This is a moderate level hike, 3.6 miles UP and Back. Elevation 1,135 ft. Some very steep inclines. So steep the path is switch back trails. Absolute great hike but challenging. Kid friendly, dogs on leash, and some paved walk ways BUT I don't think it would be for wheelchairs or strollers because it's such a steep incline. VIEWS-Waterfalls, forest, mountain, mushrooms, wildflowers, and berries. Such a busy trail that you really don't see to much wildlife or birds. Lots and Lots of stairs. This trail has been kept in great condition. There is a bit of scrambling and if there has been rain or snow it can be a bit slippery. Rocks and moss. So beautiful. This trail is part of George Washington and Jefferson National Forest. Absolutely beautiful at the top for me. It has an area that opens up at he top and benches so you can sit and admire the surrounding mountains. The first waterfall you come to is the easiest paved area to get to . Also the best waterfall view. It also has benches. This is from the parking lot and there is a fee. It is was 3 dollars so bring cash. There is no running water so bring your own water, Pack a smart backpack. Keep all areas clean and don't leave garbage behind. They have a bathroom area but with no running water. It is a dry toilet. Bring some hand sanitizer is my best advice. read more

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This is a really good hike worth the incline on the way up to see the views! Definitely high incline on the way up, but there's benches and rocks along the way to take a break. The falls are really pretty, but be careful not to get too close. There's lots of signs to stay on the path which I recommend! It can get muddy after rain so wear good hiking boots for sure. It's dog friendly, I went when it wasn't too crowded and with the narrow pathways I had her off the leash but would put her back on the leash when I saw people ahead. About halfway up, there's an area of body of water that's safe for dogs to get water and to take a break at which is nice. It took about 3hrs total (up and down), 1.7 mi up and down. read more

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Sometimes you want to hike to a waterfall and really earn that view - and other times, you just want a light walk to the falls. The great thing about Crabtree Falls is that it provides both options! We did not do the hike to the top this visit, but I hope to next time based on the photos from other reviewers. We visited in late March and the short walk to a gorgeous little waterfall was very much appreciated - we just needed to stretch our legs a bit before a long drive. We got lucky and did not run across many others at the falls; it was lovely having it almost to ourselves. I definitely hope to come back again and do the top route! read more

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This is a great hike for any toddler/baby wearing peeps out there. I hiked this all the way to the very top & back with no issues carrying my 3yo. The hike mostly consists of switch backs with stairs sprinkled in. Totally worth it! read more

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Beautiful fall hike! Scarce water in the falls but still a site to behold. 1.7 miles uphill and 1.7 miles downhill. Gorgeous views from the top! There are steps that have been built in certain areas. Roots and rocks abound so must be aware. Very well signed with mileage posts along the way. No cell coverage until you reach the top. Not crowded on a Thursday in October. We loved this hike! read more

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Don't forget $3 for parking and don't expect cell service. (This means you will probably want to print or have screen shots of your map/directions home for when you're ready to leave) We arrived at 8am on a Saturday morning and were some of the first people in the lot. Bathrooms are closed due to the pandemic. Our hike up was amazing. Some parts were a little unstable. There were a lot of stairs though which made it easier. If you have knee/ankle/stability issues I don't recommend this hike. Since we were there so early we could go our own pace and stop for tons of pictures. There are several great spots to view the falls and a few benches that allow you to sit and enjoy the scenery. If you keep going just a little past the "Last View of the Falls" you can branch to the left and see a great overlook! If you really want to keep going you can make Crabtree Falls part of a 14 mile hike to Spy Rock. This is what we did- definitely recommend if your fitness level allows for more challenging hikes. We did go all the way to Spy Rock so by the time we made it back down to the Crabtree Falls portion of the hike it was mid-afternoon and the people were in masses. Maybe I was just tired from the half marathon before, but man the crowd made for an irritating hike down. We kept getting stuck behind much slower groups with no opportunity to pass. Trying to maintain social distancing was impossible in some parts so I was glad that most people (Probably 60%) had also brought masks. It was a Saturday in July so I'm guessing it was the busiest time for the trail. I'd definitely recommend visiting during a less popular time. Even if not for social distancing reasons, just so you can go at whatever pace makes you feel comfortable. I'll definitely do this hike again. The views were great. We saw a variety of plants and mushrooms. The rocks and the ferns were beautiful. Of course the highlight were all the viewpoints of the falls. I loved the nature part, just not really the people part. read more

The first set of falls IS handicap and wheelchair (or stroller) accessible!! I've never heard of a hiking trail where you can see a small, yet beautiful waterfall that is so accessible. Make sure you park at the second parking lot (up & around the corner from the first parking lot) if you are handicap and/or in a wheelchair or have a stroller. read more

Such a fun hike in a beautiful place!! The falls are lovely, the trail is easy to follow and the hike is challenging but not too strenuous. If you don't want to do the entire 1.7 mile hike to the top, you can stop at several overlooks throughout the first half mile of the hike. One downside - the bathrooms at the bottom of the trail are literally disgusting. Try to go before you hike and only use it if you have to!! **Make sure you bring $3 to pay your entry fee.** read more

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I hiked Crabtree a few years ago right around Memorial Day weekend with a friend. It was very crowded on a weekend and parking was scarce (the entire lot was full and people were parking on the sides of the roads and backing into places that probably should not have been backed into that was questionable if they were ever gonna get out). So that was stressful. You need to bring $3-5 for parking and it's an honor system. The hike to the first lookout for the falls was super easy and is great for elderly and kids - if you do the entire hike (2.8 miles or so) it was very muddy due to rain - so I was glad I wore legit hiking boots and not my usual sneakers for hiking because it was splashy and muddy. The falls are very pretty and if you choose to keep going you can easily link up with other trails and spend an entire day (or more) hiking and camping and backpacking for a dozen miles or so. As with all things, if you want to hike and camp, you need to google and make sure you have the required maps, permits, etc. and know which areas allow for those things. It was pretty crowded up to the falls and we had to continue to pass folks with small children and wait in narrow places for ingoing and outgoing traffic in single-file lines to pass. Some stretches were sketchy with very thin trails or rocks and muddy areas. There are also a number of wooden and rudimentary stone steps that can be dangerous if you are prone to accidents, not very steady on your feet, and in general not comfortable with a bit of climbing. So I would not recommend this hike for elderly or small small children because it's dangerous for them, and they hold everyone else up honestly. We went past the falls and continued up to the overlook and had a picnic sandwich lunch and then continued even further and enjoyed the solitude. Once we passed the falls trail we barely saw anyone for a long time and enjoyed some peace and quiet. My friend did end up falling on the rocks and hurt herself due to the slippy mud so that made the hike the rest of the way down harder, but fortunately we were headed back to the car and she fell about 1 mile out so it wasn't as bad as it could've been. Bring your own water! Wear proper shoes! Be careful. read more

Had a great time, a little challenging to make it to the top but well worth it. The view is gorgeous. read more

Crabtree Falls - Landscape and mountain range - Hiking Near Me - Montebello, Virginia

Took the wife 2 little boys and our German shorthair pointer up the crabtree falls. We started a little late but made it half way up - and glad we turned around as others were saying there were some icy spots further up. We enjoyed the hike and the views were amazing, we never knew this huge falls existed but will be back. I see a lot of folks talking about 3$ but we saw a sign that said 5$ so we gave 5, we think the park service should post this more clearly at the fee location as there was 2 signs - 1 for 3$ and 1 for the $5.00, There was a neat bridge at the bottom. I read the person review who gave 1 star and laugh as they are crying about bathrooms etc- this is a park in southern VA - to give 1 star and complain about paying 3$ and bathrooms- thats one starbuck coffee for you! You also got some loss around the fat line up those steps! Stop complaining. read more

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Family was looking for a place to go hiking, Crabtree Falls has the highest vertical drop east of the Mississippi (1200ft) It has several vantage points to view the falls from. It took us 50 somethings over an hour and a half to hike up to the top of the mountain. Some of the trail is rugged and not easy but worth the hike when you reach the top. It would be five stars if the restrooms were open, but due to COVID-19 they were closed read more

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Nice easy walk to the falls. If you are more adventurous there is a hiking trail to the top. This trail also continues to the meadows where there is camping. read more

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Beautiful park and the falls are worth the hike. It's about two miles to the top. Keep going up the trails past the "last fall view" to your right for a breath taking outlook. The first fall is acceptable by wheelchair/stroller since it's a paved path, after that it's a steep walk up. Wear comfortable shoes (not flops), there's a lot of stairs. Pathways and trails are clean and twine areas provide side railings. It's a good hike, whether you're in shape or want to get into shape. read more

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Hiking Crabtree Falls exceeded our expectations. The 3-4 mile hike (round trip) was beautiful, relatively easy, and ended with a gorgeous view. It's a great hike for families and for dog walks. The path is very clear. Whatever you do, don't climb on the rocks and don't venture off the path. The hike took us about 3 hours as a family including lunch halfway through. read more

Crabtree Falls - Hiking Near Me - Montebello, Virginia

I was supposed to visit Crabtree Falls (CF) on my first trip to Waynesboro area, but I didn't get a chance. When I planned this second trip with my boys, I knew I had to check it out for sure. CF is the highest vertical-drop cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River, and is located in Montebello, Virginia. There are a series of five major cascades -as well as some smaller ones- that totals 1,200'. When we arrived at the parking lot (which is quite large), it was completely empty. We were there on a Monday in July around 10 a.m. and I was surprised. The nice thing was that we were able to enjoy the falls all alone. While you can hike 1.7 miles to the top and see all five cascades, you can see the main one only a few hundred feet from the parking lot. The trail is moderate although I found it fairly easy compared to Humpback Rocks--not as steep. There are lots of switchbacks and stairs, but lots of spots to stop and rest. We didn't walk the whole thing (my middle son doesn't like to hike and it started to rain), but we were able to check out a couple more cascades before we turned around. Tips: * There is a $3 Day Use Fee (per vehicle) and you leave the money in an envelope. * There are port-a-potties in the parking lot, but they stink really bad. There was a lot of trash in there as well. If you have to go, bring some toilet paper! * Directions: Using the directions link on Yelp made me go west on I-64, which was odd because we started in Waynesboro. We got on Rte. 56 and crossed over the Blue Ridge Pkwy. I would suggest not going that way. It is very hilly, quite treacherous, and stressful. The other way is taking Rte 151 and connecting to Rte 56. That part of 56 is much less crazy and that is what I would recommend. * CF is located in the George Washington National Forest (http://www.fs.usda.gov/gwj/). * Do remember that the rocks are extremely slippery; 23 people have died while climbing so stay on the trail. If you are anywhere near CF, take a drive to see the falls. Whether you're looking for a good hike, want to take photographs, or just enjoy the view, CF is a beautiful spot. If you like solitude like me, CF definitely is all about peace and tranquility. Enjoy! read more

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Easily my favorite hike in the area. It's 1.7 miles up and then that same 1.7 back down and there are mile markers every .1 miles which is so helpful and appreciated. I've come quite a few times in the past couple years but went today after a week of rain and the falls were more gorgeous than I've ever seen them before. That being said a lot of the trail was pretty wet so be careful. I've been in the winter before and parts of the trail have become covered in ice and inaccessible so just use your best judgement. I think the winter it's a lot less busy and the trail is still beautiful and fun to hike as long as it isn't icy so consider hiking in the winter if you're not into big crowds. Also please be smart, there are signs posted EVERYWHERE that tell you to not venture off trail and to not walk near the waterfalls. Yes the waterfalls are beautiful but it's not worth your life for a picture or an up close view of the falls. Every single time I come here there's literally always someone going beyond the barrier for a picture, or parents letting their children play near the falls and it's just asking for disaster. I bet all the people who have died on the falls also thought "yeah but that will never happen to me" so please be smart. It's $3 to hike and they have envelopes to do so at the entrance and the upper parking lot before you hike so don't forget those dolla dolla bills y'all. The last view of the waterfalls is at mile .8 but if you continue to 1.7 you get a view on the mountains so I think it's worth it to continue on. Lots of stairs and switch backs so be prepared! read more

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This trail is great because it accommodates both the avid hikers and the less into hiking individuals. There's a lower level viewing area that is paved and only 500 ft from the parking area for those that aren't up for the 1.70 mile hike up to the better viewing area. read more

Crabtree Falls - Hiking Near Me - Montebello, Virginia

Do not miss this hike! From the bottom to the top of the waterfall the elevation change was 1100 feet. The terrain is a bit rocky, slippery and can be challenging for older people or young children. Plan atleast two hours from start to finish, if you stop at each observation point. Beautiful falls with a great view at the top. read more

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What an ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS hike. Just. Plain. Gorgeous. The waterfalls and are such a pretty sight to see and what's nice is you will truly scale them and hike alongside them for the full 1.7 mile hike upward. Every turn is beautiful. You'll get a good workout for sure but it won't break you. The trail is very well maintained and always full of trekkers. But there is no trace of litter or trash. Let's keep it that way. At the top you can play and skip on some stones in the water. Just please be careful. Bring your water shoes and do not attempt to play in the water until you get to the top where it is safer. The view around the cliff perimeter looking over the green mountains is also really beautiful. Don't skip out. read more

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We just visited today and there were a few things that we found alarming. There is no cell phone reception anywhere near this park. If someone gets hurt or lost on the trail, or has car trouble, there is no way to contact authorities for help There was only 1 bathroom for hundreds, if not thousands of visitors. No toilet paper, no sink, no soap, no hand sanitizer, NOTHING. it was very unsanitary. No park rangers on site. They charge $3 per car and definitely made enough money to pay for a park ranger. No vending machines for food or water either. And not a restaurant or cafe in sight. read more

Absolutely stunning views and great hike! I can see why this is a VA Bucket List destination. Note this can be pretty treacherous in places - this is not a smooth walking trail - there are several areas where you have to climb on/around rock and is very muddy and slippery in places after the rains. Coming back down this week after the hard rains was very soupy and slippery - back down was harder than way up. Do not bring your nice street shoes. Bathrooms are currently closed due to COVID. Bring $3 cash for parking fee (pay via drop box - location not manned with a full time park ranger). We did the full Crabtree Falls to Spy Rock which is 14 miles out and back - if you do that please bring appropriate hydration and food - would also recommend boots with ankle stability as lots of the trails have uneven loose rock underfoot. There is no cell service in the Crabtree Falls parking lot or for most of the falls hike. If you continue on to Spy Rock you can get some service in a few places along the way up if you need it. You will want to download your hike routes before you go to Crabtree falls read more

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I can't help but reiterate what other Yelpers have said about Crabtree Falls..this place is amazing! The hike is 1.7 miles each way, which makes for quite the work out. We came here with family for a Mother's Day hike and everyone (ages 6-50+) had a great time. There are plenty of "rest stops" and beautiful photo opportunities on the way. The path is slightly narrow and the rocks make it harder to maneuver when you're hiking down so I would caution hikers to watch their steps. We brought our dogs on this hike too and they absolutely loved it . The view from the top is magnificent. We brought a small picnic and enjoyed some food at the benches at the top and at the nearby stream. Highly highly recommended! read more

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Went to the Falls on a last Minute girls trip. Def not one of the easiest hikes I've ever done. Having said this, I have had knee surgery within the last few years. Lots of steep steps and uneven ground. But the waterfall itself is gorgeous and the scenery at the 1.7 mile mark is unbelievable! Just make sure you wear the right clothing and shoes. It also happened to rain when we were there so if you are not very steady on your feet, I'd wait and go another day if it is, or has been, raining. There are plenty of places to stop and rest on the way up. Def took the whole 3 hours to make it up. read more

Crabtree Falls - Pic from the 1.7 mile mark (top of the falls) - Hiking Near Me - Montebello, Virginia

A wonderful hike in a beautiful setting! 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. Crabtree Falls is a great beginner hike and very family-friendly. While it does have elevation gain, this trail is well-kept, very well marked and easy to follow. First, a few logistical details: -Ample parking (two lots) -Bathrooms at the beginning of the trail -$3 parking fee, but I think if you have an Forest Pass you may be exempt. The hike itself is 1.7 miles up, composed of switchbacks and stairs. If you would like something shorter than that, no problem! There are plenty overlooks on the way up that you could take a peek at the falls. The very first portion of the trail (approximately 0.1 - 0.2 miles in) is completely paved and takes you to an observation point, perfect for strollers and wheelchairs. No matter where your journey here takes you, it's a peaceful place and watching the waterfall is so soothing. In the summertime, the surrounding forest is lush and beautiful. Ferns carpet the areas surrounding the trail and by the water. It's really lovely. As an experienced hiker and somewhat in shape, this hike was not challenging for me. However, this hike gains elevation the entire way via switchbacks and stairs. You can take many breaks at the overlooks built. There are mile markers at every 0.1 mile, so you can track your progress. At the very top, there are two observation decks (an upper and a lower) overlooking the entirety of the falls and the expanse of the forest. A worthy stopping point for a great hike! When you're ready to descend, you simply go back down the way you came. It's that easy! Before you know it, you'll be back at your car with another hike logged. Happy trails to everybody who checks out Crabtree Falls. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! read more

Took the hike to the top of crab tree falls. It is an almost two mile zig zag trail to the top. The trail was steep and covered in treacherous ice spots. It is a rugged and rocky climb with the only bathroom at the bottom. Beautiful waterfall great scenic view at the top. Worth the climb. If you are not familiar with hiking I would choose I different spot. read more

Crabtree Falls - At the top - Hiking Near Me - Montebello, Virginia

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I love to hike. I found this place when looking for a good hiking spot last year and I loved it. It is steep and tiring, but it's a great workout, which I love. Such beautiful views and I love the waterfall. read more

Crabtree Falls - Hiking Near Me - Montebello, Virginia

Beautiful hike! Definitely a hard trip up but has lots of nice resting spots it's all worth it when you finally make it to the top! read more

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We did this hike on Saturday, June 18, 2016. It was a beautiful day, and fantastic hike! The hike is not too long (about 4 miles out-and-back with 1,380 feet of elevation gain), and it is mostly wooden stairs/boardwalk, with some sections of just regular dirt trail. We started in the afternoon, and we saw lots of other hikers--including young children, dogs, and a barefoot woman! Highlights: -Lots of great views of the falls -Lots of shade -A beautiful view of the Tye River Gorge from the top -The trail was very well-maintained, with markers every tenth of a mile -BIG parking lot ($3/car) read more

Crabtree Falls - Hiking Near Me - Montebello, Virginia

Hands-down best waterfall hike so far. South Shenandoah, but it's quite a trek from DC area (~3 hr from Arlington). * You can hear/see water almost the whole way * $3 per car * Beautiful spots to stop and appreciate the scenery * Relatively easy hike (~6 mi if you do the whole thing?) * No reception! so if you are meeting up, Gertie's Country Store would be a good place to be. They also look like they have some amazing food there... Useful Links: http://www.hikingupward.com/GWNF/CrabtreeFalls/ read more

A great hike in a beautiful part of the country. The trail is not long and consists of switchbacks so it never gets too steep. There are areas where the ground is wet and it can be slippery in rocky areas. There were two downed trees, one of which had to be ducked under and the other climbed over. But you don't hike because it's easy. Go very early before the crowds arrive and you will be rewarded with great views, a few wild animal sightings, and peaceful quiet. Because there are some difficult spots on the trail, I would strongly discourage taking children under 10 years of age. read more

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Crabtree Falls was a great trail! It was pretty steep going up, I could feel my legs getting sore within 20 minutes! But it was such a great hike and the views at the top were breathless. Multiple waterfalls were visible on the way up and just beautiful. They had two parking lots with a $3 fee and bathrooms available. read more

Crabtree Falls is one of my family's favorite easy hiking and camping areas in Virginia. We first went here in about 1998 when my oldest was 5, and we have continued to visit here ever since. The trail alongside the falls is improved and relatively easy to navigate with rails, stairs, and viewing/rest areas along the way. The hike to the top of the falls is about 2 miles, and there is a substantial climb in elevation, but it is well worth it for a breathtaking view of the upper falls and the surrounding Virginia countryside. Continue another mile, and you will arrive at Crabtree Meadows and then intersect with the Appalachian trial. For those who are unable to do the normal trail up the falls, you may be able to drive to Crabtree Meadows (depending on the season and weather conditions) and hike about a mile on relatively level terrain to the top of the falls from there. I would recommend a four-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicle to go on this route. The falls are stunning in any season, but be careful in the winter because ice and snow may accumulate on the path and stairs, creating slippery conditions. Remember to bring three dollars per vehicle for parking, and get ready to have a wonderful adventure! read more

No pictures can do this place justice. Not a bad hike to say the least, the uphill trek may be a bit tiresome, but you would be too focused on the beauty of your surroundings, you won't be able to feel it until you're up top. It took my roommate and I around an 1.5 hours up, and only took us about 45 minutes or so to come back down. Going during Autumn (we went around the beginning of October) was a great decision. The view was gorgeous and it was not too hot. I would say this was one of my favorite hiking place! I want to go back soon. read more

Really beautiful falls with nice reward at the top. Enjoy a strenuous vertical climb, often with railings and a few switch backs. This trail becomes crowded so be sure to pack water and wear good hiking shoes. Anticipate 1.75- 2.5 hours roundtrip. read more

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Very nice waterfall! We hiked it in mid January and the falls are partially frozen and made really neat ice formations. The water is still flowing in, out and around the ice. There are tons of photo opportunities on the way up. Be careful in the winter. The trail gets icy and VERY slippery. We did not make it to the top. We turned around about 3/4 to the top due to a very ice covered trail section that was treacherous to say the least. We will come back in the fall when the leaves are changing. read more

Crabtree Falls - Icecycles - Hiking Near Me - Montebello, Virginia

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Nice hike! It's a bit challenging but the views are amazing, as well as the waterfall. Reaching the top is a great feat!

A great hike. Second time here. Lower falls are beautiful. Spray felt good on a hot day. The hike to the top is via switchbacks. Some are a bit strenuous. Hey, no shame in stopping to catch your breath! Take your time. You get great views of the falls just about everytime the trail switches back to the right. It's steep and a bit rocky in places. Slippery when wet. They have manmade rails and steps here and there. The top is nice and relaxing. Chillin out at the top of the falls with a mountainous view and a ham sandwich. Nice spot just down from Spy Rock. That one is my fav. read more

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This is a really nice waterfall. You basically follow the waterfall upward. each lookout point is higher up on the waterfall. Admission is $3 per car, but worth it. Only downside is that when it rains the trail can get pretty muddy. Also there isnt any water in the bathrooms.. and no where to rinse your feet off at.. unlike some of the other waterfalls in Virginia (Great Falls and Cascade Falls) read more

Crabtree Falls was my first ever hike. My friends want to adventure out so we decided let's try a hike here. The trails weren't too long and the scenery definitely was worth the hike. I really enjoyed being outdoors taking sometime from studying/social media, and other distractions to enjoy what Mother Nature had to offer. The waterfalls were peaceful. I loved seeing families and people of all ages with their dogs going for a hike. You really feel on top of the world when you finally reach the top of that mountain. Going down was a lot easier than hiking up. Pretty amazing to find such a gem in Central VA. Id recommend for a first hike. read more

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