How tall is crabtree falls

At the base of the trail is spectacular Crabtree Falls, where water cascades over a foot rock cliff. Many types of ferns and wildflowers thrive in the hollow, benefiting from the waterfall's cool spray. The wet rocks here are slippery. Please do not climb on the rocks. After viewing the falls, hikers can return either by retracing their steps, or by continuing on a longer but more gradual ascent back to the parking lot. The longer route begins as a moderately steep switchback that provides another beautiful view of the falls.

The lower Falls come very quickly, and we saw people with dogs out in the water. The middle Falls were definitely the prettiest spot! Between the middle and upper Falls, you encounter a small cave, which the kids thought was pretty cool.

The upper Falls must flow over the large rock face, but as I said - little rain, little water. Being with the kids, we didn't continue on to Spy Rock, but went back, the way we came in.

I want to say with stops at the lookouts, the whole hike took us 2 hours. There were maybe 10 others on the trail over the course of the morning - many with dogs. If anyone knows where you can get a hiking stick medallion for this hike, my son would be very grateful! Please Note: There is now a definitive trail to the top of Spy Rock. Just follow the blue blazed trail to the left around the base of Spy Rock and it leads to a roped-off trail to the top.

There are also roped off areas on the top to limit damage to the ecosystem. This is the 1st time that I have hiked Crabtree Falls. We didn't see anyone on the Crabtree Falls trail until we got to the top observation area We continued on to Spy Rock up the very steep fire road to the AT. We ran across a couple of campers but no one else on the trail.

When we arrived at Spy Rock we were not aware of the trail to the top so we both scrambled to the top to find 4 other hikers that told us about the new trail. The view from the top of Spy Rock is fantastic, the best I have seen! Truly a degree view! We didn't encounter any other hikers until we got back to the Crabtree Falls portion of the hike It probably took us an extra minutes to get down the 1. Overall it was a great hike! We have hiked this one many times, and it is always a fun short hike we do the 1.

This is by far the best marked trail I have ever come across. Due to the ice storm in Nov there are currently some tree still down across the trail and a few parts washed out near the 1. It looks like the park service is actively working on repairs they just haven't gotten up that far yet.

They seem to also be rebuild a porch mid-falls. I'll be interested to see it when they are done. My 4 years was able to do this hike so, anyone can! Overall very nice hike, about 6 hours in length. In winter, navigating the trail along the Crabtree Falls can be very tricky, as parts of the trail may be covered by ice. At the top of the falls, the trail continues on the right side of the creek looking upstream, the bridge is on your left.

Took me about 2 hours from the top of the falls to Spy Rock. There were multiple tents at the base of the summit boulder. There is no obvious way up the summit I scrambled over the rocks to the left of the trail leading to the base. Views from the top are superb!!

I have heard this is a great trail to hike, and finally did it yesterday. Totally worth it, and the amount of rain in Virginia, the falls were really flowing. Besides the amazing views, I enjoyed the gentle switchbacks. Hopefully they will be cleaned up soon, but there was a major windstorm according to the locals , and a lot of trees snapped or fell, including many over the trail.

They are working on cleaning it up, but there are just so many, so be prepared for some going over or under trees that cross the trail. The trail is never completely blocked. Did this as an overnighter from Crabtree to Spyrock. The 1. After the 1. The steep incline up the fire road wasn't exciting but definitely wore us out by the time we got to the top. There are a few secluded campsites a mile or so before Spy Rock which would be ideal if you want some privacy.

There are probably about 10 campsites next to Spy Rock. There was a group of 12 kids who walked up from apparently another short trail from a parking lot that we didnt know about who were loud and obnoxious. There are wooden stairs, gravel paths, railed overlooks, and a spectacular foot bridge over the Tye River.

This beautiful bridge, a laminated arch, was shipped from New York in one piece and installed over the Tye River in 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. Montebello Fish Hatchery 0. Please visit the U. Crabtree Falls. Crabtree Falls Lisa T Crabtree Falls, the highest vertical-drop cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River, is a popular attraction located in Nelson County, Virginia, just six miles off the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway near milepost Please stay on trail — rocks are slippery.

All dogs must be leashed. Trail Description. The fall colors at Crabtree Meadows, in particular, can be spectacular! Nearby Attractions. General Information Please visit the U. Alcoholic beverages prohibited.

No horses or bicycles allowed. Vault toilets at Crabtree Meadows at top are open mid-March thru end of November. Other Amenities Picnic table s located near the footbridge across the parking lot.