If you only have time to visit just one waterfall in North Carolina we suggest you check out Crabtree Falls. The 70-foot breathtaking waterfall which is the most photographed waterfall on the Blue Ridge Parkway just might also get the title for the most beautiful waterfall in the state.
BEFORE YOU GO:
- Be sure to check park status for road and trail closures, especially in the winter.
PLEASE REMEMBER WHEN EXPLORING THE GREAT OUTDOORS
- DISPOSE OF ALL YOUR WASTE PROPERLY
- ALWAYS BE CONSIDERED OF OTHER VISITORS
- RESPECT THE WILDLIFE
- PETS ARE ALLOWED IN MOST NORTH CAROLINA PARKS HOWEVER YOU WILL NEED TO ALWAYS HAVE THEM ON A LEASH
CRABTREE FALLS LOCATION:
Be aware that if you put the Crabtree Falls into your gps you will be brought to a different spot than where the entrance to the Falls is. If you find yourself passing by Emerald Village ( which we highly recommend you visit) you are on the wrong road and need to turn around ( which might prove to be difficult as the road is really narrow and turning points are impossible to find). We give this warning from experience since the first time we visited we took the wrong way which extended our trip by an hour.
The best way to find the waterfall is to put Crabtree Picnic Area or Crabtree Campground as your destination. If you are coming from the direction of Marion, I-40 and Little Switzerland the sign for the waterfall and where you need to turn will be just pass the picnic area to your left (do not turn onto the picnic area just continue on the Blue Ridge Parkway). The falls are located at Milepost 339.5.
If you are coming from the direction of Boone and Virginia the Falls Trailhead will be right before the entrance to Crabtree campground to your right. You will see the sign few miles beforehand and right before you need to turn which will help you locate the entrance to the trailhead.
Here you turn right as you exit the Blue Ridge Parkway to where you’ll find several parking spots that are as close as you could possibly get to the beginning of the trail. If you are looking to camp contact the park services and arrange for a camping spot beforehand as there is no phone signal or internet connection here. An attendant could be found at the little booth at the entrance of the Campground sometimes but I wouldn’t bank on it and definitely make prior arrangements. In addition to the 27 sites available for advance reservations, 54 campsites are available on a first come, first served basis.
The campground offers comfortable tent or RV camping, with the convenience of flush toilets, dump station, and drinking water. You can find grills, fire rings and picnic tables at each site perfect for family barbeques or late-night marshmallow roasting.
For campground inquiries, please call: 828-675-5444 (MAY – OCTOBER)
For any additional information and more ways to book a stay at any of the campsites, weather at the spot, closures and availabilities check out their PAGE.
Porta potties are on sight but we suggest if you are looking for bathroom to go to the ones at the Picnic Area, just a short drive from the Falls, where you’ll find actual restrooms which are much nicer, wider and cleaner.
TRAILHEAD:
Trailhead to the Falls can be find easily. Just go right from the parking lot and there it is. The trail is very well maintained and marked passing through gorgeous North Carolina woodland and lush greenery before reaching the main attraction – THE FALLS. The trail is considered strenuous only because of the steep decline and straight back incline.
The hike is about 2.6 miles long if you choose to do the looop and about 2 miles long if you go there and back the same way. It takes about an hour to and hour and a half depending on you pace and of course on how long you take to enjoy the view of the falls.
We highly encourage you to do the whole loop in which case you will be able to see all the different flora and fauna enhancing this area. If you decide to do so: go clockwise. This way you will be going down the steepest part of the trail to the falls first. This will also be the shortest part of the whole trek and the quickest to reach the Falls.
To continue on the loop walk to the end of the bridge at the bottom of the Falls and look for the sign saying LOOP to the right. You will find a path to follow back to the parking lot. This side of the falls is less strenuous, more flat and easier to navigate instead of having to go straight back up the trail, if you are taking the same way back that you came down on. The extra distance (if you do the loop) is only about 3/4 miles long.
FOOTWEAR:
Make sure to have proper footwear while visiting Crabtree Falls. The trail is mostly shaded snacking between the hovering tall trees that don’t allow for much sunlight and really muddy, especially after rain. The several wooden bridges you will be crossing are very slippery when wet so be sure to hold tight to the railing where there are some and walk super slow on the parts where there isn’t any. There are parts of the trail that are pretty rocky and hard to navigate so be sure to have your hiking sticks in hand as well. They might prove a little hard for your four legged friend as well which might prompt you into letting them off the leash. Please don’t do this. North Carolina strictly requires all pets be leashed at all times on the tails. And of course don’t forget your water bottle and a snack. And a snack for your buddy as well.
Several benches are located along the trail in case you need a little break or to just sit on and enjoy the surroundings. During our last visit we got caught in some light rain and I can hardly describe the joy it was to sit on the bench under the tall green trees and listen to the raindrops falling onto the leaves creating the most beautiful and serene melody. Check out our INSTAGRAM PAGE for a short reel on the experience.
At the bottom of the steep decline to your right you will find the most stunning and an absolute breathtaker – Crabtree Falls. This 70-foot magnificent wonder cascading on Big Crabtree Creek over a rockface with many small ledges, flows into a rocky pool at the bottom, before continuing under the manmade bridge, bellow where you are standing.
The Falls are the tallest single flow waterfall on the Blue Ridge Parkway and are mostly accessible between the months of May-October due to road closures, however you are able to access the waterfall if you are willing to commit to a longer hike in most cases in snowy conditions.
Originally the Falls were known as Murphy’s Falls and a small community was living nearby. They were a settlers, mostly farmers and remainings of old church and a blacksmith shop were found and believed to be part of the settlement. After the beginning of the Blue Ridge Parkway construction in 1930 the waterfall was renamed to Crabtree Falls by the National Park Service after the Big Crabtree Creek that creates it.
The absolute best part of visiting Crabtree Falls is how close to it you can get. At your own risk and of course as comfortable as you feel climbing slippery rocks while being lightly misted by water from the falls. Bring the kids and the dogs. They would love exploring.
After the hike make sure to check out the Smallest community on the Blue Ridge Parkway – Little Switzerland. The have a lovely restaurant overlooking the property and the Parkway with great food choices. During the busy days and on weekends you might have to wait for a seat but while doing so there are several little shops where you can grab a souvenir from your visit.
If you are looking to spend the night in the area but are not necessarily into camping the hotel in town is gorgeous and if you are lucky enough there might be a room available or if you a better planner than us you can call ahead of time and make a reservation.
A little ice cream and sweets shop is located right across the Inn and the parking lot if you are looking for dessert after your lunch or dinner at the restaurant. They also offer few local brews and have sits outside under the trees which are our favorites. You can have a drink while the kids eat their ice cream – could it get any better!
Let us know if you visit the falls and how you like them. And make sure to check out all of the other awesome North Carolina hikes near by we have written about on our blog. We post daily on our INSTAGRAM page where you’ll find even more adventure inspiration.