Crabtree Falls
Tyro, Virginia
Details
Distance
3.05 miles
Elevation Gain
1161 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Lucas Moore
Explore Crabtree Falls, the largest cascading waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. This hike is great for both family and dogs, so bring the group.
This is an approximately 3 mile roundtrip hike. It will usually take anywhere from 1-2 hours to get up, depending on your experience and who you have with you, and about an hour down. As you come off of route 56, you will come up to the trailhead where there is a large parking area with restrooms. There is a $3.00 parking fee per vehicle that is on the honor system. You put your money into the container and take a pass to hang inside your car.
As the trail starts, it is paved for the first quarter mile or so as it comes to the first waterfall at the lower falls. It is a great place to go and see a waterfall without having to do much rough hiking. From here on out the trail is dirt meandering back and forth through the woods. It can get steep with some jagged rocks at some points and there can be places where the ice hasn't melted depending on the season you go in.
CAUTION: There are signs everywhere that tell you to stay on the trail and to not wander off near the falls because the rocks are very slippery. There have been plenty of deaths that result from it, usually one every couple years or so. I know that most people will wander off the trail, I do so myself, you pretty much have if you want any decent photos. I'm not advising it, but if you do be extra careful and know your limits.
Around 3/4 of a mile in you come the largest falls of the lower section that are over 200 feet! Then at a mile in, you reach the middle section of the falls, until about 1.5 miles where you get to the base of the upper falls. Then about the 2 mile mark, you reach the summit where you will cross a bridge and see a stone wall. There you have an awesome view of the Tye River Gorge. From there you can go back down the trail or continue on. There is Crabtree Falls Trail which has good campsites that continues beyond the waterfalls that goes for about 1.5 miles farther to reach Crabtree Meadows if you want to go farther.
Download the Outbound mobile app
Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.
Get the appFeatures
Reviews
Great hike next to small but beautiful waterfall. Be prepared because it’s all uphill though.
4.0
Trail is good for all types of hikers and abilities. You're under tree cover a lot of the hike so it makes for good weather most of the time!
4.0
Whew what a beautiful site! I went for my 22nd birthday as a milestone in my health journey. I just got to say if this a a good beginner hike I’m scared to see what the next level hike is because holy sh*t! My calves were BURNING! Granite I over packed my bag but my poor dog had to drag me up that trail less then half way in! Nevertheless, I did not quit my fat a$$ kept going and got to the top and shooowee it was worth it the view is breathtaking, the trail itself is absolutely gorgeous. However I must say go early bc it does get a little crowded as the day goes on I started at 10am and finished the trail around 1pm. Me and my sweet pup almost rolled down the trail to finish and then barely made it to our car and cried once we did. My pup shed a tear and then demanded to never do that again... we have several more planned for next year!
5.0
Unfortunately we visited during a dry spell and there was just a trickle of water. But it was still a fun hike in the Virginia mountains! PS- Check out Crabtree Falls Campground and get a site along the river!
3.0
Drove up in late August and did the hike for the first time. Weather was low 70s with complete overcast and a late morning mist and fog still on the mountains. It actually made for an amazing day as there was very little traffic in the trail. Quiet and serene, you were able to almost have the entire place to yourself. Next time I plan to extend the hike out to another location for a longer day.
5.0
I have hiked this dozens of times year round.its a very special place and made a lot of memories here
5.0
Did this hike March of last year - not many people. This hike is pretty unique since you're hiking next to the waterfall the entire way up. Many opportunities to stop and take pictures. Perfect for all ages.
5.0
This is such an amazing hike and one of the first hikes I did after moving to Virginia. This waterfall is beautiful year around but there is something special about this waterfall during fall. This is a popular trail so expect to see people even during the middle of the week.
5.0
This is such a fun hike and beautiful during the fall but oh my gosh there are SO many people. Also, be really careful not to go out on the rocks because multiple people (over 30) have died from slipping and falling to their deaths. Otherwise, beautiful waterfalls for miles and I recommend this hike! Try to go during the week if at all possible :)
4.0
My husband and I did this hike right after a snow and it was still just as beautiful! The trail was a little more slippery as you can probably tell, but it was a great hike and parts of the falls were frozen so you really got some great water movement and photos.
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
Nearby
The Priest via Shoe Creek Trail
Camp near Crabtree Meadows in GWNF
Spy Rock via Cash Hollow
Photograph 20 Minute Cliff Overlook
White Rock Falls Trail
Hike to White Rock Falls
Community
Mobile Apps
© 2023 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy