Crabtree Falls
North Carolina • 70 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainBefore you go
As of October 13, 2026, the Blue Ridge Parkway says hiking is prohibited at Crabtree Falls because of damage from Hurricane Helene, and Crabtree Falls Campground is closed. Check the Parkway's road and trail status page before going.
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
2.5 miles
Trail Type
Loop
About Crabtree Falls
This is the waterfall the National Park Service calls Crabtree Falls, a 70-foot cascade on Big Crabtree Creek near Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 339.5 in Yancey County, North Carolina. The USGS Celo quadrangle labels it Upper Falls; the Park Service renamed it Crabtree Falls when the Parkway was built. The NPS calls it the tallest single waterfall along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
The Setting
Crabtree Falls sits at 3,409 feet within Blue Ridge Parkway, in the mountains of North Carolina. The falls drop 70 feet.
Height: 70 feet
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The Crabtree Falls Loop Trail officially starts at the parking lot inside Crabtree Falls Campground. The loop is just under 2.5 miles: 0.9 mile downhill to the falls, then 1.5 miles back uphill. Starting from the former visitor center lot makes it about 3.1 miles. The descent to the falls is steep and rocky.
What to Expect
The falls drop 70 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Crabtree Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Dogs are allowed on Blue Ridge Parkway trails on a leash no longer than 6 feet and under your direct control at all times.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Crabtree Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
The best time to visit is during late spring or early summer when the surrounding vegetation is lush and the water flow is strong. Fall is also a popular time due to the vibrant foliage.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check the National Park Service website for current conditions.
Safety Information
The trail can be slippery, especially after rain. Watch your footing near the falls, as the rocks are often wet and slick. Be aware of changing weather conditions, as storms can develop quickly in the mountains.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on South Toe River, 2.1 miles away, not on Crabtree Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
74 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 69 years of record
0.84 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge SOUTH TOE RIVER NEAR CELO, NC (3 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
74 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Low
78 cfs
4/10Fri
Low
79 cfs
4/10Sat
Low
75 cfs
6/10Sun
Barely Flowing
73 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
72 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
86 cfs
5/10Best window: Sat — low flow, sunny (trip score 6/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late February to early May, peaking in April.
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 Spruce Pine hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Crabtree Falls Frozen?
Updated about 4 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately north-facing, shaded
Crabtree Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 64°F to 44°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 74 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail.
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.
Here the descent is spread out: 1-meter lidar measures about 110 feet of drop through Crabtree Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. That is more than the listed 70 feet because the gorge keeps dropping below the falls themselves. The brink sits at about 3,407 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 94 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 132 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northeast and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 3,407 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 110 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northeast
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
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
The trailhead is at the Crabtree Falls area near milepost 339.5 of the Blue Ridge Parkway, between Little Switzerland and the NC 80 junction. The Parkway section from Little Switzerland to Victor Crossing (mileposts 333.9 to 342.1) was open on October 13, 2026.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
The loop officially starts from the parking lot inside Crabtree Falls Campground; many hikers park at the former Crabtree Falls Visitor Center lot and walk about 0.3 mile to the trailhead. The campground was closed as of October 13, 2026.
Elevation
3,409 feet above sea level
Coordinates
35.819012° N, -82.150831° W
Land Management
Managed by NPS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Start your hike early to avoid crowds, especially during weekends and peak seasons. Bring plenty of water, as the trail can be strenuous in sections. Be prepared for muddy or slippery conditions, particularly after rain.
Where to Stay
Apt with Wraparound Deck and Epic Views in Burnsville!
The Farmhouse at Wolfehaven
Ruth's Place Tiny Home Retreat 1 mile to town
Holiday Inn Express & Suites - Marion by IHG
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
CAROLINA HEMLOCKS REC AREA
3.2 miles away · 39 sites
Overview Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area sits in the scenic mountains of Pisgah National Forest. This is a great place for small to medium-sized groups to swim, fish, tube, hike, camp, picnic and simply relax in the cool shade of the forest.Recreation The river provides endless hours of fun for families and water enthusiasts, including swimming and tubing. Anglers can also try their luck for trout and smallmouth bass from the shore. Picnickers will enjoy relaxing in the shaded picnic shelter se
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
Hot springs near Swannanoa, North Carolina
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Swannanoa, North Carolina on SoakingSprings.
Explore North Carolina springsAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Crabtree Falls Picnic Area, Little Switzerland, and other Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks between Gillespie Gap and Victor Crossing.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Be cautious of bears, which are occasionally spotted in the region.
Cities near Crabtree Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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Other waterfalls named Crabtree Falls
2 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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