2.2 miles
Distance
517 ft
Climb
-522 ft
Descent
3,710 ft
High Point

Details

  • Activities
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
  • Riding Area
    Crabtree Falls
    Little Switzerland, North Carolina
  • Difficulty Rating
    Blue rate
  • Hiking SAC Scale
    T1 Hiking
  • Trail Type
    Singletrack
  • Direction
    Both Directions
    Popular direction shown
  • Dogs Allowed
    Yes
  • Global Ranking
    #4235 in Hiking [+]
    • #72036 in Trail Running
  • Local Popularity
    80 in Hiking [+]
    • 80 in Trail Running
  • Land Owner
    United States Forest Service

The scenic 2.5-mile loop trail to Crabtree Falls is moderate to strenuous with a steep incline and rocky terrain. Hikers should allow 1.5 to 2.5 hours for the entire hike.

From the trailhead in the parking lot behind the campground entrance, the trail descends .9 mile to the falls through a mixed oak-hickory forest. Hikers also will pass through a thicket of rosebay rhododendron.

At the base of the trail is spectacular Crabtree Falls, where water cascades over a 60-foot rock cliff. Many types of ferns and wildflowers thrive in the hollow, benefiting from the waterfall's cool spray. The wet rocks here are slippery. Please do not climb on the rocks.

After viewing the falls, hikers can return either by retracing their steps, or by continuing on a longer but more gradual ascent back to the parking lot. The longer route begins as a moderately steep switchback that provides another beautiful view of the falls. Once reaching the top of the ridge, the path levels out and meanders across Crabtree Creek and its tributaries. When the trail reaches the perimeter of the campground, signs direct hikers back to the trailhead parking area near the entrance station.

source: ...
Traditionally Indigenous Territory
More Stats for Crabtree Falls Trail hike trail trail
  • Altitude change
    -4 ft
  • Altitude min
    3,251 ft
  • Altitude start
    3,663 ft
  • Altitude end
    3,658 ft
  • Grade max
    -36.5%
  • Grade min
    40.8%
  • Distance climb
    1 mile
  • Distance down
    1 mile
  • Distance flat
    338 ft
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