The Adventure Collective 2019 Asheville Guide Sample | Page 12

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Hike To Crabtree Falls
(Blue Ridge Parkway)
Hikers and waterfall lovers wanting a moderate
to strenous hike should add the beautiful 2.5-
mile Crabtree Falls hike to their list. This is a fairly
difficult hike with some sections featuring steep
inclines and rocky terrain. Generally speaking,
most hikers require around two hours to complete
the hike.
The trail begins by descending for almost one
mile through a hardwood forest interspersed with
rhododendron before they reach Crabtree Falls –
a 60-foot cascade that tumbles down a mossy
rock cliff providing a spectacular view. The cove
provides great habitat for ferns and wildflowers
and makes for a beautiful forest ecosystem that
is well worth exploring.
To complete the hike, visitors can opt to return
the way they came or opt for a longer and
more gradual ascent back to the parking area.
To continue the loop, hikers can climb a set of
switchbacks to gain another vantage point of the
falls before criss-crossing over Crabtree Creek
as it makes its way back to the parking area at
the campground.
Directions from Asheville: Head to the Blue
Ridge Parkway north of Asheville and continue for
43 miles passing Craggy Gardens, Mount Mitchell
and other scenic views along the way to Milepost
339. The parking area at the campground will be
on the left.