Round Trip Distance: 2.6 mile or more, to first fall as described here. 4.5 miles one-way to Skyline Drive.
Trail Rating: Easy to Moderate Difficulty. Moderate elevation change.
Reference: PATC Map 10 (available at entrance stations)
Reference: Heatwole's Guide.

A wonderful world of whispy hemlock and cascading water. White Oak canyon is a part of the life of the mountains you will miss if you stay on the road. The best way to visit White Oak Canyon is to Travel VA 231 North out of Madison through the lovely Hebron Valley. Turn Left on Route 670 at Banco. Take Route 643 in Syria to Route 600. Bear left and follow the signs to White Oak Canyon parking area. Here you will find a lush stream valley with some hemlock. Follow the trail to the right. You will pass through the hardwood forests that give this canyon it's name.
The water cascades over a wonderland of rocks and pools that will tempt you to go wading.In a little over a mile you will come to the first of a series of falls. Here the trail gets steeper and you will want to take it slowly. When you decide to turn around the way back is all downhill.
Abundant Mast (Acorns and other Nuts) and water make this a great place to see wildlife. Bear and Deer are more active in the early morning and evening so plan time to linger and enjoy any suprise visitors you may encounter.