Cedar Run Hike

Not very long, this down and back hike can still be somewhat of a workout as you gain 1,500 ft on the way back in only 1.7 miles. If you make the hike in the early spring, Cedar Run should be flowing with several beautiful ponds and small waterfalls. The main falls at the base of the hike have a great natural water slide and there is a small swimming hole about 40 yards beyond it.

Start the hike by heading down Cedar Run Trail. Pass the Big Meadows Trail that comes in from the left after just 20 yards, continue downward on the Cedar Run Trail where the grade will gradually increase. In about 0.8 miles, Cedar Run will become visible on your right with several small ponds along the way.

At 1.5 miles cross Cedar Run and climb the opposite bank. 0.2 miles further you arrive at the Cedar Run natural water slide, with a small pond at its base. In 50 more yards, reach your destination, the tallest falls on the hike with Half Mile Cliffs visible on the opposite site of the run. Leave the trail and have lunch at the small pond at the bottom of the falls.

To return just retrace your steps up the trail to the parking area.

Know Before You Go

Cedar Run Hike in Syria, VA is a 3.9-mile hike featuring waterfalls and a natural water slide, best experienced in early spring.
The hike is a down-and-back trail with a challenging 1,500 ft elevation gain in the last 1.7 miles.
The trail involves crossing Cedar Run at 1.5 miles and ends at the tallest falls with a small pond for a resting spot.

Weather Forecast

Tonight

Low 39°F

Mostly Cloudy

Wednesday

High 51°F

Chance Light Rain

Wednesday Night

Low 20°F

Chance Rain And Snow

Thursday

High 29°F

Sunny

Thursday Night

Low 15°F

Mostly Clear

Friday

High 34°F

Mostly Sunny

Friday Night

Low 25°F

Partly Cloudy

Saturday

High 41°F

Slight Chance Light Snow

Saturday Night

Low 19°F

Slight Chance Rain And Snow then Partly Cloudy

Sunday

High 28°F

Slight Chance Light Snow

Sunday Night

Low 15°F

Mostly Clear

M.L. King Jr. Day

High 34°F

Mostly Sunny

Monday Night

Low 14°F

Partly Cloudy

Tuesday

High 28°F

Sunny

Loading...

<strong>Trail map and elevation chart not rendering in print mode?</strong> Simply scroll to the trail map section, then try printing again!

Total Change

1,741'

Ascent

1,765'

Descent

1,770'

Loading...

Features

Dogs

Waterfalls

Camping

Water Source

Points of interest

Parking

38.555777, -78.386699
Copy
Main Trailhead

38.556045, -78.386722
Copy

Safety information

For your own safety: plan ahead, let someone know where you'll be, and hike at your own risk.

Hazards

Lyme and Other Tickborne Diseases (CDC)

Snakes (Rattlesnakes, Copperheads, others)

Poison Ivy or Poison Oak

Availability

All seasons

Surface type

Dirt

Trip Reports (Reviews)
Routes

Trip Reports (Reviews)

Rated 4.2 out of 5 based on 5 ratings.

Ready to help fellow hikers? Add a trip report to share your experience and provide valuable insights for other hikers!

By: Peggy Pavell

3.9 miles / 6.3 km

August 08, 2015

This was an uphill, rocky hike but very enjoyable. On the way to the park, we saw a mama bear at the base of a tree and 3 baby cubs in the tree above her. Also a lovely doe and her fawns. The smaller water falls' slide was great fun .. the larger water falls' slide dangerous. Of course, in the Spring thaw there would be more water in the falls and maybe not so dangerous. A great escape from DC for a good part of the day. I'd hike this again but not slide down the falls. ps. I am 64 years old.

Legacy Review

By: Hans ( und Heidi )

3.9 miles / 6.3 km

June 15, 2014

We do a circuit here that starts at the bottom and goes around Hawksbill Mountain to the Summit. Several times we went up White Oak Canyon, took the short and steep trail from Skyline drive up to Hawksbill Summit then the gradual long way around by the AT finishing with the steep decent down Cedar Run. This time we did the reverse hike and got the steep climb up Cedar Run first, then the more gradual ascent up the AT to Hawksbill. This actually is my preferred route now. About 9 miles and quite rugged on the 3 mile Cedar Run trail. Makes for a great long day hike. Started at 10am and got back to the car at 7. Met a 96 year old man at the summit who was quite the inspiration!

Legacy Review

By: Joanne

3.9 miles / 6.3 km

August 15, 2012

My 28 y.o. daughter took my 11 y.o.grand-daughter and myself(57y.o.not in great shape and had a cold!)and our 2 yo lab mix on this trail. Took us about 5 1/2 hrs. Weather was mid 60's and we encountered a rain shower. Only saw a few chipmunks along the way. I picked up a walking stick along the steep way down which helped a lot. The dog helped pull me back up! The rock slide was refreshing and we didnt get cold till we got back to the parking lot, so have some warm clothes ready. I cant swim so dumping off over my head was a little scarey but the slide itself was fun and not painful like I imagined. The dog is still sleeping! I'm a bit sore but not bad. Didnt bother my grand-daughter in the least. Nice girl-time together!

Legacy Review