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
Shenandoah National Park Itinerary
This Shenandoah National Park Itinerary will help you get started as you plan your vacation to Shenandoah National Park.
https://www.justgotravelstudios.com/collections/national-park-itineraries/products/shenandoah-national-park-itinerary?ref=9zpxis0diinCedar Run - Whiteoak Circuit (U.S. National Park Service)
This hike is very challenging, although those who do it are rewarded with exceptional cascades and waterfalls. You will also hike through the Shenandoah Wilderness along the Cedar Run Trail. Be prepared for several stream crossings.
https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/cedar-run-whiteoak-circuit.htmVerifying Your Browser
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https://myhikes.org/trails/cedar-run-hikeBe courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
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- 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)
Other Swimming Holes and Hiking Trails Nearby
Old Rag Area
Crewe, Virginia
0.0 miles SSix swimming holes at the base of waterfalls and along rivers in Shenandoah National Park's Old Rag area, all reached by hikes of varying length from Skyline Drive or nearby routes.
Swim
Whiteoak Canyon
Syria, Virginia
1.5 miles NA Shenandoah hike featuring both a two-tiered lower waterfall and a classic single-drop upper falls — with cool wading spots along the trail for a well-earned break before the 1,040-foot climb back.
Hike, Swim
Rose River
Syria, Virginia
1.9 miles SA moderately difficult 4-mile forested loop in Shenandoah National Park descending to the Rose River and a stunning 67-foot waterfall — wading is possible in some spots.
Hike, Swim 0.3 mi
Big Rock Falls
Syria, Virginia
4.5 miles SWA moderately challenging 1.5-mile trail follows Mill Prong River to a beautiful cascading waterfall with a swimming hole that fills up nicely at higher water levels.
Hike, Swim
Nicholson Hollow Trail
Morning Star, Virginia
4.9 miles NAn 8-mile moderately strenuous Shenandoah hike past stream crossings, small cascading waterfalls, shaded forest, and the historic Corbin Cabin — wading is possible in low-flow conditions.
Hike, Swim
Rapidan Rivers
Madison, Virginia
6.8 miles SSwimming holes beneath small waterfalls along the Rapidan River in Shenandoah, accessible on short hikes — protected waters known for trout and catfish fishing.
Swim 5.2 mi
Hazel River Falls
Sperryville, Virginia
7.7 miles NEA 5.3-mile moderate hike in Shenandoah National Park leading to two moss-covered waterfalls, a wading and swimming pool, flat sunbathing rocks, and small caves to explore.
Hike, Swim
Piney River
Sperryville, Virginia
12.6 miles NEMultiple swimming holes along Piney River — including one beneath a small waterfall — reached by following Cumberland Trail through the forest near Sperryville.
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. A classic all-American swimming hole with a tire and rope swing, a small sandy beach, and smaller pools for little ones — privately owned but open to the public near a historic country Baptist church.
Swim 3.8 mi
Overall Run Falls
Overall, Virginia
18.1 miles NVirginia's longest consecutive waterfall anchors a challenging 8-mile Shenandoah hike with rock scrambles, cool river rest spots, and a deep swimming hole for experienced swimmers.
Hike, Swim
Fridley Gap
Keezletown, Virginia
18.8 miles WA small, chest-deep swimming hole at the halfway point of a beautiful George Washington National Forest loop — cold all year and only 0.5 miles from the trailhead.
Hike, Swim
Hazel Falls
Rixeyville, Virginia
20.1 miles EA remote cool, clear swimming hole with a dual waterfall — an upper rocky overhang shelter pool and a deeper lower pool — reached by a mile-plus hike on Hazel Mountain and White Rocks Trails.
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 NA recreation area in the Shenandoah with 32 electric campsites, miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, rock climbing access, and a Passage Creek swimming hole with a log to jump from.
Camp, Hike, Mountain Bike, Rock Climb, Swim
Buzzard Rock Hole
Strasburg, Virginia
27.8 miles NA cold, clear, deep swimming hole below the iconic Buzzard Rock, with a sunbathing ledge all around — just note the rocky shallow bottom makes jumping unsafe.
Hike, Swim
Charlottesville Area
Williamsville, Virginia
29.6 miles STwo swimming spots north of Charlottesville, Virginia — a fee applies, so check details before heading out.
Swim 6.1 mi
Rip Rap Hollow
Crozet, Virginia
33.2 miles SWA 50-foot, mountain-fed swimming hole on a difficult 10-mile Shenandoah Valley loop that also passes Chimney Rock and a scenic waterfall — cold, clear, and worth the effort.
Hike, Swim
Blue Hole Bergton
Bergton, Virginia
34.1 miles NWA scenic day-use picnic area on a river in Rockingham County — flooding and erosion have made it shallower over time, best now for wading and enjoying the forest and rock surroundings.
Swim 15.7 mi
Sugar Hollow
Crozet, Virginia
34.9 miles SWAn 11-mile loop starting and ending at Sugar Hollow Reservoir, passing Blue Hole and Rip Rap swimming holes — a hiker's way to combine challenge with a cool dip in Shenandoah.
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 NA recreation area in the Shenandoah with 32 electric campsites, miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, rock climbing access, and a Passage Creek swimming hole with a log to jump from.
Camp, Hike, Mountain Bike, Rock Climb, Swim
Natural Chimneys
Mount Solon, Virginia
40.9 miles WTowering vertical limestone formations draped in trees and vines, with shallow river swimming holes, 2.5 miles of hiking and biking trails, and a well-equipped 135-site campground.
Camp, Hike, Mountain Bike, Swim
North River Gap
Mount Solon, Virginia
44.8 miles WA free recreation area with an easy 2.4-mile river gorge hike through lush forest, a wading and swimming spot in the North River, and primitive campsites for $5 a night.
Camp, Hike, Swim
