Virginia’s Cedar Run Falls Hike

Since this winter, we have been on hunt for cascades, which brought us back to Shenandoah National Park to hike Cedar Run Falls. This hike can be combined with White Oak Canyon; however, because temperatures were dropping then, we chose to do both separately, returning the following weekend for this second nature trek and here is that information:

• Cedar Run Falls is a short three-point-four mile hike, making it perfect for cold-weather months
• It has a 1,510-foot elevation gain
• It is a nice Level Three of Five difficulty

When we arrived, the day was cold but we came prepared — I had many layers on again, including my crazy patterned cozy leg warmers, which I had excitedly just re-found stuffed in the back of my sock drawer.The good news though is nature doesn’t judge attire so off we set into the forest, walking in boots still slopped with mud from our last hike.

And and I walked beside one another until the trail became too narrow, until I had to fall back and follow him as he lead the way into the forest.
A little less than two miles in, we approached bubbling, clear water and fluffy moss.
Crossing the water, we then climbed the bank on the opposite side leading us up Halfmile Cliff.  There, we met a beauty we haven’t seen yet during hikes: a natural waterslide.
Because of its gradual slope and the continuous waterflow, I read “The Slide” commonly has people slipping down it and into the pool below in warm months.   It also is found at the top of the main Cedar Fall waterfall — which passes through a narrow gorge — where sixty yards below a larger, clear green pool can be found.

At the falls, we let the hours slip by as we followed the flowing water down the mountain. Hopping over the rocks, we smiled and laughed, challenging each other to stone skipping contests in this little piece of forest we had to ourselves.

Before long though, we had to leave, understanding these magic moments are not forever. I darted to say goodbye to the waterfall one last time before we retraced our way back.

By the time we were in sight of the parking lot, the sun was shining so brightly we had to squint our eyes against it. “Hey,” I called to And, grabbing him by the hand. “Let’s get one more picture” and so we did, full of smiles, full of life, full of happiness.Life seems easy when we are in forests — innocent and light — and I admit openly, I’m addicted to that feeling. So forests, our home, we will be back soon. Until next time . . .