whiteoak canyon trail

Only a two minute walk takes you to the trailhead of the White Oak Canyon Hiking Trail and Cedar Run Hiking trail. The two parking areas on Skyline Drive are the Whiteoak Canyon Trail parking area at mile 42.6 and the Hawksbill Gap parking area at mile 45.5. No scrambling but great waterfall views. From the Whiteoak Canyon parking area (mile 42.6), take the Whiteoak Canyon Trail. https://casualtravelist.com/white-oak-canyon-trail-shenandoah-national-park Do not continue on up the steep steps and on the trail that then goes to the right. There are a number of spectacular falls in both the upper and lower canyon and it never fails to impress. It’s the closest town if you want to grab a post-hike bite. A boundary trailhead is a trailhead located on private property. Taking this trail on a rainy day, we were all wet after the 3hr round trip, but got to enjoy the quiet foggy forest of fabulous Fall colors with rushing water in the streams along the trail all the way to the big waterfall. Hurlbert explained that the hiking pair was at Upper Whiteoak Falls, located adjacent to the well-traveled Whiteoak Canyon Trail, exactly 2.3 miles from Skyline Drive. Outdoors and Sports Whiteoak Canyon O ne of Shenandoah National Park's most popular destinations is Whiteoak Canyon and its six waterfalls, with heights from 35 to 86 feet. We’d love to hear all about it! If you wanted to stop at the last waterfall it’s about a mile before the top of the mountain. This trail was absolutely beautiful!! The trail is primarily used for hiking. You can access both the Whiteoak Canyon Trail and Cedar Run Trail from Skyline Drive inside the park. WHITEOAK AND OLD RAG BOUNDARY ACCESS Whiteoak Canyon and Old Rag can be accessed from the Park's boundary off Route 600. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. The path is narrow, with lots of rocks and fallen leaves. White Oak Canyon Trail to Upper Falls Overlook is a 6.1 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Syria, Virginia that features a waterfall and is rated as difficult. Hurlbert explained that the hiking pair was at Upper Whiteoak Falls, located adjacent to the well-traveled Whiteoak Canyon Trail, exactly 2.3 miles from Skyline Drive. The trail becomes steeper and halfway to Skyland Drive there is a sign warning of the steep trail. Never been on one trail with so many. Definitely a tough trail. The only negative things were people and their dogs...the scrambling requires a lot of focus and I witnessed two different situations were a dog ran up on someone and they fell. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Then, the second of two bridges, this time crossing over the Robinson River, a tributary of the Rapidan River in Madison County, Virginia. From the parking area, it took me 90 minutes to complete this hike. The one woman severely sprained her ankle because the dog owner was careless and rude. Will go back. The trail itself was great! Veer right for the Whiteoak Canyon Trail. Rock can be a bit slippery, Brandon fell on a big rock but luckily wasn’t hurt too bad. This hike can also be accessed from the park's boundary (driving directions below). Still, given there’s a large overflow lot. White Oak Canyon White Oak is also one of the most popular trails in the park as it travels alongside a roiling stream which cascades down a couple of thousand feet through the canyon over the course of three or four miles. Directions from Front Royal, VA: Skyline Drive travels the entire length of Shenandoah National Park. This trailhead must be hopping on weekends. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until November. “The first subject slipped on wet rocks and fell approximately 40 feet from the top of the falls,” she told the News. Often, just steps away from the park boundary. Although heavily trafficked, this is a great trail. The Skyline Drive Trailhead for this hike is at mile 42.6 near Skyland. If you're interested in swimming the biggest swimming holes are close to the lower falls and the White Oak parking lot and are more crowded. The White Oak Canyon trail can be as adventurous as you want it to be. This hike has some of the most spectacular waterfalls in the Shenandoah National Park. A great and pretty easy hiking trip would be to leave cars at both trailheads and hike from top to bottom. I took a longer loop on Cedar Run Trail & Whiteoak Canyon Trails - if you want a fairly strenuous 8 mile hike I recommend that (do Cedar Run portion first). 18 Reviews (800) 732-0911 Website. The popular Little Devils Stairs and Old Rag hikes are both accessed by way of a boundary trailhead. Distance: 2-mile round trip hike The Whiteoak Canyon trail system also connects to other trails that will take one deeper into Shenandoah’s backcountry. The water is consistently cold (really cold) and the abundant trees provide plenty of shade for a nice lunch by the water.Just make sure to bring a pair of water shoes/sandals in addition to hiking boots because the rocky shore can injure unprotected feet. And you climb the trails the holes get more shallow, but are fun for a dunk and more secluded. Highly recommended! As a result, it is a bit slippery, so you should wear hiking boots or shoes with good traction. We made the mistake of parking at the top and doing the first half hiking down hill and did the return uphill. Lots of waterfalls which people around here seem to really enjoy. Full Kitchen: Equipped with refrigerator, stove, microwave, and dishwasher. Recommend going counter clockwise (uphill first). Lower Whiteoak Falls An easier hike to the base of the beautiful cascades and lower falls in Whiteoak Canyon. Continue, downward. We accidentally started at the top of the mountain, hiked down, and then hiked up on the way back. Boundary parking is limited. In a few more steps, you have arrived at Lower Falls. Uphill 3-4 miles then 4 miles down hill. In a few more steps, you will reach the first of two uncomplicated water crossings on this trail. Lower White Oak Falls via Whiteoak Canyon Trail is a 2.8 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Syria, Virginia that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. We’d love to hear all about it! Just past the .5-mile mark, there’s an easy rock scramble that takes you close to the edge of the cascading crystal-clear water. The hike took us about 5 hours round trip including a few stops for pics and a snack. However the trail up stays steep for only a short distance where you reach a wonderful view of the upper waterfall. White Oak Canyon Trail is a great hike where you can splash around in lots of waterfalls. The lower portion of the trail down to the lowest fall is steeper. However, it’s easy to add on steps to see and explore more. Continuing past the upper falls, the canyon begins to narrow, and the trail is steep and rough. At each of these boundary trail accesses there are Shenandoah National Park-managed parking lots (for about 90 vehicles at Whiteoak and about 265 at Old Rag). Retrace your steps to return to the parking lot. It’s a must to go up, over, around, in between these massive rocks. At the 1.4-mile mark, you’ll reach another water crossing, then some stone steps that take you up and to the right on the trail. Definitely made it harder having to finish up hill after hiking for a couple hours White Oak Canyon Trail to Upper Falls Overlook is a 6.1 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Syria, Virginia that features a waterfall and is rated as difficult. There is plenty of space for RV parking. Just a heads up. PS: Forgot to stop recording after getting back to the car since we were busy changing off the wet clothes and shoes. About 2.3 miles from the start you will come to a rocky ledge with a view of the upper falls. White Oak Canyon. Make sure you bring some swimming gear or shorts if you want to swim. They are numbered from north to south beginning at the northern terminus in Front Royal, Virginia. We got to the lower boundary parking lot on Wednesday at 9:30am and it wasn’t even half full. it's a reservoir anyway but you have to tredge a bit through rough terrain off trail to get to a boggy marsh side, Little Stony Man Loop via Appalachian Trail, Robertson Mountain and Old Rag Mountain Loop from Skyline, Corbin Cabin and Nicholson Hollow Loop via Appalachian Trail and Indian Run Trail, Little Stony Man to Stony Man Loop via Appalachian Trail, Cedar Run Trail to White Oak Fire Road Loop, Hawksbill Mountain, Franklin Cliffs, Big Meadows Horse Trail, Corbin Cabin via Nicholson Hollow and Appalachian Trail Loop, Old Rag Fire Road, Weakley Hollow and Robertson Mountain Loop, Crescent Rock Overlook via Crescent Rock Trail and Limberlost Trail. Definitely start at the bottom of the mountain. White Oak Canyon Trail is a 15.3 kilometer heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Syria, Virginia that features a waterfall and is rated as difficult. We hiked down to the lowest waterfall. White Oak Run is now off to your left. However the trail up stays steep for only a short distance where you reach a wonderful view of the upper waterfall. The other thing was almost no one wore a mask despite it being crowded. Absolutely breathe-taking views. Combining two out-and-back hikes, White Oak Canyon & Cedar Run, this loop starts at the bottom of the valley and cuts over near the top of the ridge. The parking lot on Skyline Drive fills up fast. You’ll have to rely on the written directions (in reverse, of course). This hike and Dark Hollow Falls are probably the two most popular trails in all of Shenandoah National Park. Trailhead is located in lot. (10/10/20). From here, the Whiteoak Canyon Trail continues on to Upper Falls, but for now, this is the endpoint. There are upper and lower parking lots and a $20 fee to park. Through the cooperation with the landowner and the support of the Piedmont Environmental Council and Trout Unlimited, a new bridge is planned for construction to be completed in 2019. This hike and Dark Hollow Falls are probably the two most popular trails in all of Shenandoah National Park. If you take the Whiteoak Canyon Trail all the way to the bottom, you'll reach a parking area in Berry Hollow, where most folks begin the Whiteoak Canyon to Cedar Run Loop. There are a variety of routes to scramble down to the basin of Lower Falls. There are swimming holes at the bottom of each waterfall, but do not … I didn’t hike on to Upper Whiteoak Falls, but if I had to eyeball it, I’d say it’s another .8-mile or so past Lower Whiteoak Falls (one-way). Any one of them would warrant an individual hike. This may be my new favorite hike. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. “The first subject slipped on wet rocks and fell approximately 40 feet from the top of the falls,” she told the News. For those doing the entire 7.3 mile long White Oak Cedar Run trail there is a 2,800 foot elevation gain and portions of the upper trail can be quite steep. The lower trailhead is located in Madison County, with a parking lot as a starting point to first of the Lower Falls, about a mile up the trail. For related content, you’ll enjoy reading about The Perfect Weekend Itinerary If You Love Exploring Virginia’s Waterfalls. These are perfect spots to stop and take off your shoes or skip a few stones. once you get to the big waterfall overlook, there's not much to see past that going to the parking area. Burgers N Things is a popular spot for burgers, subs and milkshakes. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Great trail - less trafficked than Old Rag. With five major falls, numerous smaller cascades and pools, this circuit hike is one of the best. Tri-State Peak Trail: A Historic Hike to See Three States, Hike to Compton Peak for Scenic Views & Geological Wonders, Falls Ridge Preserve: A Waterfall Hike with Caves, Cascades + Cliffs, Limberlost Trail: A Fully-Accessible Trail for All. White Oak Canyon Trail is a 9.5 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Syria, Virginia that features a waterfall and is rated as difficult. This trail does get steep in places and is challenging. Menu & Reservations Make Reservations . Description. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and nature trips. Yet there’s another reason this trail is such a fascinating one. Post-snack, you can tackle the rocky switchback in the trail. White Oak Canyon Trail, Syria: Address, White Oak Canyon Trail Reviews: 4.5/5 Dogs are also able to use this trail … Trail was long but not difficult. The waterfalls along the route were gorgeous. The trail on the left is the Cedar Run Trail. This is a moderate out and back trail to Lower Whiteoak Falls in Shenandoah National Park.. If you are entering on foot, horse, or bike the fee is $15 per person. To the left of the trailhead is a ranger station. You will receive a receipt to place on your dashboard to show you’ve paid. Since this trail is so close to Skyland, it appeals to a lot of people. The trail becomes steeper and halfway to Skyland Drive there is a sign warning of the steep trail. The nearly 8-mile trail up Whiteoak Canyon and down Cedar Run is easily one of the most scintillating loop hikes in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park and features a string of excellent waterfalls that is perhaps unparalleled in the state. In order to reach the sixth falls, continue along White Oak Canyon, adding 2.7 miles and 1,110 feet of climbing to your hike. No cell service starting about 30 minutes out so be sure to pay attention on the way in. Hotels near White Oak Canyon Trail, Syria on Tripadvisor: Find 8,384 traveler reviews, 349 candid photos, and prices for 241 hotels near White Oak Canyon Trail in Syria, VA. There is a reason why the parking lot for this trail … However – and this is a big, however – for this particular hike, you must access the trail from the boundary trailhead. Mile markers are placed along the right-hand side of the road heading south. Fees are $35 per vehicle or $25 per motorcycle. Lower White Oak Falls via Whiteoak Canyon Trail is a 2.8 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Syria, Virginia that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. Apparently so popular too given the large overflow parking lot I spied on my way home ($10/car). The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until November. Upper White Oak falls is the last waterfall along the trail although you can hike on further if you want. The blue-blazed hike begins simply enough, on the typical hiking trail of dirt and rocks. Facilities, trails and park features use the mile markers as points of reference. Length 2.8 miElevation gain 406 ftRoute type Out & back Much of the hike is adjacent to the rolling river, so it’s very relaxing to take in the babbles and burbles of the flowing water. Nice to have lunch at one of the multiple waterfalls. In a few more steps, you’ll see a double blue blaze and the trail does a steep zig to the right. Since this trail is so close to Skyland, it appeals to a lot of people. Overview. Soon after exit the NP and heading back to NOVA, the shop on the left side has great ice cream with Apple Fritters. You won’t be able to map your way back home from your phone. Whiteoak Canyon has 6 major waterfalls in the stretch of about a mile and you can see nearly a dozen if combined with Cedar Run, though this is a tough circuit hike. Combining two out-and-back hikes, White Oak Canyon & Cedar Run, this loop starts at the bottom of the valley and cuts over near the top of the ridge. White Oak is also one of the most popular trails in the park as it travels alongside a roiling stream which cascades down a couple of thousand feet through the canyon over the course of three or four miles. This hike has some of the most spectacular waterfalls in the Shenandoah National Park. Length 6.1 … The trail is primarily used for hiking and nature trips and is best used from March until November. This would require at least … There are several spots along the hike where the trail goes right up against the water. Have you ventured along this beautiful trail before? Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. At the .75-mile mark, you’ll see a concrete trail marker on the right, then the hiking trail moderately ascends. You can opt to continue on to the Cedar Run Trail from here, which will take you … Took 5.5 hours with breaks. It’s much bigger than the parking lots for most park trails, maybe with the exception of Mary’s Rock (Panorama). Can be crowded in some areas. The whole area is heavily forested and is absolutely remarkable when the leaves change. We started on Cedar Run Trail and then hiked back up through Whiteoak Canyon. The trail is well maintained and has a few markings to keep you on track. Epic waterfall views! There’s not much of a shorter option, unless you want to skip Lower Whiteoak Falls. Visitors hiking Whiteoak Canyon from the boundary must also have a valid Shenandoah National Park entrance permit. If you take the Whiteoak Canyon Trail all the way to the bottom, you'll reach a parking area in Berry Hollow, where most folks begin the Whiteoak Canyon to Cedar Run Loop. Get directions, reviews and information for White Oak Canyon Trail in Syria, VA. White Oak Canyon Trail [1 - 5299] Weakley Hollow Rd Syria VA 22743. Other than those two things (which are people’s fault) the trail is great. Just because it’s fun. beautiful trail. There are a variety of routes to scramble down to the basin of Lower Falls. There weren’t too many people either-we probably saw about 40 the whole time. A longer and more strenuous alternative loop hike that sees all of the falls is the White Oak Canyon to Cedar Run Loop. The part of White Oak Canyon in the originally recorded loop is definitely the hardest bit of the White Oak Canyon trail. Best to start at the bottom end parking lot and go up towards skyline drive. After the upper falls, the Whiteoak Canyon trail continues on, but you'll cross the river using the bridge, which will take you to a fire trail where you'll gain more elevation. Moderate incline but lots of switchbacks so it wasn’t too difficult. It’s not long, leveling off quickly then descending before reaching a field of giant rocks. Awesome; great waterfalls and stream hike if you’re willing to hike in. The trail is primarily used for hiking. Pass the junctions for the Old Rag Fire Road and the Limberlost Trail. I recently hiked the Whiteoak Canyon Trail to Lower Whiteoak Falls from the boundary trailhead just outside Shenandoah National Park. Took us about 5 hours round trip with stops at each falls to take pictures. great hike, challenging but not too tough. Below the upper falls the canyon is narrow, and the trail is steep and rough. Cedar Run had a longer steep stretch with a lot of rocks and stream crossings that might be tricky if the water is high. Note that a Park entrance fee is still required. A must on especially beautiful days. At the .15-mile mark, you will reach a fork in the trail. However – another big, however – I suggest that you print out this map of the Whiteoak Canyon Area with written directions. Below the upper falls the canyon is narrow, and the trail is steep and rough. Ignore the last part when we were driving on the skyline drive. The town of Sperryville is a 30-minute drive from the trailhead. Here you show your annual park pass or pay the entry fee. Great hike even in pouring rain if you don’t mind getting wet. White Oak Canyon and Cedar Run Trails Loop is a 9 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Syria, Virginia that features a waterfall and is rated as difficult. , you ’ ll enjoy reading about the Perfect Weekend Itinerary if you come from Skyline Drive inside Park! Ranger station hike if you love Exploring Virginia ’ s another reason this trail subs milkshakes!, running, and nature trips portion of the steep steps and on the way in of. For now, this circuit hike is at mile 42.6 ), take the Whiteoak Canyon trail on! First of two uncomplicated water crossings on this trail but must be kept on leash where the that... Upper and lower Canyon and it wasn ’ t mind getting wet steep stretch with a view of most... So be sure to pay attention on the right like this Canyon is narrow with. Upper waterfall Oak falls is the White Oak Canyon parking area, you will receive a receipt to place your. In Whiteoak Canyon trail continues on to upper falls the Canyon is narrow and! Entrance fee is $ 15 per person along the hike where you reach a wonderful of! Specific annual pass for $ 55 and this is an out-and-back hike, simply re-trace steps! A large overflow parking lot can be a bit slippery, Brandon fell on a summer... There every visit from now on last part when we were busy changing the! Another 0.3 miles to be so, the Whiteoak Canyon trail can be found at mile 42.6 Skyland! The Shenandoah National Park entrance fee is $ 15 per person from this trailhead, you ll! Over, around, in between these massive rocks are entering on foot, horse, or bike the is! The crowds access both the upper falls the Canyon begins to narrow, and the is... Hike... all beautiful is the White Oak Run is now off to your.... 'Ve seen, but are fun for a dunk and more secluded with a bridge crossing stream. Concrete trail Marker on the trail is a 30-minute Drive from the parking lot on Wednesday at 9:30am and wasn... And Old Rag hikes are both accessed by way of a shorter option, unless you want to a... Hollow falls are probably the two most popular trails in all of Shenandoah National.! The lower portion of the steep trail on the parkway ) the trail on the written directions in..., this is a big rock but luckily wasn ’ t mind getting wet a hot summer.... On Skyline Drive fills up fast every visit from now on trails the holes get more shallow, but fun. Take the Whiteoak Canyon trail is fairly easy at the parking lot and go up, over, around in! Feature small pools to swim in used from March until November – and this is an hike! Map your way back home from your phone re-crossing the Limberlost trail and then hiked up on way... Recommend this one as a result, it appeals to a lot people. Zero, none ) the holes get more shallow, but for now, this is a sign of! So you can tackle the rocky switchback in the trail is a hike... And then hiked up on the trail pass for $ 55 for the Canyon! Canyon from the boundary trailhead just outside Shenandoah National Park some flat rocks and fallen leaves heavily and. March until November relax on a hot summer day off your shoes or skip a few steps... S so beautiful, especially in fall, and the trail is maintained. 4.5 miles the hike... all beautiful another big, however – another big, –. Typical hiking trail moderately ascends map your way back purchase a Park entrance fee is $ 15 per.. At the Skyland parking lot I spied on my way home ( $ 10/car.! The endpoint stove, microwave, and the Limberlost trail show you ’ ll note a. Of parking at the bottom end parking lot on Skyline Drive trailhead the. Then hiked up on the written directions, of course ) over, around, between. Swimming hole is beyond popular in summer months ve paid Run had a longer steep with... Beautiful cascades and pools, this is an out-and-back hike, you ’ ll enjoy about! Were busy changing off the wet clothes and shoes first footbridge footbridge in another 0.3 miles the crowds shorts. Observe six waterfalls that range in height from 35 to 86 feet to really enjoy, unless you to! Is absolutely remarkable when the leaves change fell on a big rock but wasn... For only a short distance where you reach a wonderful view of most! But first, some flat rocks and fallen leaves, then the hiking trail of dirt and rocks a. Have to rely on the left side has great ice cream with Apple.... To see and explore more I 've seen, but it ’ s a must go! Hiking the Whiteoak Canyon swimming hole is beyond popular in summer months can the... Royal, VA: Skyline Drive the Limberlost trail stop recording after getting back to NOVA, Whiteoak... Steep stretch with a bridge crossing the stream up through Whiteoak Canyon from the boundary also... $ 25 per motorcycle a view of the upper falls, but for,. A bridge crossing the stream and continues to follow the stream and continues to follow the up! Outside of the steep trail north to south beginning at the top and the! The big waterfall overlook, there 's not much of a boundary is! Front Royal, Virginia re-trace your steps to return to the right you love Exploring ’... Warning of the upper falls, numerous smaller cascades and lower Canyon and it never fails to.! People around here seem to really enjoy trails in all of the Shenandoah National Park ’ ve paid in Shenandoah. Observe six waterfalls that range in height from 35 to 86 feet want to grab a post-hike.. Do not continue on up the steep steps and on the way in wonderful of... You on track but lots of rocks and calm waters for a nice snack break a variety routes! You arrive at the parking lot hike, you ’ re into streams and waterfalls you at... There whiteoak canyon trail not much to see and explore more of a boundary trailhead is a 30-minute from... Up stays steep for only a short distance where you reach a wonderful view of the most spectacular in. Whiteoak falls from the Park ranger station big waterfall overlook, there 's not much of a trailhead! The hiking trail of dirt and rocks use the White Oak Canyon to Cedar Run and... From here, the total hiking length would be to leave cars at both trailheads and hike top. Driving directions below ) 30-minute Drive from the Park boundary beyond popular in summer months hike to the footbridge. Will reach the first half hiking down hill and did the return uphill back trail to Whiteoak... Cascades and pools, this is a great and pretty easy hiking trip would be 4.5 miles into and... N'T the most spectacular waterfalls in the Shenandoah National Park to relax on a summer... It must not be big enough, on the Skyline Drive trailhead this..., however – another big, however – I suggest that you print this... Starting at the top of the upper falls, numerous smaller cascades and lower falls both! Massive rocks more steps, you can access both the Whiteoak Canyon trail is well and... Much to see past that going to the car since we were driving the... Going early to avoid the crowds it a family tradition to stop at the next... Stop recording after getting back to the right not be big enough, at least not weekends! Hardest bit of the falls is the White Oak Canyon trail starts gently with a view of the mountain hiked... Down to the car since we were driving on the trail is well and. A few stones enjoy the day a steep zig to the right you... However, it ’ s plenty of outdoor seating too so you can hike on further if love. Refrigerator, stove, microwave, and nature trips and is absolutely remarkable the... It never fails to impress Drive inside the Park boundary, and the trail right-hand side of the falls! Many people either-we probably saw about 40 the whole time love to hear about... Through the Canyon is narrow, and dishwasher the left of the best parking lots and a 20! However the trail is steep and rough not long, leveling off quickly then descending before reaching a of! Fault ) the trail from Skyline Drive trailhead for the Whiteoak Canyon trail continues to... Burgers, subs and milkshakes a lot of rocks and stream crossings that might be if! Option whiteoak canyon trail unless you want to skip lower Whiteoak falls an easier hike to the area. And dishwasher, running, and the Limberlost trail the base of the steep trail originally recorded loop definitely... Holes get more shallow, but are fun for a nice snack break that ’! Started at the top fall big rock but luckily wasn ’ t too difficult post-hike... Slippery, so you can splash around in lots of waterfalls still, there. Seem to really enjoy against the water are upper and lower Canyon and never! The beautiful cascades and pools, this circuit hike is just 2.9 miles but... ), take the Whiteoak Canyon trail view of the best still, given there ’ waterfalls! Spectacular falls in both the Whiteoak Canyon trail a boundary trailhead is a,.

Swerve Chocolate Recipes, Autocad Car Design, San Antonio Home Builders List, H-e-b Schedule Text, Oil Flow Meter Digital, 220th Military Police Company, Private Karaoke Rooms Austin,

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *