Waterfall Hero Hikes: Crabtree Falls Recreation Area

Crabtree Falls is a campground and recreation area along the Blue Ridge Parkway at Mile Post 339.5 in Yancey County. The highlight of the area is Crabtree Falls, a beautiful 70-foot waterfall on Big Crabtree Creek. There was once a large number of Crabtrees in the area, hence the name, but few remain. However, the area is home to a large number of beautiful wildflowers. A 2.5-mile loop trail leads from the parkway to the waterfall.

Directions:

Crabtree Falls is located at Mile Post 339.5 along the Blue Ridge Parkway. From Little Switzerland, get on the Blue Ridge Parkway southbound for about 5.5 miles and the park will be on the right. From Burnsville, take NC-80 south for about 14 miles and turn right to get on the Blue Ridge Parkway heading north. The park will be on the left in about 4.5 miles.

Map:

Trails:

Crabtree Falls Trail:

Length: 2.5 miles (loop)

Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous

Blaze: Orange

Crabtree Falls Trail is 2.5-mile loop trail that leads from a parking area outside the closed restaurant and gift shop just off the parkway. Campground parking is limited to registered campers. The trail passes the amphitheater and leads through the campground. From the campground, the trail descends to Big Crabtree Creek, graually at first, then steep as it heads down to the waterfall with switchbacks and a number of stone stairs. At the base, a footbridge leads across Big Crabtree Creek to views of the waterfall. Continuing on, the trail heads steeply back up through a number of stairs and switchbacks, then levels off. From here, it follows Big Crabtree Creek upstream past a number of pretty little cascades. The trail then crosses the creek and heads back towards the campground.