Trip to Crabtree Falls

Lovely views on the way to Crabtree Falls.

Three friends headed out Saturday to explore the Blue Ridge Parkway.  I had it in my mind that on a beautiful fall day the place to go would be the Shenandoah National Park.  Charlottesville is conveniently located just a short drive between both of these beautiful natural areas.  Basically, right off I-64 you either head South to the Blue Ridge Parkway or North to Shenandoah National Forest.

The upper section of Crabtree Falls.

I bet you did not realize that only one hour away from Charlottesville on the Blue Ridge Parkway is the highest vertical-drop cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River!  Crabtree Falls is located in Nelson County, Virginia, just six miles off the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway near milepost 27.  It was pretty crowded this peak fall day but it was not obnoxiously crowded.  There were moments of quiet and solitude and I can imagine this spot would be wonderful to visit just about any time of the year.

 

A 3 mile hike up gets you to the top of the falls that travel 1,200 feet down.  Twenty-seven people have fallen off the falls and died (most were not on the trail).  A sign at the falls cautions: "Young men and women between 18 and 25 years of age, who are bright, intelligent and educated fit the profile of the victims of the siren of Crabtree Falls."   We only went 1/2 way up as one section is literally an extreme vertical flight of stairs up to the sky. It is not insurmountable but it is very steep and we didn't want to be victim #28, 29, and 30. 

The falls are thought to be named after William Crabtree of 1777.  Crabtree Falls was mentioned in the Walton's Television Show but never filmed as part of the show.  This is an outstanding camping and cabin rental area complete with a store and many hiking opportunities.

Searching the Pumpkin Patch.

After leaving the falls, we happened upon an Apple Festival and Trisha and I split a 1/2 a bushel of my favorite apple, the Stayman.  Wow, they are so good.  I'm putting them in pancakes, oatmeal, cookies, and now am getting ready to make some applesauce!  At the festival, there was a Pumpkin picking patch, music, and apple tasting. 

I'm ready to welcome in Fall now.  Taking a short rest before Spring planting.

-Rebecca