Crabtree Falls
Crabtree Falls
4.7
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- chris kWinchester, Virginia483 contributionsA wonderful sojourn; the falls were beautiful. It's a 1.7 mile trail up the mountain to the point where the waterfall actually starts. The climb up is a bit taxing, but when we went there were kids a-plenty, senior citizens, and couples with their dog(s), so it is do-able by just about everyone. Don't stop and turn around until you get to the start of the falls (1.7m mark) as you will deny yourself a truly spectacular view of the surrounding country. This is a destination worth driving to.Visited September 2024Traveled with familyWritten September 24, 2024
- LSNS2652Smithfield, Virginia197 contributionsMy wife and I, in our early 70's, climbed to the top of the falls on a busy Saturday. The weather was ideal, partly cloudy with sun and clouds. There were lots of people! We climbed here about 7-8 years ago. It is strenuous at times; good hiking shoes are adviced, though we saw one young guy wearing flip-flops. We highly recommend this hike!Visited October 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten October 27, 2024
- scrappysquirrelMechanicsville, Virginia496 contributionsWe had such a great time on this hike! We visited on a beautiful Saturday in mid-April. It was in the high 50’s/low 60’s, which was perfect weather for this hike. It’s 1.7 miles up & 1.7 miles back down. There are views of the falls from most of the hike & several spots to get a closer look. The hike has wooden steps, rock steps & some forest areas with tree roots. It rained 2 days prior to our hike. Most of the areas in the sun were dry. Areas in the shade were a bit muddy. There was more water & muddy spots as we got closer to the top. Our English Cream Golden Retriever had a great time & got very muddy. There were several dogs & families with children. I’d recommend waterproof hiking boots or at least tennis shoes with good tread. We got there at 10 & there were plenty of parking spots in both lots. When we got back to the car around noon, the lots were full & people were waiting for spots. There are 2 vault toilets at the parking lot. There is a $3 fee per vehicle.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 14, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.7
301 reviews
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71
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KASDKS
Hanover, PA208 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
This is a very well maintained trail with numerous opportunities for great views of the falls. The trail is steep and moderately strenuous but worth the effort. There is a nice paved path from the parking lot at the bottom of the falls to the first viewing platform so good handicap access to a great view of the lower falls. From there, it is ALL UPHILL ALL THE WAY for a 1.7 mile trip up to the top of the falls. There are steps in some areas and some hand rails along the way but bring trekking poles if you have them. They will come in handy on the way up and on the way down! We did a very leisurely pace with numerous stops for lots of photos. Took us about 4 hours to do the 3.4 mile round trip from bottom of falls to top of falls and back down. We did encounter a rattlesnake directly on the trail on our way back down and had to wait about 15 minutes for him to move off the trail to allow us to continue. We were there on a weekday morning in May so there was plenty of parking available in the 2 lower lots. You will need $3 CASH AND A PEN to fill out an envelope and pay the parking fee so be prepared for that. Parking fee kiosks are available immediately at the entrance and also in the parking area right at the start of the trail. Pit potties are located in the parking area.
Written June 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
William G
Virginia Beach, VA45 contributions
May 2021 • Solo
It is series of cascades punctuated by several falls. The base of the falls is an easy hike. That’s where the easy part ends. It had just rained and the trail was muddy. It’s 1.7 miles to the top, almost uphill all the way with many steps and railings. The falls can be seen intermittently from the trail. We made it 0.6 miles and saw a lot. We are in our seventies and decided to descend. Other hikers cautioned us that going higher would be even more strenuous.
Written April 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike F
Midlothian, VA93 contributions
Apr 2021 • Family
First, please remember to bring three dollars for parking. Second, be prepared for lots of people, some muddy conditions, stairs due to steepness, and beautiful views. Third, this is a terrific hike along the waterfall but it is heavily traveled. Parking lot was full by early afternoon on this April day. Lots of people trying to get pictures of the waterfall so be prepared for the occasional groups of people. It is 1.7 miles up and there are some steep areas that will leave you winded. The view from the top is nothing special, but the hike is well worth it.
Written April 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
William G
Virginia Beach, VA45 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
It is series of cascades punctuated by several falls. The base of the falls is an easy hike. That’s where the easy part ends. It had just rained and the trail was muddy. It’s 1.7 miles to the top, almost uphill all the way with many steps and railings. The falls can be seen intermittently from the trail. We made it 0.6 miles and saw a lot. We are in our seventies and decided to descend. Other hikers cautioned us that going higher would be even more strenuous.
Written August 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bobby Z.
Chesapeake, VA30 contributions
May 2020
These falls are beautiful and the hike is a good workout. The lower falls is a short 0.6 mile uphill hike. The upper falls are a longer 1.7 mile uphill hike, 1.1 miles beyond the lower falls. The trail is treacherous in places with wet boulders and steep stairs. Wear waterproof shoes that have some grippy soles. Take plenty of water and snacks. There are several lookouts along the way where you can take some beautiful pictures. The falls were active with plenty of white water. In May the rhododendrons are in bloom with spectacular pink and fuchsia flowers.
Written May 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joseph H
Beavercreek, OH1,455 contributions
Oct 2020
My wife and I enjoyed a fantastic hike on the Crabtree Falls Trail. The accompanying photos tell the real story - even on a very foggy/misty day. The trail is marked superbly. The trail is in excellent shape - well worth the $3 parking fee. This has been the best hike of our three days in the Afton/BRP/Shenandoah area. Highly recommend this hike! See photos!
Written October 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kate Y
6 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
We visited with 4 kids ages 8-18, 3 moms and 1 dad and it was challenging, but worth the views. The climb is approx 1000 feet over 1.7 miles. It is somewhat strenuous, but we all felt a sense of accomplishment reaching the top. We have considered making this hike part of our annual trip. Restrooms at the bottom were open during our visit. Allow 2.5 hours and be sure to set your gps before you go. There was no cell service at the park or on the ride over from wintergreen. There is a QR code posted on the park sign that links tot he map, but that of course doesn’t work, so be sure to take a picture of the map on the sign if you want to check your progress.
Written August 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Valerie D
9 contributions
Aug 2021
It seemed to be a nice area but the falls were not flowing much due to dry weather. I was with my 10 year old and being steep we did not got up to the top of the 1.7 miles . Take blue ridge parkway to access this location, not any other gravel roads that are really scary.
Written August 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TigerJim635
Greenville, SC113 contributions
Aug 2023
My wife and I are late 60's and this was our first time for this hike. It was quite challenging for us at our age but the scenery was well worth it. We had our dog which added to the challenge - she loved it. It was a nice day but there were some muddy spots. We had running shoes - hiking shoes would have helped. We are glad we had water for a break at the top. It took us about 3 hours so be prepared. We went on a Monday mid-day so not too many other people. Some places are very narrow on the trail so if two groups met with dogs it would be problematic. We would go again better prepared.
Written August 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chris2firm
Virginia Beach, VA17 contributions
Mar 2021 • Family
Easy drive. Nice parking. No cell phone signal, so you will lose your gps. It's better to use an actual gps or download the map from google maps before travelling. The trail is easy for kids. From parking the lower falls is 500 ft, the upper falls is 1.7 miles. It's a little muddy when I went, but with a good hiking shoes, there should be no problem. there are 2 restrooms for male and female. Parking is $3.00, honesty system. It's really a hidden gem in Virginia.
Written March 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello,
I read many posts, but folks mention of 'going up' without referring to which parking lot they start from.
We plan to park at Crabtree Falls CF lot, off 56, hike to the first drop, rest a bit, then get to the second drop, then backtrack our way to where we park, and not getting to the Meadows Lane ML lot.
Is going from the CF parking lot (at 56) towards the one at ML a hike upward, or is there a valley (lowest point) between the 2 lots? Is the Tye bridge closer to CF than ML?
Is there a place to rest, sit and enjoy watching the tallest drop, near 56?
How long would a normal hike take from 56 to the first fall, then to the second one, then the return climb which is lkely longer than the earlier descent, so we can budget time to locate our car while there is light (or to dash back to the restroom..)?
Is this attraction open by April 12, 19, and is the parking fee year-round?
Thank you!
Written March 1, 2019
We parked at the lot off 56. Parking fee is a donation to the park by dropping envelope in a box.
First fall is a very short walk from the parking lot. The second fall is more a hike then a walk, but on an easy path. Both first and second fall has a bench available.
Fall 3-5 are hikes and the trail was very muddy and slick, but still an easy hike. No bench available at either of these falls,
It took about 90 min to view all falls
Fall 1 can be done in 15 min
Add fall 2 for a total of 30 min.
Well worth the visit.
I am not sure when it is open/closed. We were there in October and the fall colors were wonderful.
Written March 2, 2019
Just wondering about how far from Devil's Knob Golf course at Wintergreen resort is it? ( I keep finding differing answers)
Written May 28, 2017
Not sure, but we took 250 to 151 and followed the signs.
Written May 29, 2017
is the road to the falls easy to navigate, rte 56, took it halfway last year and turned around, not sure how close we were
Written April 20, 2017
It is twisty and down hill - route 56 from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Good road signs. Recommend 2nd gear most of the way.
Written August 16, 2020
Any recommendations for places to eat quick or sit down in the area?
Written August 7, 2015
Not near the falls. But Bold Rock us close by. Good for Cider and food.
Written August 7, 2015
Is Staunton very far away?
Written July 19, 2015
Using Google Maps, it looks like Staunton is 50-60 minutes form Crabtree Falls.
Written July 19, 2015
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