Hiking · Montebello, Virginia
Crabtree Falls
A staircase of cascades in the George Washington National Forest with a steep, well-built trail.
- Distance
- 3 mi
- Elevation gain
- 1,200 ft
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Typical time
- 2 hr – 3.5 hr
About this route
Crabtree Falls drops through a series of cascades on the eastern flank of the Blue Ridge, with the trail climbing past several designated overlooks to the upper falls.
The trail is well constructed but steep and can be slick. People have died going off-trail onto wet rock here — the overlooks exist for a reason and the Forest Service posts warnings at the base.
Why this difficulty rating: Continuous climbing on switchbacks and rock steps; wet rock near the cascades.
Highlights
- Multiple cascade overlooks
- Well-built switchbacks
- Close to the Blue Ridge Parkway
Map and trailheads
Approximate locations for orientation only. Carry an offline map — cell service is unreliable on much of this network.
Know before you go
- Route type
- Out and back
- Surfaces
- Rocky, Dirt
- Setting
- Waterfall, Forest, Mountain
- Amenities
- Parking, Restrooms, Shade
- Parking
- Fee parking at the lower trailhead on Route 56.
- Restrooms
- Not yet verified
- Water
- Not yet verified
- Fees
- A day-use parking fee applies at the trailhead.
- Permits
- Not yet verified
- Hours
- Not yet verified
- Dogs
- Dogs allowed on leash
- Accessibility
- Not yet verified
- Stroller friendly
- No
- Good with kids
- Yes
- Seasonal notes
- Not yet verified
- Weather exposure
- Not yet verified
- Cell service
- Not yet verified
- Emergency
- Not yet verified
Hazards and wildlife
- Fatal falls have occurred on wet rock — stay on trail and at the overlooks
- Slippery steps
- Ice in winter
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- 2 mi
- Elevation gain
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- Route type
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- Distance
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- Elevation gain
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- Route type
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- Difficulty
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