Hike to Crabtree Falls

A couple of weeks ago we hiked to Crabtree Falls, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in NC (MP 339.5). It's about 15 miles north of Mount Mitchell, which we've visited a few times. Even though it was January, it was a warm cloudy day, in the 60s. The restaurant and campground were closed because it’s the offseason. We parked at the restaurant and walked the extra distance to reach the trailhead.

This strenuous hike is a 2 1/2 mile loop, but if you have to park further away as we did the length is increased. I think we walked about three miles total. The trail winds down a mountain to the falls, and then back up on the return. There were at least three long sets of stone steps that looked as if they belonged in a medieval castle.

I’d like to go back in the spring or fall so the trees would look different and maybe we could see some wildflowers or leaf color. But I do enjoy taking pics of mossy rocks and tree stumps.

 Long before we reached the falls, we heard the roar of the water.

The trail narrows near the end and it's a bit precarious scrambling over the rocks and avoiding sliding down the bank toward the stream, Big Crabtree Creek. Once past that part, there is a bridge that spans the stream so you can get a great view of the falls. The rocks closer to the falls were wet, slick and difficult to cross so I didn't get closer. The falls are 70 feet high with a beautiful delicate appearance.

The tree above in the center of the stream is a crabtree and this is where the waterfall gets it's current name. In the past, before it was part of the Blue Ridge Parkway, it was called Murphy's Falls. There used to be a small community nearby. The name was changed to Crabtree falls by the National Park Service.

The hike was difficult but worth it to see the beautiful falls. The hike back, going uphill, was the toughest part. Above is one set of the stone steps.

I hope you enjoyed this virtual trip to Crabtree Falls. :)
Vonda
www.vondasinclair.com