Crabtree Falls facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Crabtree Falls |
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A portion of Crabtree Falls
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| Location | Nelson County, Virginia, U.S. |
| Coordinates | 37°51′03″N 79°04′42″W / 37.850833°N 79.078333°W |
| Type | Cascade |
| Total height | 1,200 feet (370 m) |
| Number of drops | 5 |
| Longest drop | 400 feet (120 m) |
Crabtree Falls is one of the tallest groups of waterfalls in the United States east of the Mississippi River. You can find it in the George Washington National Forest in Nelson County, Virginia. The falls are named after William Crabtree, who settled in this area in 1777.
In the late 1960s, there were plans to build a resort near the falls. However, a person named L.A. Snead worked hard to protect the land. He helped buy the land around Crabtree Falls. On June 3, 1968, this land became part of the National Forest System. This helped keep the beautiful waterfalls safe for everyone to enjoy.
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Discovering Crabtree Falls
Crabtree Falls gets its water from Crabtree Creek. This water then flows into the Tye River. People often say the waterfalls are about 1,200 feet (370 m) high. However, special maps show the total drop is closer to 1,000 feet (300 m).
What is a Cascading Waterfall?
Crabtree Falls is a series of "cascading" waterfalls. This means the water flows down many steps or levels, not just one big drop. There are five main cascades, plus many smaller ones. The tallest single drop is about 400 feet (120 m). The water travels about 2,500 feet (760 m) horizontally from top to bottom.
Tallest Drops in the East
The 400-foot (120 m) drop at Crabtree Falls makes it the tallest vertical drop for a waterfall east of the Mississippi River. But if you're looking for the tallest "free-fall" drop, where water falls without touching the rock face, that title goes to Fall Creek Falls in Tennessee.
Exploring the Crabtree Falls Trail
The United States Forest Service takes care of a special path called the Crabtree Falls Trail. This trail lets visitors see the amazing waterfalls up close. It's important to stay on the marked path for your safety. The rocks around waterfalls can be very slippery and dangerous. Always follow the signs and warnings to have a safe and fun visit.
More Places to Learn
Online Resources
- US Forest Service website for the Crabtree Falls Trail
- World Waterfall entry for Crabtree Falls
- Nelson County Webpage for Crabtree Falls
