Distance From Mountain Stream Rv Park Marion Nc to Crabtree Falls Blue Ridge Parkway
Hike the Crabtree Falls Trail to one of North Carolina's most beautiful waterfalls, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway north of Asheville.
2.7 miles ? Your mileage may vary! Accuracy of your GPS device, weather conditions, and stops along your route will affect your own recorded distance.
(round trip)
relatively ? Our difficulty estimate , based on distance, terrain, elevation change, & ease of wayfinding. May vary daily due to weather, trail reroutes, downed trees, etc.
moderate
Dog- ?Leashed dogs are allowed on this trail. We've loved hiking this route with our trail-loving Labrador Retrievers! Check out more of our favorite dog-friendly trails near Asheville for a great hike with your pup.
friendly
LOCATION:on the Blue Ridge Parkway north of Asheville, NC
PACK:our Osprey day pack and our hiking gear list
OFFICIAL MAP: Nat Geo 779 Trails Illustrated Map (find it at Trailful Outdoor Co.)
Tumbling more than seventy feet into a deep pool below, Crabtree Creek falls over a towering, sheer cliff, forming one of Western North Carolina's most beautiful waterfalls. It's a favorite hiking area directly off the Blue Ridge Parkway north of Asheville, nestled in a rolling terrain filled with wildflowers, clear-flowing creeks, and scenic hardwood forests.
This hike dives through a beautiful forest to reach the trail's main attraction, Crabtree Falls, at just over a mile. The hike climbs from the falls through a forest filled with mountain laurel, visiting the cascades of another small waterfall and trailing through a valley filled with rhododendron, wildflowers and grassy creek banks. The hike scores a whole lot of scenic beauty in a relatively short three miles – and the view from the base of this enormous waterfall is just stunning.
Crabtree Falls: the hike
The hike departs from a trailhead near the Crabtree Falls Campground visitor center (view maps and driving directions), hiking northbound and passing an old wooden amphitheater. The hike crosses a paved road at .25 mile, passing through the campground and reaching hike's former trailhead. (Due to the trail's popularity, the hike was recently re-routed from the main parking area at the visitor's center, to help eliminate parking issues in the campground.)
The trail drops elevation steadily, descending through a dense forest canopy of hardwoods, mountain laurel, and rhododendron. The hike reaches a fork at .45 mile, veering to the right and continuing the descent. The trail meanders through the forest, carving through switchbacks and crossing several sets of rustic stone stairs.
The sound of tumbling water echoes through the forest as the trail arcs to the southwest, making a final drop to the base of the enormous waterfall. A wooden bridge spans the base of the falls, offering a perfect place to snap a few photos and take in the waterfall's beauty.
For many hikers, the waterfall's base marks the end of the trail, and they turn to make the arduous, steady climb back to the trailhead, doubling back on their outbound route. That's an option, for sure – but this route offers a much more scenic return to the trailhead – and there's a second (though smaller) waterfall upstream, too.
After crossing the bridge at the base of the falls, the hike ascends sharply, carving through sharp switchbacks, climbing stone stairs and passing several old-growth, broad-trunked hardwoods. The trail passes a shallow cave at 1.35 miles, and the sound of the waterfall echoes across the large rock expanse. The trail reaches the top of a small knob and briefly levels in a rocky grove of gnarly-branched mountain laurel.
The trail descends, tunneling through dense mountain laurel (a gorgeous sight when they're in bloom in late spring). The trail arcs to the southwest and then due south, reaching the upper falls at 1.5 miles. Though considerably smaller than the downstream giant, the upper waterfall is beautiful, tumbling over a craggy, moss-covered rock outcrop beneath a twisted canopy of leathery-leafed rhododendron.
From the upper waterfall, the trail continues its southerly journey, resuming a steady climb. The trail crosses a wood bridge spanning a creek at 1.65 miles, catching upstream views of the tumbling creek, its grassy shores, and the pebble-lined creek bed. The scene is tranquil, and the stream's flow is gentle. It's amazing to think that this same creek creates such an enormous, thundering beauty downstream.
The trail loops eastbound, crossing a small wooden bridge and passing a towering old-growth oak. The hike passes through the campground and follows signs to the amphitheater. After crossing the paved campground loop road twice, the trail passes the amphitheater and reaches the trailhead at just under 2.7 miles, completing the adventure.
Note: slippery rocks and fast moving water can be extremely dangerous! Please don't climb, stand on, swim near, or jump from any waterfall.
Please Remember
Always leave no trace, pack out everything you pack in, and if you see trash, pick it up and pack it out.
Stay on the marked trail, tell someone where you're going, pack safety and wayfinding essentials, and don't rely on a mobile phone to find your way. Please always practice good trail etiquette. And before you go, always check the trailhead kiosk, official maps, and the park or ranger office for notices of changed routes, trail closures, safety information, and restrictions.
Crabtree Falls Trail Map, Directions & Details
This map shows our approximate route while exploring this trail, but does not replace an official trail map. Please refer to the official trail map for the most current and accurate route.
Love the trail?
This trail is maintained thanks to the hard work of countless volunteers and donations from supporters of the Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Please support them by making a donation or joining a volunteer day. Let's work together to keep these fantastic trails maintained and open for use!
Driving Directions
Parking
Free parking is available at the trailhead.
GPS Coordinates
35.812683, -82.143439 // N35 48.762 W82 08.607
Elevation Profile
lococomaystionite.blogspot.com
Source: https://ashevilletrails.com/blue-ridge-parkway/crabtree-falls-nc/
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