Is swimming allowed at Crabtree Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Crabtree Falls.

Live Conditions · 2 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Crabtree Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Crabtree Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Crabtree Falls.

Virginia • 1200 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 1 other waterfall also named Crabtree Falls, see below

George Washington National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

John Brighenti CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Andreas Pagel CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Dirtman's Images CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

3.8 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

1,073 ft

About Crabtree Falls

Crabtree Falls, located in the George Washington National Forest in Virginia, is one of the tallest sets of waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. It features a series of cascading falls with a total drop of approximately 1,200 feet, making it a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

The Setting

Crabtree Falls sits at 2,694 feet within George Washington National Forest, fed by the Piney River, in the hills of Virginia. At 1,200 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in Virginia.

Height: 1200 feet

Trail & Hike Details

3.8 mi distance 1,073 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate hike follows Crabtree Falls (#526), a 3.8-mile out-and-back trail over pavement. Expect 1,073 feet of elevation gain with grades of +10-12%. The trail is fully developed (Class 5).

USFS Trail

CRABTREE FALLS #526

Trail Class

Fully Developed

Surface

Asphalt

Avg Grade

+10-12%

USFS Segment

0.01 mi

Trail Description

The Crabtree Falls Trail is a well-maintained path that follows the cascading falls. The trail includes several switchbacks and observation platforms, offering stunning views of the waterfalls. The path can be steep and rocky in sections, especially near the upper falls.

What to Expect

The falls plunge a dramatic 1200 feet. Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is paved and may be accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. Contact the managing agency to confirm current conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Crabtree Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $3.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Crabtree Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and fall are the best times to visit, as the waterfalls are typically at their fullest during these seasons, and the surrounding foliage is particularly beautiful.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with George Washington National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Stay on the designated trail and observation platforms. Do not climb on the rocks near the falls, as they are extremely slippery and have resulted in fatalities in the past. Be prepared for changing weather conditions.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Barely Flowing

2 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

4 7 39 119

Based on 76 years of record

1.97 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

PINEY RIVER AT PINEY RIVER, VA

USGS 02027500

10.1 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 48 sq mi

Altitude: 631 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge PINEY RIVER AT PINEY RIVER, VA (16 km away).

Moderate confidence

Barely Flowing right now

2 cfs

↓ Falling

Today

Barely Flowing

2 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

2 cfs

5/10

Sun

Barely Flowing

3 cfs

5/10

Mon

Barely Flowing

3 cfs

5/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

3 cfs

5/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

3 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

3 cfs

5/10

Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late February to late April, peaking in March.

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Wintergreen hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR

Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.

1-meter lidar shows the creek losing roughly 105 feet through Crabtree Falls over a long run of ledges. The falls are listed at 1,200 feet; that total covers more ground than this one lidar line does, which sees about 398 feet of descent end to end. Elevation at the pin is about 2,694 feet.

The whole reach is steep: about 64 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 80 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northeast and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Crabtree Falls near Wintergreen, Virginia, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Crabtree Falls near Wintergreen, Virginia, showing about 105 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing northeast

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 2,694 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 105 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northeast; Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northeast).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Crabtree Falls is located off Route 56 near Montebello, Virginia. The trailhead is well-marked and accessible via paved roads.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a designated parking area at the trailhead, which requires a small fee (cash only). Parking can fill up quickly on weekends and holidays.

Elevation

2,694 feet above sea level

Coordinates

37.843193° N, -79.074472° W

Land Management

George Washington National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early to secure parking and avoid crowds. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail can be slippery, especially after rain. Bring water and snacks, as there are no facilities along the trail. Be cautious near the falls, as rocks can be wet and dangerous.

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With 3.8 miles and 1,073 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.

Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)

Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.

Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof

Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles

Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

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Nearby Campground

SHERANDO LAKE RECREATION AREA FAMILY CAMPING

6.4 miles away · 65 sites

Reservable

Overview Sherando Lake Recreation Area's Family Campground provides an ideal camping destination. It is situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains and is known locally as the jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains, where visitors enjoy hiking, picnicking in the shade, fishing in the lakes, or swimming and relaxing on the sandy beach.Recreation The 25 acre Lower Lake offers opportunities for swimming in a designated area with a sand beach, accessible ramp to the water's edge, and a beach bathhouse with chang

Book on Recreation.gov