Trail Discovery for Kids

October Highlighted Hike

Cedar Run and White Oak Canyon Trails
Shenandoah National Park

Hike Information
 2.2 mile circuit hike on the Cedar Run, the Cedar Run/White Oak Canyon Link and the White Oak Canyon Trails.
 Access is from the park boundary on SR 600.
 This hike is not jogging stroller passable.
 The trailhead is at the top of the parking lot to the right of the NPS kiosk/shed. Hike .2 miles to the first trail marker (cement post) and turn left onto Cedar Run Trail. Hike .5 miles to the intersection (next cement post) with the Cedar Run/White Oak Canyon Link Trail and turn right. Hike .9 miles, cross the Robinson River and turn right onto the White Oak Canyon Trail. Hike .75 miles to the parking lot.
 Cedar Run is a gradual uphill hike with a short incline before the intersection with the link trail. The first half of the link trail is rolling hills with the later half descending the ridge. The White Oak Canyon Trail is a gradual descent to the parking lot.
 Hike an additional .5 miles on the Cedar Run Trail above the link trail to the first falls on Cedar Run.
 To visit the lower falls on the Robinson River (White Oak Canyon Trail), turn left at the intersection with the link and White Oak Canyon Trails and hike an additional 1.2 miles.
 Link to the trail map.

Age Appropriateness
 The 2.2 mile circuit hike is best for children 5 years and older. Children 7+ years are able to add the Cedar Run Falls extension and children 9+ years are able to add the White Oak Canyon/Robinson River Falls extension. The extensions add elevation to the hike.

What is fun for kids?
 Balancing on rocks to cross the Robinson River.
 Rock scrambling along Cedar Run. About half way up the Cedar Run Trail, there is a short access trail on the left to the Run with some big rocks for picnicking, rock scrambling, and cooling off.
 Before crossing the Robinson River, there is a great swimming hole to the right of the trail with a large rock for sitting and/or picnicking.
 Being in the tree canopy hiking along the ridge on the link trail.
 One small campsite halfway on the link trail. Need to obtain a backcountry camping permit.

Caution
 Crowded parking lot on the weekends.
 $10.00 Park entrance fee.
 Trash free park – pack out your garbage.