Description
Elevation: 1593 ft.
Several tiers of gently cascading water comprise Crabtree Falls. Surrounded by hardwood forests, with large oaks, maples, birch, and hickories, this is an awe-inspiring scenic area whose natural beauty is sure to impress any visitor. The naturalist will enjoy hearing the cries of resident red-shouldered hawks or the evening serenades of great horned and barred owls. In the summer, Louisiana waterthrush can be found hopping along rock beds that line the water. Yellow-billed cuckoo and American redstart also breed here. The dazzling ebony jewelwing, black-winged damselfly with an electrifying metallic blue-green body line the edges of the water and can also be found along woodlands edges or along the moist ravine banks.
Notes:
- As with all Virginia Bird & Wildlife Trail sites within the George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, please visit the Alerts webpage to check this location’s status before heading out.
Wildlife Sightings
Birds Recently Seen at Crabtree Falls (U.S. Forest Service):
- Mourning Dove
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird
- Turkey Vulture
- Downy Woodpecker
- Eastern Wood-Pewee
- Yellow-throated Vireo
- Red-eyed Vireo
- Common Raven
- Carolina Chickadee
- White-breasted Nuthatch
95 species have been reported at this site to date.
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 4 Aug 2026 | 16 | Andrew Peel |
| 8 Jul 2026 | 1 | Matt Powers |
| 8 Jul 2026 | 1 | Joanna Lee |
| 5 Jul 2026 | 5 | Nick Newberry |
| 5 Jul 2026 | 5 | Tonya Kirker |
Amenities & Accessibility Considerations
Site Amenities
- On-site Parking
- Restrooms
Other Site Amenities: Hiking Trails
Maps & Directions
Physical Address: 10636 Crabtree Falls Hwy, Tyro, VA 22976
From I-81 near Steeles Tavern, take exit 205 for SR 606 toward Raphine and turn left (east). In 1.6 miles, turn left (northeast) onto US 11 N and then right (southeast) onto SR 56. For 11.8 miles, follow SR 56 over traintracks in Vesuvius to continue on Tye River Tpke past its intersection with the Blue Ridge Parkway, through Montebello, and finally find the parking lot entrance on the right.
Site Information
Managed By:
- U.S. Forest Service
Access Requirements:
Contact Information:
- Visit Website
Sites, or portions of sites, can be closed periodically for management activities. Please always check the site’s website for additional information prior to visiting.