Crabtree Falls Trail | A Blue Ridge Parkway Waterfall Loop

Our Favorite Western NC Mountain Hikes | Asheville Elevated Living

Crabtree Falls is tucked into a cool hollow below the Parkway. Water fans down a roughly 60-foot rock face, and the ferns around the base give you a sense of how much mist the falls put into the air.

Crabtree Falls Trail main trail photo — Photos via AllTrails and its hiking community.

Hike at a glance

Blue Ridge Parkway near Little Switzerland
2.6 miles | 574 feet of gain | Moderate loop | 1 to 1.5 hours on AllTrails

What the hike is like

The National Park Service starts its description at the old Crabtree Falls Camp Store parking area. From the campground kiosk, the path drops through mixed hardwoods and rhododendron to the falls. To complete the loop, continue up the switchbacks, then follow the ridge and creek crossings back toward the campground.

The National Park Service describes a roughly 3-mile loop and suggests 1.5 to 2.5 hours. The saved AllTrails track measures 2.6 miles. Budget the longer window if you start at the camp store, want time for photos or expect wet footing.

Before you go

Wear shoes with traction and leave the waterfall rocks alone. Check the Parkway road status before leaving home, especially if you are approaching through a section affected by storm recovery.