Charlottesville & the Blue Ridge · Montebello · Hiking · Out and back
Crabtree Falls
A staircase of cascades in the George Washington National Forest with a steep, well-built trail.
- Distance
- 2.7mi
- Climb (measured)
- 1,069ft
- Time (agency)
- 2h–3h30
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Terrain
- RockyShadedWaterfall
The route
Map and elevation, linked
1,069 ft up, 1,069 ft down · 1,586–2,549 ft
What it feels like
What it feels like
One steep 0.7-mile climb of 857 ft, then the same ground back down: the return is easier on the lungs and harder on the knees. Rocky tread that slows every step, mostly under tree cover.
Before you drive
What to know first
Closures and conditions change. Check the agency's alerts page before leaving.
- Parking
- Fee parking at the lower trailhead on Route 56.
- Fees
- A day-use parking fee applies at the trailhead.
- Permits
- Not on file
- Hours
- Open year round; day use only, sunrise to sunset
- Restrooms
- Vault toilet(s)
- Water
- No potable water available at the Crabtree Falls Day Use Area trailhead.
- Dogs
- Dogs allowed on leash
- Cell service
- Not on file
- Emergency
- Not on file
How hard it will feel
Difficulty, explained
Moderate
Continuous climbing on switchbacks and rock steps; wet rock near the cascades.
1,069 ft of climbing, about 396 ft per mile. Rocky tread slows every step and needs attention on the descent.
- Distance
- +0
- 2.7 miles is a short outing.
- Climb
- +2
- 1,069 ft of climbing, about 396 ft per mile.
- Footing
- +2
- Rocky tread slows every step and needs attention on the descent.
- Technicality
- +1
- Steps or stairs noted along the route.
- Exposure
- +0
- Mostly sheltered; shade is listed.
Commitment
How long it takes
- Hiking
- 1h30–2h02
- 2.2 mph moving on rocky tread, no stops. 1,069 ft of climbing adds 32 min at a hiking pace.
- Family pace
- 2h14–3h21
- 1.3 mph moving on rocky tread, no stops. 1,069 ft of climbing adds 32 min at a hiking pace.
Terrain
Underfoot
- Surface
- Rocky, Dirt
- Technicality
- Fatal falls have occurred on wet rock — stay on trail and at the overlooks
- Crossings
- Fatal falls have occurred on wet rock — stay on trail and at the overlooks
- Exposure
- Not on file
- Grade
- Steepest quarter mile 28.6% · 37% of the route climbing at 5%+ · 8% near level Trailfinder reading
Recorded hazards
- Fatal falls have occurred on wet rock — stay on trail and at the overlooks
- Slippery steps
- Ice in winter
What you'll see
On the record
- Multiple cascade overlooks
- Well-built switchbacks
- Close to the Blue Ridge Parkway
Setting on file: Waterfall, Forest, Mountain.
When to go
Seasonal character
Charlottesville & the Blue RidgeWaterfalls peak in spring. Fall color runs late September at elevation through late October in the valleys. Parkway sections close in ice.
General seasonal character, not a live condition report. Check the agency's alerts page for closures.
Who it fits
Is this for you?
- Runners
- Hiking route
- Families
- Good with kids
- Strollers
- Not stroller friendly
- Dogs
- Dogs allowed on leash
- Accessibility
- No notes on file
- Experience
- Comfortable for regular walkers with some fitness
The long version
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.
If not this one
Related, and why
Charlottesville & the Blue Ridge
Humpback Rocks
- Distance
- 2mi
- Elevation gain
- Gain not on file
- Time (agency)
- ~1h45
- Rocky
- Shaded
- Ridgeline
Similar commitment · 2 mi, about the same day out.
Shenandoah National Park
Whiteoak Canyon
- Distance
- 4.6mi
- Elevation gain
- 1,656ft
- Time (agency)
- ~4h
- Rocky
- Shaded
- Waterfall
Longer version · 4.6 mi when you want more of the same.
Appalachian Trail Corridor
Appalachian Trail — Virginia Sections
- Distance
- 557.5mi
- Elevation gain
- Gain not on file
- Hiking time (estimate)
- Your call
- Rocky
- Ridgeline
Runnable alternative · Supports running, with a firmer or steadier tread.
Shenandoah Valley
Sherando Lake Recreation Area
- Distance
- Distance not on file
- Elevation gain
- Gain not on file
- Hiking time (estimate)
- Time not on file
- Shaded
Nearby · 6 mi from this trailhead.
Before you drive
What to know first
Closures and conditions change. Check the agency's alerts page before leaving.
- Parking
- Fee parking at the lower trailhead on Route 56.
- Fees
- A day-use parking fee applies at the trailhead.
- Permits
- Not on file
- Hours
- Open year round; day use only, sunrise to sunset
- Restrooms
- Vault toilet(s)
- Water
- No potable water available at the Crabtree Falls Day Use Area trailhead.
- Dogs
- Dogs allowed on leash
- Cell service
- Not on file
- Emergency
- Not on file
Provenance
- Facts:
- verified against the managing agency · last checked August 29, 2026.
- Route line:
- 128 OpenStreetMap ways (ODbL), fetched 2026-09-05; elevation from USGS 3DEP 10 m, 2026-09-05. Assembled as out-and-back (mirrored).
- Readings:
- anything marked Trailfinder reading is derived by Trailfinder from those sources, not published by the agency.
Before you go: Trail conditions, access rules, weather, water availability, and closures can change. Check the linked official source before leaving and choose a route appropriate for your experience and current conditions.