Cedar Run Trail – BEST HIKE EVER

OVERVIEW

Who’s looking forward to finals!!! I know I’m not. And I’m looking for anything to delay that thought from settling in. So, how about we do one of the prettiest hikes in Virginia, the Cedar Run Trail. The plan is simple. We’ll park at the Hawksbill Gap Parking lot (usually fills up quickly, so we’ll have to get there early), and then hike the Cedar Run Falls till we get to Whiteoak Canyon Parking (or if we want to turn back early, that’s an option). The hike will be fairly strenuous, taking about 4 hours in total, so be aware of that. On the way, there are a couple of beautiful waterfalls we can swim in, so remember to bring a swimsuit! The entrance fee is usually $20 per car (so $5 per person), but if we can get some people with a National Park Pass (or if there isn’t someone at the check-in point), then they’ll be no cost. Just be prepared for the $5 just in case.

TIMELINE
7:00am – Meet at Echols Corner to drive away no later than 7:05am
8:30am – Arrive at Hawksbill Gap Parking
8:45am – Start Hiking Cedar Run Falls Trail
10:00am – Swim at first waterfall and have a snack break
11:30am – Swim at second waterfall and have second snack break (I get hungry)
12:30pm – Finish Cedar Run Falls Trail (could go all the way to end or just turn back at second waterfall)
2:45pm – Arrive at Hawksbill Gap Parking and drive away
4:30pm – Arrive back at UVA

WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING
1. Swimsuit
2. Water bottles (enough for 4 hours of strenuous hiking)
3. Snacks/Lunch (to eat on the trail)
4. Hiking clothes
5. Towel (or air dry)
6. Sunscreen

Drivers and those with Shenandoah National Park Pass or National Park Pass will get priority off the waitlist.