Shenandoah NP: White Oak Canyon
Today I decided to get a jump on the approaching winter storm and go for a hike with Sherlock, my Irish Setter, to Shenandoah NP. Problem is that because of snow/ice last night Skyline Drive was closed. This left a few choices — the best of which was White Oak Canyon, just south of Old Rag Mountain (my favorite hike). I was hoping that the moderate dusting of snow that I had in my front yard was an indicator that there would be a little bit more up in the park… not so much – only traces here and there.
Unlike the last “hike” I took, I decided to bring plenty of food and water, and was quite warm with appropriate gear. Sherlock wore his backpack and carried his own water. I just brought my 1Ds w/ 24-70mm lens and took mostly shots of Sherlock. The weather was less than ideal for getting any spectacular shots, so I considered this as mainly a scouting hike to wear the puppy out and determine whether or not it is worth a return trip later in the spring/summer/fall. It absolutely is.
About a mile and a half from the trailhead are the lower White Oak Falls — pretty neat. I was surprised at how tall they were and how much water was flowing. A truly beautiful place. The hike is pretty much an out and back — up hill the entire way and down hill back… there are several amazing falls on the way up each providing really sweet views. Near the top of the falls it started getting colder and the sky got a couple of stops darker, so I figured the snow storm was getting close and turned it around. 15 minutes later it started snowing — my dog enjoyed it and the downhill hike made for a speedy return to the parking lot. I look forward to heading back soon!
White Oak Canyon is certainly one of my favorite Virginia hikes as well! Lots of good over-night spots to camp at down in the valley. The pools down below the lower falls are just deep enough to jump into after a long hot hike.