SNP White Oak Canyon, Hawksbill Gap, Cedar Run (Rating: A)

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike.

DIFFICULTY AND ROUTE: This hike is rated A (difficult.) It covers about nine miles with 2620 feet of climbing in the Shenandoah National Park. It features a tough rock stair-climb up the famous White Oak Canyon alongside spectacular waterfalls, sweeping views on the ridge from Crescent Rock Overlook, and a steep descent past picturesque Cedar Run Falls. If we're lucky, we'll see icicles along the canyon in fantastic shapes.

Turn-by-Turn:
-- Start from parking lot uphill (N then W) on White Oak Canyon Trail, following the Robinson River
-- Turn L (S then W) on Limberlost Trail
-- Turn L (SE) on Crescent Rock Trail
-- Cross Skyline Drive to Appalachian Trail (SW)
-- Re-cross Skyline Drive at Hawksbill Gap (S)
-- Turn L (SE) on Cedar Run Trail to descend
-- Turn R toward parking on White Oak Canyon Trail

MAPS: Each hiker must have a map and is responsible for following the route. Recommended maps include:

-- PATC Map 10 https://www.patc.net/PATC/Our_Store/PATC_Maps.aspx

-- Download this "active" GPX route to a GPS app: https://caltopo.com/m/15ETP

PACE: We will hike at 2.5 mph on average, but more slowly on steep or slippery terrain. We will regroup at intersections, but expect a vigorous pace. Please do not sign up if you cannot keep pace on the climb. It may be too cold to wait long for folks to catch up.

BRING: water, snacks, lunch, sturdy boots/shoes, and first aid kit. Bring rain gear regardless of the forecast. Bring a headlamp, in case we're out later than planned.

WINTER: It may be cold out, but we are likely to get sweaty climbing, then face wind on the high ridge. Bring layers of clothing. Some areas may be wet, muddy and/or icy as well as steep. We may need microspikes or similar traction devices.

DOGS: Dogs are welcome in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy.
I plan to bring my dog. If you also want to bring a dog, please be certain it is friendly to other dogs and message me in advance.

RSVP: If your plans change and you cannot come, change your RSVP promptly, so another hiker may take your place.

CARPOOL: Meet at the Centreville Park and Ride at 7:00 a.m, GPS coordinates 38.836080, -77.455327 or at the trailhead parking at 08:30 a.m. Check the GPS coordinates for trailhead parking lot in the description below. The leader will be at the carpool location.

Neither the Club nor hike leader is responsible for coordinating transportation to/from the trailhead. Hikers are not guaranteed to get a ride from the carpool location. Carpooling is organized by the participants and they participate at their own risk.

FEES: Park entry fee: $30 per vehicle, unless you have National Parks Pass. https://store.usgs.gov/pass/index.html

Suggested carpool fee: $8

Trailhead Parking Lot Coordinates: Lower Whiteoak Canyon Fee Station:
38.539451, -78.349202 (NOT the upper Whiteoak Canyon lot.)
Trailhead meetup time: 8.30 a.m. We hike at 8:45.