you begin your hike downhill. It’s really the uphill return that causes issues. I was worn out by the end, to say the least. As you hike along the trail, there are a number of falls along the main river, Robinson River. There are also a few waterfalls along tributaries. One of those “side” falls is surprisingly tall, while this one is smaller. I believe it might be one of the first waterfalls you see along your hike, though it is obviously not considered the main attraction.
Directions:
- At the intersection of US-211 and Skyline Drive, head south on Skyline Drive.
- After five or six miles, you should see the parking area for the White Oak Canyon Trail, which is where your journey begins. It’s just after the entrance to the Skyland Resort.
- Follow the very clear signage. This is one of the first small waterfalls you encounter along the trail. I’m not exactly sure what the distance was from the trail head. Be aware: the further downhill you progress, the longer the uphill climb you have. The uphill climb is where the difficulty lies.
Accessibility: 4/10 (moderate/strenuous)
Height: 20′
Length of Hike: 4.6 miles round-trip
Where in the World is White Oak Canyon Side Falls #1?
The Waterfall Record 