Are dogs allowed on Crabtree Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Crabtree Falls but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike Crabtree Falls?

No, Crabtree Falls does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Crabtree Falls?

Crabtree Falls is rated moderate. It is 1.7 miles long with 627 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

What is the best season to hike Crabtree Falls?

Crabtree Falls is best hiked in spring, summer, and fall. Conditions vary year to year — check the trail status and weather forecast before your visit.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See North Carolina trail conditions

ModerateOut and Back

North Carolina

Crabtree Falls

Burnsville, North Carolina

1.7 mi

Distance

627 ft

Elev. Gain

49m

Est. Time

Out & Back

Route Type

Moderate

Difficulty

About This Trail

Crabtree Falls is a 1.7-mile out-and-back trail located near Burnsville, North Carolina. The trail features a moderate difficulty level, with an elevation gain of 627 feet across a 1,156-meter maximum elevation. The path is primarily dirt and offers a scenic walk through a forested area leading to the waterfall, which is the primary highlight. The waterfall can be especially picturesque during wetter seasons.

From Wikipedia

Crabtree Falls is one of the tallest sets of waterfalls in the United States east of the Mississippi River. It is located in the George Washington National Forest in Nelson County, Virginia, off of Virginia State Route 56. The name of the falls is thought to have come from William Crabtree, who settled in this part of Virginia in 1777. L.A. Snead, former US Assistant Fuel Administrator (WWI), environmentalist and Nelsonian, spearheaded negotiations to secure land surrounding Crabtree Falls after plans to develop the falls into a resort area began in the late 1960s. Using personal and Congressional funds, the land deals were completed and the deeds transferred by LA Snead on June 3, 1968, to the National Forest System.

Source: Wikipedia — text licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Verify trail conditions and seasonal closures with the managing agency before you go.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Hazards & Warnings

steep elevation gain

Elevation Profile

Min:1,008 ft

Max:1,156 ft

191 ft

Trail Details

Dogs on leash

Route Type: Out & Back
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

We don't have curated agency sources for this trail in our cache yet. Outdoors is not the permitting authority — confirm conditions, permits, and access with the managing agency before you go. If you know who manages this trail, please tell us.

Best Seasons

Spring Summer Fall

Highlights

forest settingwaterfall

Reviews

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Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.