4/13: Cloudy, Cool and Rain Today in Nelson County. We are waking up to clouds and cooler temps this morning. Expect rain in the PM. Today’s highs will be in the lower 50’s in the valley and only in the mid-40’s in the mountains. For the full, local weather report, visit www.NelsonCountyLife.com
Spring Watch:
Devil’s Knob Golf: Opens April 17th
Stoney Creek Golf: Open year-round
Earth Day: April 22
Trillium Flowers: Bloom in early-May (pink flower at top of blog page)
Wildflower Symposium in Wintergreen: May 15-17
Blue Ridge Parkway Visitors Center: Open at the end of May
The Blue Ridge Parkway: Visit my Blue Ridge Parkway Blog at www.ExperienceBlueRidgeParkway.blogspot.com Follow us on a 10 day End-2-End Adventure on the Blue Ridge Parkway later this month.
Questions, Answers, Updates & Requests
Send your questions, updates and requests to kim@ExperienceNelsonCounty.com I love receiving your emails and posting information to the daily blog!
Real Estate Today: Pick Up Real Estate Flyers in the Mountain Inn. Visit the entry kiosk in the Mountain Inn Lodge to pick up real estate listing flyers or visit the Wintergreen Resort Premier Properties office just inside the Mountain Inn. We are the official real estate office of Wintergreen Resort and are open seven days a week.
Q: How far is Crabtree Falls from Wintergreen Resort?
A: Crabtree Falls is approximately a 30 minute drive on mountain roads---but well worth the drive. It is a great hike and picnic area.
Crabtree Falls Hike
Special Note about Crabtree Falls: You should not visit Crabtree Falls unless you are committed to Staying on the trail. Over the years, we have had 24 hikers slip and fall to their deaths, including a hiker last year. All of these hikers had left the trail and were trying to climb on the moss-covered rocks and waterfall. The rocks are covered with a black moss/algae that is extremely slick. This is also not the place to consume alcoholic beverages. The trails are well maintained and provide some wonderful views and photo opportunities of the falls. There is no need to leave these trails to risk life.
That said, Crabtree Falls is one of my favorite areas around Nelson County. It is also one of the most photographed places in the county. It is beautiful any season. If you are visiting Central-Virginia, Crabtree Falls is a must-see.
Crabtree Falls is on Rt. 56 in Nelson County. You can reach Rt. 56W from either Rt. 151 or the Blue Ridge Parkway. On the average, twenty-two thousand visitors walk the Crabtree Falls trail each year. There is paved parking available ($3 fee) There are no vendors for snacks, water or any beverages. I always suggest that you bring a day pack with snacks and water.
Some consider Crabtree Falls to be the highest waterfall east of the Mississippi River. It is the highest waterfall in Virginia. The falls consist of five waterfalls (and many smaller ones) on Crabtree Creek. Within a half mile the creek drops over 1200 feet. The land is part of the George Washington National Forest. The trail is well developed with wooden stairs, gravel paths, and railed overlooks. A few years ago, I was walking this trail a few times a week, and I am only a moderate hiker.
The trail is 1.5 miles to the highest waterfall overlook (3 miles round trip) or you can go 3 miles to Crabtree Meadows (6 miles round trip). The first observation deck is only 700 ft past the parking lot and is the perfect place for photographs if you do not want to climb the trial.
There are benches a long the way if you need to take a break. Take your time and you will be rewarded with some great views and mountain scenes.
Past the first overlook, the trail becomes gravel. There are nine switch-backs on the way up to the highest fall. At the top of the highest fall, there is an observation deck with an amazing view of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Along the trail, you will see only hemlock, yellow birch, striped maple and American elm.
As a side note, the Appalachian Trail can be reached from a .5 mile side trail out of Crabtree Meadows. Crabtree Meadows is an open area with apple trees. It is a National Forest primitive campsite with water.
When visiting Crabtree Falls, remember you camera.
I hope to see you in beautiful Nelson County soon…
Kim Chappell is a graduate from the Realtor Institute and is an agent with Wintergreen Resort Premier Properties, the official real estate office of Wintergreen Resort. Kim also lists and sells property in beautiful Nelson County. Contact Kim Chappell at kim@ExperienceNelsonCounty.com or 434-238-2430. The Free Daily Blog is posted on both www.ExperienceNelsonCounty.com and www.ExperienceWintergreen.com
