Crabtree Falls and Meadows (6 moderate+ miles)

Crabtree Meadows from Crabtree Falls is a nice workout with a great payoff. Crabtree Falls is a popular and beautiful hike. The elevation gain 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 Crabtree Meadows. With the add on, we'll have a 6 mile hike (up and back).

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.

Fees: There is a collection station with envelopes in the parking area. There is a $3 cash fee. You’ll need a pen or pencil to complete the envelope. If you have a national park pass, you can write the number on the fee envelope and put it in the window and avoid the fee.

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.
• I am bossy about water drinking.
• Bring a snack.
• There is no cell phone service there. Give yourself plenty of travel time as you can't reach me at the last minute.
• See below for more details.

This information is provided by the Nelson County website:
Crabtree Falls has the highest vertical-drop cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River and is a popular attraction located in Nelson County, Virginia, just six miles off the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway near milepost 27. Crabtree Falls features a series of five major cascades and a number of smaller ones that fall a total distance of 1,200 feet. The first overlook is a few hundred feet from the upper parking lot, on a gentle paved trail.

Getting there. Crabtree Falls can be reached from the Blue Ridge Parkway by traveling to milepost 27. Exit onto VA 56 East and follow the signs to Crabtree Falls (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.

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.

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.