Crabtree Falls and Meadows (6 moderate+ miles) then BBQ

The falls should be abundant after all of the rain. Crabtree Meadows from Crabtree Falls is a nice workout with a great payoff. The elevation gain to the upper falls is a little over 1,100 feet with a fair number of switchbacks and steps. You will get a workout on the 1.8 miles to the overlook. The views from the overlook and falls along the way are fabulous. From the upper falls, the trail follows the creek another 1.2 miles to the Crabtree Meadows parking lot. With the add on, we'll have a 6 mile hike (up and back).

Key notes:

• No dogs, please. They freak me out on the stairs.
• No guests on the weekends to allow for our working members. Each hiker must register individually.
• There is no cell phone service there. Give yourself plenty of travel time as you won't be able to contact me.
• See below for more details.

We will head out at 9:00 AM from the upper parking lot at the Crabtree Falls trailhead. There are bathrooms (not the best but they'll do the trick) at our starting point. Once up top, we'll hang out at the overlook for a quick snack before heading to Crabtree Meadows and then retrace our steps back down to the parking lot.

Getting there. Crabtree Falls can be reached from the Blue Ridge Parkway by traveling to milepost 27. Exit onto VA 56 going east and follow the signs to Crabtree Falls (about 6.3 miles). Several C’Ville folks have had a hard time finding the entrance from 56 west. It is 11.5 miles on your left after you turn onto 56 west. There are a couple of areas to park once you turn at the Crabtree Falls/George Washington National Forest Sign. (It is one mile after the Crabtree Falls Campground from the west.) Head to the upper parking lot; all the way at the end near the entrance to the trail. There is no cell phone service so be sure to follow the directions.

What to Bring/Wear: Some areas of the trail will be wet/muddy after the rain so wear good hiking boots or shoes and bring trekking poles. A snack, and plenty of water are key.

Weather: I'll watch the weather and will be in touch if it is going to be nasty. I don’t hike in the rain.

Fees: There is a collection station with envelopes once you turn in to the parking area. There is a $3 cash fee at the entrance and in the upper lot. You’ll need a pen or pencil to complete the envelope. If you have a national park pass, you can avoid the fee by writing your number on the fee envelope.

Optional post-hike: For those interested, we will drive 30 minutes to Paulie's Pig Out at 7376 Rockfish Valley Hwy, Afton, VA 22920 for lunch. Outside seating only.

RSVP: If you find that you're not going to be able to attend the hike, please update your RSVP to "Not Going" as soon as possible.