Crabtree Falls

Crabtree Falls descends nearly 1,200 feet in a series of five major cascades, making it the tallest vertical-drop cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River. The trail climbs alongside the falls, with overlook platforms at each major cascade providing spectacular views of the tumbling water. The forested setting of hemlocks, hardwoods, and rhododendron creates a lush backdrop, especially beautiful when spring wildflowers bloom or autumn colors peak. The upper overlooks reveal increasingly dramatic drops, with the final cascade plunging over a cliff edge into the pool below. The trail continues beyond the falls to connect with the Appalachian Trail for extended adventures. This is Virginia’s most impressive waterfall, easily accessible yet genuinely spectacular.