It's a challenging hike for sure but there is water to swim in. If you start at the bottom and hike up White Oak and down Cedar Run you can hit the natural waterslide. Get there early - this is a popular hike and parking is limited.

Not that hard and there is water to play in! Plus, it's an out and back hike - so if you get tired - just turn around early. It's a beautiful hike all along so making it to the top is not essential.

Its fine. Apply DEET. Take lots of water and maybe a few snacks. Check everyone very carefully all over for ticks after the hike.

Anonymous wrote:Go hiking somewhere closer like rock creek park or prince William forest park or greenbelt park or catoctin and gauge if you like it before you do something longer and harder. If you do it, bring more water and snacks than you think you will want and take your time and you should be fine!

We did old rag and liked it.

We did about 50% of this hike starting from the bottom section. We had a 5yo with us at the time. She's admittedly a pretty tough kid, but I can't imagine a standard 9yo having any problems with it.

Go hiking somewhere closer like rock creek park or prince William forest park or greenbelt park or catoctin and gauge if you like it before you do something longer and harder. If you do it, bring more water and snacks than you think you will want and take your time and you should be fine!

We've done this but its been a while. Nice hike! Maybe this helps?:

https://www.hikingupward.com/SNP/WhiteOakCedarRun/

Hi! Has anyone done the White Oak hike at Shenandoah, and do you have any advice for me?

I’m 42, my husband is 49 - I run about one half marathon a year and he’s in better shape than me. I’m thinking just the two of us would do it but we have 3 kids ages 14, 12, and 9 - who I could consider bringing if it’s not too too hard.

I’m thinking of saying I want us to take a day off work and do it for my 43rd bday in the fall… thanks for any advice!