August 27, 2010
(Micaville, NC) The Crabtree Meadows Recreation Area at milepost 339.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway has been renamed Crabtree Falls Recreation Area. While the small amount of remaining meadow reflects the area’s history as a farming community, the name change was implemented to highlight the spectacular waterfall on Crabtree Creek. Many visitors are unaware of the opportunity to experience the two and a half mile Crabtree Falls Loop Trail and Crabtree Falls.
The 253-acre Crabtree Falls Recreation Area is a great place to take a day trip or spend the weekend. It has a campground with tent and RV sites, a free picnic area with grills, and a restaurant and gift shop.
Crabtree Falls trail is two and one-half miles, round trip, and is moderate to strenuous with about 500 feet of elevation gain. It starts in the campground, turning right at the loop trail junction. The path descends through a hardwood forest of oak, birch, hickory and rhododendron thickets.
Steep, narrow switchbacks lead to the falls where you can admire the 60-foot cascade from the safety of a wooden bridge.
Always stay on the trail and do not climb on or around the slick, wet rocks near the falls.
Directions:
From Asheville, take the Blue Ridge Parkway north about 40 miles to the Crabtree Falls Recreation Area. The picnic area is at Milepost 340. The campground is at Milepost 339.
Another route is to head out on Interstate 40 East to Old Fort and take the U.S. Highway 70 exit. Follow the signs to NC Highway 80 to the Blue Ridge Parkway, then head north to the Crabtree area.
For more information, call Crabtree Falls Campground at (828) 675-5444.
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