Crabtree Falls is one of the tallest sets of waterfalls in the United States east of the Mississippi River. It is located in the George Washington National Forest in Nelson County, Virginia, off of Virginia State Route 56. The name of the falls is thought to have come from William Crabtree, who settled in this part of Virginia in 1777. L.A. Snead, former US Assistant Fuel Administrator (WWI), environmentalist and notable Nelsonian, spearheaded negotiations to secure land surrounding Crabtree Falls after it was almost developed as a resort area in the late 1960s. Using personal and Congressional funds, the land deals were completed and the deeds transferred by LA Snead on June 3, 1968, to the National Forest System. This assured benefit for future generations of this magnificent Nelson County treasure.For Crabtree Falls and beyond, use our Wintergreen trip planner to get the most from your Wintergreen vacation.
The set of waterfalls is often credited with being 1,200 feet (370 m) high, but topographic maps show the total drop to be closer to 1,000 feet (300 m). Crabtree Falls is a series of cascading waterfalls, with five major cascades, the tallest of which drops about 400 feet (120 m), and several smaller cascades, all over a total distance of approximately 2,500 feet (760 m) horizontally. The cascade with a 400-foot (120 m) drop also gives Crabtree Falls the title of tallest vertical drop in a waterfall east of the Mississippi River. However, the title of tallest free-fall vertical drop goes to Fall Creek Falls in Tennessee's Fall Creek Falls State Park.
There is a trail to the waterfall maintained by the United States Forest Service called the Crabtree Falls Trail. Twenty-nine people have fallen to their deaths from leaving the trail to climb too close to the waterfalls. Recent deaths occurred April 2013, June 2015, and most recently, August 29, 2015.
Source
Create a full itinerary - for free!
Crabtree Falls reviews
-
It is series of cascades punctuated by several falls. The base of the falls is an easy hike. That’s where the easy part ends. It had just rained and the trail was muddy. It’s 1.7 miles to the top...
It is series of cascades punctuated by several falls. The base of the falls is an easy hike. That’s where the easy part ends. It had just rained and the trail was muddy. It’s 1.7 miles to the top... more »
-
First, please remember to bring three dollars for parking. Second, be prepared for lots of people, some muddy conditions, stairs due to steepness, and beautiful views. Third, this is a terrific...
First, please remember to bring three dollars for parking. Second, be prepared for lots of people, some muddy conditions, stairs due to steepness, and beautiful views. Third, this is a terrific... more »
Plan your trip to Wintergreen
Get a personalized tripA full day by day itinerary based on your preferences Customize itRefine your trip. We'll find the
best routes and schedules Manage itEverything in one place. Everyone on the same page.Know more
Popular things to do in Wintergreen
Side trips from Wintergreen
Trips in Crabtree Falls by other users
8 days in Arrington & Charlotte
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Arrington
Charlotte
4 days in Shenandoah National Park
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Dark Hollow Falls
Skyline Drive
Sharp Rock Vineyards
4 days in Shenandoah National Park
BY A USER FROM ISRAEL
Dark Hollow Falls
Skyline Drive
Sharp Rock Vineyards
61 days in Virginia
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Arlington
Chincoteague Island
Virginia Beach
4 days in Shenandoah National Park
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Dark Hollow Falls
Skyline Drive
Sharp Rock Vineyards
51 days in Belton & Virginia
BY A USER FROM OMAN
Belton
Abingdon
Lexington