Crabtree Falls
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 27. Physical address is 11581 Crabtree Falls Highway Montebello). N 37° 51.112" W 79° 04.663"
Crabtree Falls features a series of five major cascades and a number of
smaller ones that fall a total distance of 1,200 feet. The first
overlook is just a few hundred feet from the upper parking lot along a
gentle, paved trail making it an excellent stopover for travelers of
all ages and abilities.
The more adventuresome hiker may continue along the 2 and 1/2 mile Crabtree
Falls Trail to four other overlooks offering spectacular views of the
Crabtree Creek Falls and lovely vistas of the Tye River Valley.
From the upper falls, the trail follows the creek another 1.2 miles to
the Crabtree Meadows parking lot.
The name "Crabtree" is thought to have come from William Crabtree, who
settled in the area in 1777. Another noted pioneer, Allen Tye,
who did extensive exploration in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is
identified as having discovered the Tye River.
The land at the base of the falls was almost developed as a resort area
in the late 1960s, but the residents of Nelson County encouraged the
Forest Service to acquire the falls so it could be enjoyed freely by
future generations. Money was secured from Congress to purchase
the land and improve the safety and accessibility of the area around
the falls. There are wooden stairs, gravel paths, railed overlooks, and
a spectacular 100-foot bridge over the Tye River. This beautiful
bridge, a laminated arch, was shipped from New York in one piece.
Cranes lifted and placed it over the Tye River in 1978.
Crabtree Falls is also famous for its connection to the well-known
television show The Waltons. The falls were not shown on
television, but the name was referred to several times during the life
of the program, usually in reference to a Sunday outing.
Crabtree Falls can be reached from the Blue Ridge Parkway by travelling
to milepost 27. Exit onto VA 56 going east and follow the signs to
Crabtree Falls (about 6.3 miles). It is open from dawn to dusk daily.
Accommodations near Crabtree Falls:
The Cabins at Crabtree Falls 703-743-2214
Crabtree Falls Campground 540-377-2066
Dutch Haus Geselligkeit 800-341-9777
Montebello Cabins 540-377-2650
Montebello Camping and Fishing Resort 540-377-2650
North Fork Cottages 540-377-2007
Peaceful Pleasure Inn757-705-6435
Sarahs Mountain Retreat Cabin 540-377-6458
Shadow Mountain Rentals 757-424-2884
Spicewood Cabin 301-475-8646
Three Sisters Log Cabin 540-377-9945
Tye River Cabin 540-377-9865
Copyright 2008 Nelson County, Virginia
Maintained by the Nelson County Convention & Visitors Bureau
and Department of Economic Development
Questions? Contact us 7 days a week from 9 am to 5 pm EST - 1-800-282-8223
