Crabtree Falls (North Carolina) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Crabtree Falls |
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| Location | Blue Ridge Mountains, Blue Ridge Parkway, Little Switzerland, North Carolina |
| Coordinates | 35°49′10″N 82°09′03″W / 35.8195°N 82.1508°W |
| Type | Cascade |
| Total height | 70 ft (21 m) |
| Number of drops | 1 |
Crabtree Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. It's a popular spot for visitors to enjoy nature and go hiking. The falls are found near the border of McDowell and Yancey counties.
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Exploring Crabtree Falls' Natural Beauty
Crabtree Falls is a 70-foot tall waterfall. It's called a 'cascade' because the water flows over many small rock ledges. This makes the waterfall look delicate and spread out. The water then gently falls into a clear pool at the bottom.
Even though the name suggests "crabtrees," you won't find many here today. However, in the spring, the trail comes alive with many kinds of wildflowers. You might even spot four different types of trillium flowers. By July, the forest is full of green ferns. They love soaking up the mist from the falls. You can also see beautiful rosebay rhododendron flowers blooming.
The Story Behind Crabtree Falls' Name
The waterfall we know as Crabtree Falls today wasn't always called that. On older maps, it was sometimes labeled "Upper Falls." Another waterfall on a different creek was originally called Crabtree Falls.
Long ago, this area was known as Murphy's Falls. A small community lived nearby, complete with a church and a blacksmith shop. When the famous Blue Ridge Parkway was built in the 1930s, the National Park Service decided to rename the waterfall. They chose the name Crabtree Falls, which is what we call it now.
Visiting Crabtree Falls: Your Adventure Guide
If you want to visit Crabtree Falls, you'll find the starting point for the trail at mile marker 339.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This is just outside the Crabtree Falls Campground.
The trail is a loop, meaning it starts and ends in the same place. It's about 2.5 miles long and is considered a medium to strenuous hike. The path leading down to the base of the falls is rugged and about 0.9 miles long. The return trip is a gentler 1.5-mile uphill walk. This part of the trail follows Crabtree Creek upstream before looping back to the parking area.
Other Waterfalls Nearby
If you enjoy waterfalls, there are other beautiful ones close to Crabtree Falls:
- Murphy Falls
- Big Crabtree Falls
- Grassy Creek Falls
- Falls of Gouges Creek
Gallery
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Winter
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Winter
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Foot Bridge
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Crabtree Creek Upstream
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