Crabtree Falls (U.S. Forest Service)

Description

Elevation: 1593 ft.

Several tiers of gently cascading water comprise Crabtree Falls. Surrounded by hardwood forests, with large oaks, maples, birch, and hickories, this is an awe-inspiring scenic area whose natural beauty is sure to impress any visitor. The naturalist will enjoy hearing the cries of resident red-shouldered hawks or the evening serenades of great horned and barred owls. In the summer, Louisiana waterthrush can be found hopping along rock beds that line the water. Yellow-billed cuckoo and American redstart also breed here. The dazzling ebony jewelwing, black-winged damselfly with an electrifying metallic blue-green body line the edges of the water and can also be found along woodlands edges or along the moist ravine banks.

More information is available at the provided US Forest Service website or through the Blue Ridge Parkway NPS website.

Directions

Physical Address: 10636 Crabtree Falls Hwy, Tyro, VA 22976

From I-81 near Steeles Tavern, take exit 205 for SR 606 toward Raphine and turn left (east). In 1.6 miles, turn left (northeast) onto US 11 N and then right (southeast) onto SR 56. For 11.8 miles, follow SR 56 over traintracks in Vesuvius to continue on Tye River Tpke past its intersection with the Blue Ridge Parkway, through Montebello, and finally find the parking lot entrance on the right.