Crabtree Falls!

 Hiking Upward - Crabtree Falls

Well for Easter Sunday we decided to drive up and hike Crabtree Falls, the highest falls on the eastern side of the United States.  It was a pleasant drive up from Roanoke up US81 then we took exit 195 to 11 until we got to the right on Route 56 back to Crabtree Falls.  Its a nice road going back to the falls but one to take your time and be aware since its only 2 lanes as it winds through up to the falls.  You pass Montebello Fish Hatchery along the way so if you want to plan to do some fishing as well there is a stocked pond on the side of the road.

Once we reached the base of the falls there is a parking lot and just like most federal parks there is a $3 parking fee so be sure to have cash or check ready to put in an envelope and drop in the drop box. There were about 20 or more parking places and we didn't have trouble finding one.  They also have bathrooms but just the standard cinderblock building with hole in the ground with a toilet seat on top.  Be sure to bring baby wipes to clean it if you think you may want to use the facilities. Given that its probably a good half hour back out to 11 & 81 you may plan ahead there.

Sarah and Aidan came along for this hike and the company was definitely welcome for trail conversation and joking around.  The trail starts off with the bottom trail paved with asphalt leading to the base observation point.  Halfway down that you find the trail head marker showing 0.0 of 1.7 miles.  Each tenth of a mile you'll have a marker so its a good way to check your pace to figure out how long your hike is going to take.  We arrived at 4pm and made it to the top and back in roughly 3 hours with a 10 or 15 minute break at the top relaxing on one of the benches.

The trail is full of switchbacks all the way up to the top with observation decks built along the way.  The trail is a mix of rock, loam, and dirt in varying degrees but wasn't too bad on the five fingers compared to the longer McAfee's Knob trail.  This trail was well maintained with metal hand rails and log/wooden/rock stairs along its route.  There were a couple "unofficial" off trail lookouts that were dry rock/logs but there were prominent signs all along the trail once close to the falls warning of the algae and slippery rocks.  At the main sign it stated that  24+ people had died on the falls and many more injured from venturing out onto the rocks and warned against leaving the trail.  There were also signs asking not to cut across switchbacks and evidence to the contrary with obvious trail degradation from it.

All and all it is a steep short hike but a pleasant one.  Close to the falls it is nice and cool from the water moving and mists so even in the summer heat this could be a pleasant hike.  There were a good many people on the trail for Easter Sunday most dressed pretty casual for hiking some just wearing flip flops.  A fun short hike to fit into an afternoon/morning.  We ended up stopping my Lexington on the way home for a sit down dinner so it was a great time all the way around!