Spring is here in the Shenandoah Valley, and it has us excited for all of the outdoor adventures and fun activities we’ll be enjoying from now until fall. One of our favorite things to do as the weather warms up is to take the hike to Crabtree Falls, Virginia. There are plenty of options for hiking between Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway, but Crabtree Falls, Virginia, is one we can return to time and time again.
The best part about Crabtree Falls, Virginia, is that it’s just minutes from our luxurious Bed and Breakfast and vacation cabins in Virginia. You’ll find plenty of fun things to do in the nearby Shenandoah National Park and Blue Ridge Parkway and the exciting towns of Lexington and Staunton. When you need a bit of time to yourself for rest and relaxation, we have that covered, too!
We offer five stately guest rooms in the Manor House and an additional five private cabins spread throughout our property, along with 50 beautiful acres to explore. Coupled with exceptional hospitality and a broad range of on-site amenities, it’s no wonder we’re rated as one of the best places to stay in Virginia. Book your room at our Shenandoah Valley Bed and Breakfast today!
Enjoy the Hike at Crabtree Falls, Virginia
There’s no shortage of fantastic hiking near our Virginia Bed and Breakfast. There’s no doubt that one of our favorite nearby hikes to take is Crabtree Falls, Virginia. The trail is short, at just under 2.5 miles roundtrip, but it’s gorgeous.
Crabtree Falls, Virginia, is considered the highest waterfall east of the Mississippi River, which is one of the reasons it’s such a popular one to visit. In total, Crabtree Falls VA cascades down for 1,200 feet. Though it’s technically five main cascades and several smaller ones along the way, they add up together to be a truly spectacular sight.
You’ll catch your first glimpse of Crabtree Falls, Virginia, pretty quickly once you begin the hike. The first overlook is just about 700 feet into the trail, on a gently sloping ad paved section for easy access. After this point, the hike gets a bit steeper and more strenuous. Still, there are four more overlooks offering wonderful views of Crabtree Falls, Virginia, not to mention the Tye River Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Once you’ve crossed the bridge in front of the waterfall and snapped those picture-perfect photos you came here for, we recommend you continue hiking to Crabtree Meadows. It’s stunning in summer when the wildflowers are blooming.
Aside from being beautiful, Crabtree Falls, Virginia, is also considered a very accessible hike, and the scenery makes for a lovely picnic spot. Our Crabtree Falls Picnic package is one of our most popular packages and includes the following:
- Trail map
- List of our favorite picnic spots
- Picnic for two including two sandwiches (STM pimento cheese, turkey & cheese, or chicken salad), homemade pasta salad or dixie caviar, fresh fruit, STM cookies, two bags of Route 11 chips, and two bottles of water
More Great Waterfalls in Virginia
As scenic as the hike to Crabtree Falls, Virginia is, there are plenty more beautiful and nearby waterfalls in Virginia worth seeing. Here are 5 of our favorite waterfall hikes, all within an hour of our Shenandoah Valley Bed and Breakfast.
- Doyles River Falls & Jones Run Falls are located in Shenandoah National Park, and it’s one of the most popular hikes in the southern portion of the park. There are actually several falls here and great swimming holes for those hot summer days.
- White Rock Falls is accessed from the Slacks Overlook parking lot and is a short and easy hike to a pretty waterfall. The hike also takes you through the scenic White Rock Creek Gorge and into the St. Mary’s Wilderness, a beautiful place to explore.
- Wigwam Falls is one of the smallest waterfalls in the area, but its location is interesting and worth adding to your list. There are remnants of an old railroad in the area, and the trail is primarily shaded, making it a wonderful place to take in the scenery on a warm summer’s day.
- Apple Orchard Falls is one of the most popular hiking trails in the Jefferson National Forest, and the 200-foot waterfall is as beautiful as it is impressive. Throughout the remainder of the hike, you’ll be mainly in view of beautiful streams, making this a very scenic and enjoyable hike.
- Falling Water Cascades, just over an hour from our Inn in the Peaks of Otter Recreation Area on the Blue Ridge Parkway, is absolutely worth seeing. It’s part of the Flat Top National Recreation Trail, and the 100-foot waterfall won’t disappoint.
The Best Shenandoah Valley Bed and Breakfast
One of the best things about staying at our Shenandoah Valley Bed and Breakfast is waking up to the quiet serenity of our 50-acre property. Guests in the Manor Housed will enjoy a delicious breakfast each morning of the stay, proudly using locally-sourced and farm-fresh ingredients whenever possible.
Once you’re adequately fueled up for the day ahead, adventure is yours for the taking. With great attractions like Crabtree Falls, Virginia, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Shenandoah National Park nearby, there’s certainly plenty to choose from! Of course, you’re always welcome to lounge poolside and savor the peace and quiet at the Inn. Book your room at our Shenandoah Valley Bed and Breakfast today!