Updated July 2026
Crabtree Falls
A scenic cascade reached by trail from Milepost 339.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, descending through forest to a viewing area at the base. Note: the trail and surrounding facilities have experienced closures from Hurricane Helene damage, so check current conditions before visiting.
Before you go
Waterfalls are hazardous by nature — wet rock, cold water, and unstable edges — and flow varies enormously with season and recent rain. Trail figures here describe the route as documented, not conditions today. Check NPS - Blue Ridge Parkway for closures and current conditions, and confirm land status before setting out.
Graded lakes within 25 miles
- BLake James · Burke County · 14.4 mi
- ABurnett Reservoir · Buncombe County · 14.8 mi
- BBeetree Reservoir · Buncombe County · 18.7 mi
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Frequently Asked Questions
Crabtree Falls drops about 70 feet. That makes it the 322nd-tallest documented waterfall in this inventory, taller than roughly 53% of the falls listed here. Height comes from published land-manager and survey records, not from our own measurement.
The Crabtree Falls Loop Trail reaches it about 2.5 miles (loop) with roughly 574 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate. The nearest town is Little Switzerland. That describes the route as documented, not conditions on the day — check with NPS - Blue Ridge Parkway for closures and current conditions.
spring. Waterfall flow swings enormously with snowmelt and recent rain, so a fall that roars in spring can be a trickle by late summer.
More North Carolina waterfalls
- Bridal Veil Falls · 120 ft
- Catawba Falls · 100 ft
- Courthouse Falls · 45 ft
- Cullasaja Falls · 200 ft
- Daniel Ridge Falls · 150 ft
- Dill Falls · 50 ft
- Douglas Falls · 60 ft
- Dry Falls · 75 ft
Sources
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