Crabtree Falls

You know that Crabtree Falls drops more 1,200 feet over five major cascades and several smaller ones - the placard at the trailhead tells you as much. Yet you’re still amazed at how the falls keeps revealing more and more of itself as you continue to climb: past the 0.1-mile marker, the 0.2-mile marker, the 0.3-mile marker... Yes, the climb is so relentless that the George Washington National Forest folks feel compelled to keep you updated every tenth of a mile on your progress.

Frankly, though, you’re so in awe of this never-ending miracle of nature that you pay scant attention to the markers as, switchback after switchback, you keep tabs on the falls’ progress. The trail is well-designed, with switchbacks to ease the climb and handrails in the harrier spots, and offers frequent observation decks where you can pause and marvel.

When you do finally reach the 1.7-mile mark and the top of Upper Falls, decking crosses the stream (which is surprisingly small), allowing you to stand on the precipice and get a sense of what an unsuspecting trout is in for.

And the trail doesn’t end here. If you want to extend the trip, you can hike another 1.3 miles to Crabtree Meadows, another half mile or so beyond that to the Appalachian Trail!

There’s a $3 day use fee, probably the most entertaining $3 investment you’ll make all year.

More info: https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/crabtree-falls-trail.htm