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.

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 700 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 adventurous hiker may continue along the 1.7 mile 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 main trail follows the creek for another 1.2 miles to  Crabtree Meadows.
Open dawn to dusk. Parking lot with daily parking fee per vehicle.

Please stay on trail – rocks are slippery. All dogs must be leashed.

PHYSICAL ADDRESS
11581 Crabtree Falls Highway, Montebello, VA 24464
(NOTE: GPS/ Navigation devices often do not work in this area.)

DIRECTIONS
From US Route 29, take Route 56 west at Colleen.
Follow Rt. 56 for approximately 20 miles to 11581 Crabtree Falls Highway, Montebello, VA.
From the Blue Ridge Parkway (Milepost 27) take Rt. 56 east for 6.3 miles to Crabtree Falls.

General Information

Please visit the U.S. Forest Service Glenwood Pedlar Ranger District website for current conditions.

General Information

Address 11581 Crabtree Falls Highway (Rt 56), Montebello, VA 24464
Fees $3.00 Fee per vehicle per day. (Honor system / no change available)
Open Open Daily (dawn to dusk)
Difficulty Moderate difficulty, also some stairs on trail (most overlooks during first half of hike)
Hiking Time 11581 Crabtree Falls Highway (Rt 56), Montebello, VA 24464
Restrictions CAUTION: Leaving the trail has resulted in numerous fatalities due to extraordinarily slippery conditions created by clear algae on rocks. Hikers must STAY ON THE TRAIL and pets must be leashed at all times. Alcoholic beverages prohibited. No horses or bicycles allowed.
Water Volume (Avg) 50 cubic feet of water per second, and eventually flows into the Tye River
Closest Town Montebello, VA
Water No drinking water available (bring water & food with you)
Hiking Prep Wear appropriate footwear/hiking shoes or other. (Opt. hiking poles)
Restrooms Vault toilets at parking lot.(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.
Operated By Glenwood and Pedlar Ranger Districts: 540-291-2188 (George Washington National Forest)
Additional Info Nelson County Visitor Center (434) 263-7015 | Open Daily 9-5

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