Crabtree Falls is arguably the most beautiful set of waterfalls in Virginia. Billed as the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi, Crabtree Falls is a must see for anyone who lives in the mid-Atlantic region.
The falls are believed to be named after William Crabtree, who settled in the area in 1777. The Tye River, at the bottom of the falls, is named for Allen Tye, who did extensive exploration in the local Blue Ridge Mountains.
Take note of the footbridge that crosses Tye River, a laminated arch that was shipped from New York state in one piece and installed in 1978. Until the mid 1980's the footbridge was the starting point for the hike up Crabtree Falls. Today the parking area is on the other side of the river, and the bridge now serves primarily as a decorative addition to the hike.
From the end of the parking area, follow the paved trail to the bottom of the lower most falls. At this point the trail becomes dirt, and does the first of nine switchbacks on its way to the top of the highest set of falls. The trial is well maintained, and has wooden guardrails along its steeper portions, as well as railed overlooks at the most scenic points.
At 0.5 miles look for a rock formation that appears to be a small cave. You can pass through the cave and exit on the other side rejoining the trail.
Arrive at the top of the falls in 1.1 miles from the parking area and cross over a wooden bridge to an overlook. From here you can't see Crabtree Falls below as it falls away, but still get a nice view of the valley floor and Blueridge Mountains. Don't be tempted to climb over the stone wall onto the uppermost portion of the falls. The rocks are covered with a very slippery algae, and according to the Forestry Service sign, 23 people have fallen to their deaths climbing out onto the rocks.
From this point re-cross the footbridge and either head back down, or continue left up the trail where the hike becomes much flatter and follows Crabtree stream.
If you continue up the trail will split in 70 yards. Take the right fork uphill as it first traverses the ridge, then follows the stream to the upper parking area in 1.1 miles. To return, retrace your steps back down.
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Reviews For The Crabtree Falls Hike (5 Most Recent)
This was our first time to Crabtree Falls. My husband, two boys (7 and 9 yrs old) and I went hiking there today. We are not skilled hikers and found this trail easy to navigate and enjoy. Our boys had a great time. Our 7 yr old kept saying, "This is awesome!" He was so excited to be hiking and seeing the waterfalls, as well as the millipedes and snails.
I highly recommend this trail. The views are spectacular! Well worth the journey.
By:
Rating:
Date of Hike: Saturday, May 02, 2009
Our first hike with all the kids (ages 4, 6, 9, 14). We started at about 930A and got to the top almost noon. We spent a lot of time looking around and taking pics which accounts for the longer ascend time. We are not in great shape (mostly just 2-4 walks around the neighborhood per week) and found the hike very do-able. Great views and not a very technical hike.
If you have a 4x4, you can drive around to the upper parking area and do the shorter/flatter hike in from there.
Take plenty of water and snacks (trail mix, granola bars, etc.) for kids to keep them energized!
By:
Bombor83
Rating:
Date of Hike: Saturday, January 24, 2009
A great hike. It took about 2 hours to get there from from Richmond. This was my Wifes and my first hike so we were out of shape. It took almost 2 hours to get to the top of the falls and 1 hour to get back down. There were several icy patches and it took some scrambling to get around but it wasn't too bad. I agree with Danelover that good boots are a must. We plan on coming back in the spring where the ice is gone. The falls are beautiful the ice was half melted and you could see the water flowing under and through the ice. It was awesome!
By:
DaneLover
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Date of Hike: Saturday, January 17, 2009
Great hike for beginners and seasoned hikers. Took us about 2.5 hours to get there from Fredericksburg, and there was a $3 parking fee. The trail is well maintained, but does have loose rocks and ice, so sturdy shoes/boots are a must. The falls were completely frozen over, so it looked more like an ice wall than a waterfall. Regardless, it was gorgeous and amazing. Took about 3.5 hours to go from the lower parking lot to the upper parking lot, which included a 15-minute stop at the top of the falls for a quick snack. The trail from the top of the falls to the upper parking lot is fairly flat and wide, so it was easy going and a nice break from the switchbacks coming up from below. Overall, this is a wonderful hike and one that can be enjoyed during all seasons.
By:
Jade
Rating:
Date of Hike: Saturday, October 25, 2008
My husband and I thought we would spend one of the last warmer weekends of the fall hiking to the top of Crabtree Falls. The views were beautiful, especially with the leaves having changed color already... and there weren't so many people that it felt crowded. It had just rained that morning, so the falls were rushing and were truly breath taking. We live on the Amherst/Nelson border, and plan on making this one of our get-away day trips whenever we get the chance!
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