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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Hiker
Reviews For The Crabtree Falls Hike (5 Most Recent)
The Hike was amazing! I felt so challenged, and I usually hike every weekend during the spring. It was a crowded day so there were a ton of people on the trail. Unfortunatley, Today we saw a guy fall to his death from the top of the falls - A warning to all hikers - Read the sings and do not allow your kids to play along the rails. I saw several kids climbing out over the rails at one of the small overlooks just a few hours before the guy fell to his death - Also, be smart and do not take alcoholic beverages on your hike. I am not entirley sure, but I think this guy may have been intoxicated. I also suggest to ALL hikers, be smart - Learn CPR and First Aid and know how to respond to an emergency. So many people were just standing around not knowing what to do today. I don't think anything could have changed the fact that this guy died since he feel about 400 feet, but no one had the smarts to run down to the bottom of the mountain and call 911 Except for my friend and I.
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Date of Hike: Saturday, February 09, 2008
Our Boy Scout Troop (Troop 13 CVC) does this hike every year for the past 5 years. We go at the same time time every year. We have been when it was rainy, foggy, warm & iced over. You need Yak Trax when it is iced over and that is when it is at its most beautiful. This past year it was mid 50's by the time we got up to the top. A great time was had by all. We always pack our lunch and eat it at the upper landing. Then come back down. The terrain can be a bit grueling for those of us not in the best of shape, but if you take your time and enjoy the view, it cannot be beat.
YIS,
J. Sargent
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B. Love
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Date of Hike: Saturday, January 26, 2008
The mountain trails were ice, but that's to be expected in the middle of winter. Ice spikes would have been good but there was less ice and more snow (better footing) beyond the observation deck. After getting to the observation deck at the top, you have seen the best of the views and could begin to go down if you choose. Continuing from the observation deck up the trail was nothing more than good excercise. You can find more seclusion and and a nice snowy panorama of the mountains hiking the trail this time of year. There were still several hikers toward the base of the trail later in the day, but not outfitted to get up the trail and it didn't take long for them to figure it out. The falls were amazing, frozen over ice with running water visible only in some spots underneath the ice. And how do they get that lumber up there?
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Date of Hike: Sunday, June 10, 2007
Very good hike! My first one a few weeks ago was Old Rag, which is a huge undertaking. This is a better one for a beginning hiker. Beautiful falls, hearing them along the hike is great. It was good exercise, but not too strenuous. Of note though, when you get higher up, the trail splits and we wouldn't have known which way to go except that I had printed info out from this site and had it with me.
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Date of Hike: Saturday, April 21, 2007
What a way to celebrate the day before Earth Day. Our hike was peaceful. The weather was as perfect as it could be in April. We felled in love with each set of falls. The top of the fall was magnificent. The trail was well maintained, which made the hike easy. I like to sit on a rock to view the mountain while taking a break so I didn’t care too much for the man made break stops and stairs. That soon changed when we reached the top of the mountain and was able to sit and stare at my view of an ideal place. Thank you Hiking Upward for another great recommendation.
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