Waterfall · Nelson County, Virginia

Crabtree Falls

Waterfall about 12 miles west of Nellysford, VA.

4.9 · 454 Google reviews

Photo of Crabtree Falls near Nellysford, VA

About Crabtree Falls

Crabtree Falls is a named waterfall in Nelson County, Virginia, located about 12 miles west of Nellysford. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Massies Mill 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 37°50′35″ N, 79°04′28″ W (37.84319, -79.07447). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Crabtree Creek (stream, 0.6 mi), Meadow Creek (stream, 0.6 mi), and Pinnacle Ridge (ridge, 1.0 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Glenn Falls, 8.4 miles to the northwest.

5 major cascades & a number of smaller ones that fall a total distance of 1,200 ft.

What Visitors Mention

Topics that come up most often in Google reviews of Crabtree Falls:

Crabtree Fallsuphill hikeelevation gainslippery rockscreektrail lengthrocky trailslippery when weteasy hikeice on trails

More Photos

1,998 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.

Weather at Crabtree Falls

Full NWS forecast

Forecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.

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Source: National Weather Service.

Conditions at Crabtree Falls

Sun and Daylight Today

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Times in New York time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.

Elevation

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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.

Nearest Stream Gauge

Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...

Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.

Map and Directions

The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Crabtree Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.

Visitor Ratings

Crabtree Falls holds a 4.9 average from 454 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:

5★405
4★40
3★6
2★2
1★1

Read reviews on Google

Named Landmarks Nearby

These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Crabtree Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.

  • Crabtree Creek — stream, 0.6 mi
  • Meadow Creek — stream, 0.6 mi
  • Pinnacle Ridge — ridge, 1.0 mi
  • Maidenhead Branch — stream, 1.4 mi
  • The Priest — summit, 1.8 mi
  • South Fork Tye River — stream, 1.8 mi
  • North Fork Tye River — stream, 1.8 mi

Before You Visit

  • Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
  • Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
  • Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
  • Download offline maps and save the coordinates 37.84319, -79.07447. Use our waterfall hike packing list.

Waterfalls Near Crabtree Falls

Photo of Glenn Falls near Stuarts Draft, VA

Glenn Falls

Stuarts Draft, VA · 8.4 mi northwest
3.0 (18)
Photo of Crabtree Falls, a waterfall 9.9 miles from The Falls
Pictured: nearby Crabtree Falls (9.9 mi)

The Falls

Lovingston, VA · 9.9 mi east
1.0 (1)
Photo of Glenn Falls, a waterfall 4.5 miles from Gibbs Falls
Pictured: nearby Glenn Falls (4.5 mi)

Gibbs Falls

East Lexington, VA · 13 mi northwest
Photo of Panther Falls near Buena Vista, VA

Panther Falls

Buena Vista, VA · 15 mi southwest
4.4 (80)

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Crabtree Falls located?

Crabtree Falls is in Nelson County, Virginia, about 12 miles west of Nellysford. Its coordinates are 37.84319, -79.07447 (37°50′35″ N, 79°04′28″ W).

What town is closest to Crabtree Falls?

The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Nellysford, VA, about 12 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.

What waterfalls are near Crabtree Falls?

The closest is Glenn Falls (8.4 mi northwest). Others within reach include The Falls (9.9 mi), Statons Creek Falls (11 mi), and Gibbs Falls (13 mi).

Which USGS topographic map shows Crabtree Falls?

Crabtree Falls appears on the USGS Massies Mill 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.