Waterfall Hero Hikes: Crabtree Falls (Blue Ridge Parkway)

Crabtree Falls, also called Upper Falls, is a beautiful 70-foot waterfall on Big Crabtree Creek in Yancey County, North Carolina. The waterfall is located in the Crabtree Falls Recreation Area along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Hike Length: 2.2 miles
Estimated Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Crabtree Falls Recreation Area (Blue Ridge Parkway)
Trail Users: Hiking only
Dogs: Yes
Features: Waterfalls (1)
Crowds: High
Warnings: The rocks around waterfalls are slippery.
Trailhead GPS: 35.81268,-82.14352
Waterfall GPS: 35.81970,-82.14980

Directions:

From Marion, head north on US-221 for about 6 miles and turn left on NC-226 north. Go 5.2 miles and turn right to get on Blue Ridge Parkway. Turn right to head southbound on the parkway and 8.6 miles to Crabtree Falls at milepost 339.5. Turn right into the area and park at the trailhead parking.

Map:

Hike Description:

From the trailhead, pick up the Crabtree Falls Trail heading towards the amphitheater and campground. Hike through the campground to pick the trail back up heading into the woods. The trail descends, gradually at first, then a little steeper as it heads down to Big Crabtree Creek via switchbacks. The trail crosses the creek on a footbridge just below Crabtree Falls.