If you’re visiting Asheville or exploring the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, make sure to add the Crabtree Falls Trail to your itinerary! Just a 45-minute drive from downtown Asheville, this stunning waterfall is a must visit. Crabtree Falls is the perfect spot for a day hike.

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Crabtree Falls- About the Trail

Parking for this trail can be found at the old Crabtree Falls Camp Store, which is no longer open. There are still two porta potties available for use. The trail begins on the right side of the parking area and quickly intersects with the campground. Follow the signs pointing to the waterfall, and when the trail forks, be sure to stay to the right.

The hike to the waterfall is a gentle downhill walk, but the trail is full of roots and rocks, so take your time and watch your step as it can be quite uneven. There are a few narrow sets of stone steps, be sure to yield to people coming the opposite direction. These stairs can be a bit slippery when wet so be sure to hold on to the rail and don’t rush.

There’s a small bridge at the waterfall, after crossing it, you can scramble over the rocks for a closer, better view. Just be careful—those rocks can get wet and slippery. It’s not really a swimming spot since the waterfall flows straight into a creek without forming a pool.

After you are done admiring the waterfall, you have two options. Option 1: continue on the trail after the bridge to make it a 3-mile loop. Option 2: return the way you came for a total of 1.8 miles. Personally, I chose to turn around at the waterfall rather than completing the loop. If you decide to continue on the loop, the trail has several switchbacks, making it a more moderate to strenuous hike.

What to Bring on Day Hikes

Water- you should bring atleast 1-2 liters of water to stay hydrated! I prefer to carry a hydration bladder. They make it so much easier to stay hydrated on the trails without carrying around a massive water bottle. 

Hiking Poles– on the way up, it helps distribute your weight, on the way down, they provide stability and reduces the impact on your knees. Since this trail is pretty steep, I’d recommend bringing them if you have a pair!

Hiking Boots–  If you enjoy hiking regularly, you should definitely invest in hiking boots or trail shoes. A good pair will offer you ankle support, protection from mud and streams and better tread for hiking all terrain. For trails that are mainly flat a good pair of tennis shoes will do but once you move into different trails and increasing elevation, hiking shoes are a must.

Bear Spray– One thing I hope I never need to use, but always have on hand! Black bears are known to be in the Blue Ridge Mountains so I recommend having bear spray on hand in case you encounter one.

Snacks– depending on how long the hike is, I might just bring a few cliff bars, trail mix or fruit. For longer hikes I like to have something more substantial, such as a sandwich and some beef jerky.