Crabtree Falls Hike
Waterfall | North Carolina
2.5 mi loop
Route line not shown. The 2.5 mi distance for this hike is verified (home.nps.gov), but we don't yet have a trail track we trust, so the map shows only the destination. Carry an official map.
About Crabtree Falls
Crabtree Falls is a waterfall in North Carolina, on land managed by Blue Ridge Parkway (National Park Service).
The Hike
The hike to the falls follows the Crabtree Falls Trail: 2.5 miles as a loop, from Crabtree Falls area, Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 339.5. Distance from home.nps.gov.
Before You Go
- After Hurricane Helene repairs, the Blue Ridge Parkway reopened from milepost 333.9 to 340.2 in October 2026, which includes the Crabtree Falls area. (wlos.com)
- Rock around waterfalls is slick when wet; stay on the trail and back from the edge.
- Check Blue Ridge Parkway (National Park Service) for current conditions, closures and parking before you go.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crabtree_Falls_(North_Carolina)
- https://home.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/crabtree-falls.htm
- https://wlos.com/news/instagram/blue-ridge-parkway-now-11-miles-shy-of-being-fully-reopened-following-helene-deputy-secretary-interior-kate-macgregor-little-switzerland-landslides-hurricane-tropical-storm-damage
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the hike to Crabtree Falls?
The Crabtree Falls Trail to Crabtree Falls is 2.5 miles as a loop.
Where does the Crabtree Falls hike start?
It starts from Crabtree Falls area, Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 339.5.
Safety Information
Current Hazards
- Slippery wet rock near the falls
- Fast, high water after rain or snowmelt
- Check weather before departure
Turn-Around Time
3:00 PM
Plan to reach the falls by this time so you are back before dark.
Essential Gear Checklist
* Critical items - do not hike without these
Emergency Contacts
Emergency / Search & Rescue
911Point Forecast
NWS Point Forecast →In most of the US, backcountry search and rescue is dispatched through 911 — tell the operator you have a hiker emergency and your GPS coordinates.
Downloads
Sources for The Crabtree Falls Guide
Where the trail data, elevation and route line on this page come from.
- Verified against
- home.nps.gov
- Distance
- home.nps.gov
- Falls location
- en.wikipedia.org
- Elevation
- ≈ Copernicus GLO-90 elevation model at the falls coordinates (via Open-Meteo)
Conditions change. Check the land manager for closures, fees and weather before you go.
Nearby Hikes
Other hikes within 30 miles of Crabtree Falls.