Crabtree Falls — 1214ft Cascade in Virginia

Crabtree Falls is a 1214-foot cascade waterfall in Nelson County, Virginia, reached by a moderate hike over 3.4 miles.

Crabtree Falls in Nelson County, Virginia is the tallest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi — a 1,214-foot total drop across five major cascades on the slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains, accessed via the George Washington National Forest's switchbacking 3.4-mile out-and-back trail. The trail climbs steeply with multiple wooden viewing platforms at each cascade level. It's the marquee Blue Ridge Parkway-area waterfall and a popular fall foliage hike (mid-October peak). Don't confuse with Crabtree Falls in NC (much smaller, also on the BRP).

What to expect

Drive to the Crabtree Falls trailhead (George Washington National Forest, off Route 56). Pay the small parking fee. The 3.4-mile out-and-back trail climbs about 1,500 feet via well-maintained switchbacks with wooden viewing platforms at the major cascades. The full hike takes 2-4 hours. Multiple fatalities have occurred from people climbing off-trail to the rocks — stay on the marked path. Pair with the Blue Ridge Parkway, Sherando Lake Recreation Area, or Wintergreen Resort.