Crabtree Falls — Attraction in Stuarts Draft

This is one of my favorite waterfall hikes, and I have been on a ton. I caught it on a beautiful day of weather with substantial water flow. There are 6-8 different main locations to view the falls on the way up, and it is like a different waterfall each time only part of the same tall waterfall just broken up as it flows down the mountain. So, you are constantly getting rewarded for your efforts as you hike up. You are not able to see it the whole time, but you can hear it. Many places that are not viewpoints, you can see different parts of the fall obscured by trees and foliage. I imagine those parts would be better during the winter months.

It was about 1000 feet up, but overall it was a moderate hike because there are many spots where the trail isn't that steep. The hike to the first spot is only about a quarter of a mile and paved with a slight incline. So that part is easy. The rest is well worth it if you are physically up to it. The last view of the fall is 1.4 miles, but the view from the top at 1.7 miles is worth the extra little bit because the view at the top of the surrounding mountains...

Crabtree Falls is in the George Washington National park with a $3 fee. The ticket machine was down so cash only. There was plenty of parking and even an emergency pay phone. The phone did not except coins but you could make collect calls! There are primitive bathrooms at the trailhead and the first part of the trial is handicapped accessible up to a beautiful waterfall! The hike is 3.4 round trip out and back. The 1.7 mile straight up 1100 elevation gain was challenging in spots. The entire hike took us 2.5 hours total to complete. The trail was well marked with multiple spots that were steep and a couple areas where there are steps and stairs both stone and wooden. Beautiful viewing spots of the river and falls along the way. The last viewing spot of the fall is at the 1.4 mile marker. This by far is the best spot to see it cascading from the top. The view from the top was vast and of the valley below. Defiantly worth the effort and is our new...

Wild and beautiful… Crabtree Falls in the George Washington National Forest is beautiful in all seasons. This is a moderately strenuous 3.1-mile out-and-back trail type with 1076ft elevation gain offering multiple views of this cascading waterfalls. The first overlook is the easiest part of the hike to reach to experience the stunning waterfalls. Good hiking boots and sufficient water are advised for this hike. The whole path is well maintained and clearly marked. This is a fairly steep trail with staircases and plenty of switchbacks. The trail was full of good characters. Even though there was less water flow in the winter, we still had a great time hiking since it provides unhindered views of the falls and allowed us to hear the water more clearly without the foliage to tone down the sound. We had our snack here, took some time to take in the view, and completed the...