As we emerge from winter in the Shenandoah Valley and have a glorious spring, summer, and fall season stretching out before us, it’s a great time to get outside and explore – and there’s nowhere better to start than at one of our favorite local hikes, Crabtree Falls, VA. It’s one of the many waterfalls in Virginia that lie along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and there are even more just to the north of us in Shenandoah National Park. Most waterfalls in Virginia, including Crabtree Falls, VA, are at their most powerful and impressive in the spring as the snow melts off from the surrounding mountains.
Crabtree Falls, VA is one of the closest waterfalls near our Bed and Breakfast in Virginia, which makes it a popular choice among our guests. We love recommending this relatively easy hike, and is a perfect compliment to your adventures on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Whether you’re hiking here, chasing other waterfalls in Virginia, or exploring the many attractions throughout the Shenandoah Valley, we’d love nothing more than to be your home away from home.
Housed in a stately mansion near the towns of Staunton and Lexington, VA, our Bed and Breakfast in Virginia offers an understated, casual elegance that can’t be beat. With warm, gracious, and attentive hospitality, you’ll want for nothing during your time with us. Apart from traditional guest rooms, we also offer more intimate getaway experiences in our romantic Shenandoah Valley cabins. Whatever it is you’re looking for in a getaway, you’ll find it here. Book your room today!
Take a Picnic to Crabtree Falls, VA
It’s not only one of the closest waterfalls to our Bed and Breakfast in Virginia, but Crabtree Falls, VA also happens to be one of the most impressive waterfalls in the state. Though it drops in multiple sections, the overall vertical drop of this impressive waterfall makes it the highest east of the Mississippi River. No wonder so many of our guests love to hike and enjoy a picnic at Crabtree Falls, VA!
The total vertical drop of Crabtree Falls, VA is an impressive 1,200 feet – though that’s broken up between five main cascades. The hike to the main attraction is equally as beautiful, too, with gorgeous views of smaller, tumbling cascades along the river and the surrounding lush greenery of the forest to accompany you along the way.
Aside from being beautiful, the hike to Crabtree Falls, VA is also considered relatively easy and is broadly accessible to a number of travelers. The hike is about 2.5 miles roundtrip, but keep in mind that the trail is at times steep and rocky. Even so, you’ll only have to walk about 700 feet to get your first view of the dramatic Crabtree Falls, VA, and this part of the trail is gently sloped, paved, and accessible.
As you hike your way to the end of the Crabtree Falls, VA trail, you’ll encounter four more overlooks – each of which makes for a lovely spot for an afternoon picnic with your sweetheart. Alternatively, you can wait until the end when you cross a bridge in front of the waterfall, taking in those picture-perfect views you came here for.
As you gear up to hike to Crabtree Falls, VA, make sure you let us know and order our fantastic Crabtree Falls Picnic to take with you. It includes the following:
- Trail map
- List of our favorite picnic spots
- Picnic for 2 including 2 sandwiches (STM pimento cheese, turkey & cheese, or chicken salad), homemade pasta salad or dixie caviar, fresh fruit, STM cookies, 2 bags of Route 11 chips, and 2 bottles of water
More Great Waterfalls in Virginia to See in 2023
As beautiful as we find Crabtree Falls, VA, there are so many other waterfalls in Virginia worth seeing in 2023. This is particularly true as you drive along the gorgeous Blue Ridge Parkway, not to mention the waterfalls in Shenandoah National Park.
Access to so many great parks and waterfalls in Virginia is one of the many great things about staying with us at our Bed and Breakfast in Virginia. Below, we’ve included links and descriptions of some of the best waterfalls in Virginia, including those found within the Shenandoah National Park and either on or near the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Waterfalls in Shenandoah National Park
- Though there are several outstanding waterfalls in Virginia to see in Shenandoah National Park, by far the best place to go is Whiteoak Canyon. There are six waterfalls alone here, all of which tumble through the gorge of Whiteoak Run. It’s a gorgeous place to spend a day hiking.
- Overall Run Falls is one of the waterfalls in Virginia that’s farthest from our Bed and Breakfast in Virginia – but it’s impressive and well worth your effort. At 93 feet high, it’s the tallest waterfall in Shenandoah National Park.
- Another gem in Shenandoah National Park is Hazel River Falls, but it’s a gorgeous chute-style waterfall that drops 25 feet into a picturesque punchbowl.
- Dark Hollow Falls is located just off Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park and is a classic stair-stepping waterfall as it cascades down the river for a total descent of 70 feet.
- Don’t miss South River Falls, which drops an impressive 83 feet surrounded by some truly gorgeous natural scenery.
- The final waterfall to see on Skyline drive is Doyles River Falls. This hike should be combined with Jones Run Falls, as the same trail accesses both waterfalls. Upper Doyles Falls is a beautiful three-tiered waterfall that cascades 30 feet.
Waterfalls Near the Blue Ridge Parkway
- If you’re looking for a hidden gem waterfall that won’t have large crowds, visit the Mine Bank Cascades on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It’s a slide-style waterfall part of the Saint Mary’s Wilderness surrounded by lush scenery and gorgeous cascading water. This one is best seen in the spring when water levels are at their highest.
- While in the Saint Mary’s Wilderness, don’t miss the chance to see the 25-foot-tall Saint Mary’s Waterfall.
- White Rock Falls is accessed from the Slacks Overlook parking lot and is a short and easy hike to a pretty waterfall.
- Staton’s Creek Falls is another of the most impressive waterfalls in Virginia, tumbling 140 feet in multiple stages.
- Just off the Blue Ridge Parkway at Natural Bridge State Park is Lace Falls, another excellent option for waterfalls in Virginia. This incredible waterfall drops for 50 feet and makes a nice addition to your time in the park.
- Apple Orchard Falls is one of the Jefferson National Forest’s most popular trails. Not only is the area beautiful, but the 200-foot drop makes this one of the most impressive waterfalls in Virginia.
- Falling Water Cascades is worth seeing and is just over an hour from our Inn. It’s part of the Flat Top National Recreation Trail, and the 100-foot waterfall won’t disappoint as it makes its way down and drops over large rock outcroppings.
Wherever your waterfall adventures take you in Virginia, whether it’s to Crabtree Falls, VA, or one of these other impressive waterfalls in Virginia, there’s no better place to serve as your home away from home than our top-rated Bed and Breakfast in Virginia. Book your room today!
