North Carolina has a wide variety of trails ranging from easy and short to strenuous and long. The following trail likely falls somewhere right in the middle and what it lacks in ease, it makes up for in fun, structural elements. Found along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Little Switzerland, the trail to Crabtree Falls is laiden with stairs, rocks, rock stairs, and footbridges making the journey as much a part of the adventure as is the epic 70-foot waterfall destination.
The trail is a near three-mile loop that begins just off the Blue Ridge Parkway at the Crabtree Falls Recreation area at milepost 339.5.
TripAdvisor/Michael C
The iconic Crabtree Falls is located at nearly the halfway point on the trail and getting there is half the fun.
Ray L / Google Maps
Bring walking sticks if you have them because this trail can be a bit of challenge… especially on the way back when the trail is mostly uphill.
TripAdvisor/NCkimb
A few sets of stone fairy steps make the trek enjoyable, albeit difficult.
TripAdvisor/Michael C
You’ll cross a bridge or two along the way and navigate over some stony paths, but for the most part (aside from the stairs) the trail is enjoyable and should take 2-3 hours.
TripAdvisor/The_Crafty_Beer_Mermaid
There is a long footbridge at the base of Crabtree Falls that is perfect for gazing up at this huge waterfall in the middle of the forest.
alltrails/Rob Ulmer
Some people wander off the path for a closer look…
TripAdvisor/Jaina H
Have you discovered this well-traveled trail and waterfall just off the Blue Ridge Parkway yet?
Google Maps/Wecamp04
Milepost 339.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway also boasts a picnic area and a campground. Bring some food and stay a while! Learn more about this fairy tale hike to Crabtree Falls in North Carolina from this link on alltrails.com!
TripAdvisor/Michael C
Ray L / Google Maps
TripAdvisor/NCkimb
TripAdvisor/The_Crafty_Beer_Mermaid
alltrails/Rob Ulmer
TripAdvisor/Jaina H
Google Maps/Wecamp04
Do you love chasing waterfalls? Check out eight more must-do waterfalls hikes in North Carolina! Keep reading here.
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