Day Hike - Spy Rock via Crabtree Falls (14.1 Miles) + Box Office Brewery
Details
Caution - This hike is difficult due to length.
Fall colors and waterfalls? Check. Crabtree Falls is the highest vertical-drop cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River. The falls feature a series of five major cascades and several smaller ones over its' total drop distance of 1200 feet. With the addition of Spy Rock, we should expect to see some breathtaking water features as well as some awesome views.
We will meet at Vienna Metro at 8AM and carpool to the trailhead. Drive time is about 2 hour and 45 mins - Please post a comment below if you are willing to drive. Carpooling saves the environment and makes friends.
## Trail Facts
*Difficulty Level: Strenuous
** *Length: **14.1 Miles
*** Duration: **6-7 hrs
** *Elevation Gain: **3,369 Feet
*** Permits: **Day Use Ticket: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/gwj/recarea/?recid=73667
** *Parking: **Vienna Metro Station South
*** Dogs: **Allowed
** *Trailhead Coordinates: 37.850748, -79.078603
*** AllTrails Map: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/spy-rock-via-crabtree-falls
Trail Details:
This out-and-back hike is challenging, but the combo of Crabtree Falls and Spy Rock makes it one of my favorite hikes along the AT in Virginia. The beginning of the hike includes a spectacular set of falls and the payoff at the end includes 360-degree views of Nelson County.
We will start at a day use area for Crabtree Falls, which is typically pretty busy. The climb starts out fairly steep, but the path is paved making it somewhat easier. At the top, we will turn left and continue up a steep gravel hill until we meet up with the AT. Afterwards, the trail mellows out, changing to meandering switchbacks and ends with one last steep section to the top. Dogs are allowed on this trail (please use a leash).
On the way back, I plan to stop at a great little bar called Box Office Brewery in Strasburg VA, address is 177 E King St, Strasburg, VA 22657.
With the drive, please note that this will take most of the day. It is highly recommended that you bring plenty of water as well as snacks and electrolytes (i.e. Gatorade).
**DAY USE TICKETS: **Day use tickets are required. The tickets are only $3 per car, but you will need to bring cash (collected via envelope, honor system). For more info: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/gwj/recarea/?recid=73667
LIABILITY NOTICE:
Please remember that this group operates under the common adventurer model. We are a group of friends and volunteers organizing trips for fun and shared experience. Participants are expected to be familiar with best hiking practices and choose hikes that align with their physical abilities and experience. Organizers and members are not liable for any injuries, loss, or damage to persons or property arising from group activities. By attending this event, you agree to assume all risks associated with the activity.
For more information on the common adventurer model, please see Ron Watters' definition.
If you believe you may be lost during the hike, follow the advice of the US Forest Service.
See you on the trail!