Crabtree Falls - Tyro, VA
Crabtree Falls – A Unique Pet-Friendly Hiking Experience in Tyro, VA
Discover the beauty of Crabtree Falls, nestled within George Washington National Forest, just off the famous Blue Ridge Parkway. This scenic destination is not a traditional dog park, but it offers pet-friendly hiking trails perfect for adventurers seeking a dog-friendly getaway in Tyro, VA. With a moderately strenuous 3.1-mile out-and-back trail and over 1,000 feet of elevation gain, you and your furry friend can enjoy multiple breathtaking views of cascading waterfalls through well-maintained, clearly marked paths. The forest setting offers a rich sensory experience for both people and pets year-round, with easy access to the first overlook and a paved, handicapped-accessible trail section.
Crabtree Falls features ample parking, primitive restrooms at the trailhead, emergency pay phone access, and a handicapped-accessible first portion of the trail. While the park doesn’t have classic dog park amenities like fenced areas or designated off-leash zones, it’s an excellent spot for leashed pets to explore Virginia’s natural beauty. The site is open year-round with a $3 entry fee, offering a memorable hike and stunning photo opportunities for dog owners and their canine companions.
FAQs for Dog Owners Visiting Crabtree Falls
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, Crabtree Falls offers a 3.1 to 3.4 mile round-trip hiking trail with numerous waterfall viewpoints.
- Is there parking available at the park? Yes, there is plenty of parking at Crabtree Falls.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? The first portion of the trail to the initial waterfall overlook is paved and handicapped accessible.
- Are restrooms available for owners? Primitive restrooms are available at the trailhead.
- Is there a fee to enter? Yes, there is a $3 entry fee for Crabtree Falls.
- Is the park open year-round? Yes, Crabtree Falls is open in all seasons.
- Is the trail maintained? Yes, the trail is well maintained and clearly marked throughout.
Reviews
We’re passing through the Blue Ridge Parkway and stopped in for a brief 30-minute hike.
Best time to go is in the fall when the colors are changing perhaps the third or fourth week of October.
Plenty of parking and very easy access. Trails is very well maintained.
Highly recommend 👌
We’re passing through the Blue Ridge Parkway and stopped in for a brief 30-minute hike.
Best time to go is in the fall when the colors are changing perhaps the third or fourth week of October.
Plenty of parking and very easy access. Trails is very well maintained.
Highly recommend 👌
Tue 8/12: 9:25 am. Plenty of parking. The last .7 mile of the hike was to reach upper falls was a lot easier than the first mile or so (that’s after the lower falls).
Tue 8/12: 9:25 am. Plenty of parking. The last .7 mile of the hike was to reach upper falls was a lot easier than the first mile or so (that’s after the lower falls).
Tue 8/12: 9:25 am. Plenty of parking. The last .7 mile of the hike was to reach upper falls was a lot easier than the first mile or so (that’s after the lower falls).
Wild and beautiful…
Crabtree Falls in the George Washington National Forest is beautiful in all seasons. This is a moderately strenuous 3.1-mile out-and-back trail type with 1076ft elevation gain offering multiple views of this cascading waterfalls. The first overlook is the easiest part of the hike to reach to experience the stunning waterfalls. Good hiking boots and sufficient water are advised for this hike. The whole path is well maintained and clearly marked. This is a fairly steep trail with staircases and plenty of switchbacks. The trail was full of good characters. Even though there was less water flow in the winter, we still had a great time hiking since it provides unhindered views of the falls and allowed us to hear the water more clearly without the foliage to tone down the sound. We had our snack here, took some time to take in the view, and completed the hike in 3.5 hrs.
Wild and beautiful…
Crabtree Falls in the George Washington National Forest is beautiful in all seasons. This is a moderately strenuous 3.1-mile out-and-back trail type with 1076ft elevation gain offering multiple views of this cascading waterfalls. The first overlook is the easiest part of the hike to reach to experience the stunning waterfalls. Good hiking boots and sufficient water are advised for this hike. The whole path is well maintained and clearly marked. This is a fairly steep trail with staircases and plenty of switchbacks. The trail was full of good characters. Even though there was less water flow in the winter, we still had a great time hiking since it provides unhindered views of the falls and allowed us to hear the water more clearly without the foliage to tone down the sound. We had our snack here, took some time to take in the view, and completed the hike in 3.5 hrs.
Wild and beautiful…
Crabtree Falls in the George Washington National Forest is beautiful in all seasons. This is a moderately strenuous 3.1-mile out-and-back trail type with 1076ft elevation gain offering multiple views of this cascading waterfalls. The first overlook is the easiest part of the hike to reach to experience the stunning waterfalls. Good hiking boots and sufficient water are advised for this hike. The whole path is well maintained and clearly marked. This is a fairly steep trail with staircases and plenty of switchbacks. The trail was full of good characters. Even though there was less water flow in the winter, we still had a great time hiking since it provides unhindered views of the falls and allowed us to hear the water more clearly without the foliage to tone down the sound. We had our snack here, took some time to take in the view, and completed the hike in 3.5 hrs.
Crabtree Falls is in the George Washington National park with a NULL fee. The ticket machine was down so cash only. There was plenty of parking and even an emergency pay phone. The phone did not except coins but you could make collect calls! There are primitive bathrooms at the trailhead and the first part of the trial is handicapped accessible up to a beautiful waterfall! The hike is 3.4 round trip out and back. The 1.7 mile straight up 1100 elevation gain was challenging in spots. The entire hike took us 2.5 hours total to complete. The trail was well marked with multiple spots that were steep and a couple areas where there are steps and stairs both stone and wooden. Beautiful viewing spots of the river and falls along the way. The last viewing spot of the fall is at the 1.4 mile marker. This by far is the best spot to see it cascading from the top. The view from the top was vast and of the valley below. Defiantly worth the effort and is our new favorite hike.
Crabtree Falls is in the George Washington National park with a NULL fee. The ticket machine was down so cash only. There was plenty of parking and even an emergency pay phone. The phone did not except coins but you could make collect calls! There are primitive bathrooms at the trailhead and the first part of the trial is handicapped accessible up to a beautiful waterfall! The hike is 3.4 round trip out and back. The 1.7 mile straight up 1100 elevation gain was challenging in spots. The entire hike took us 2.5 hours total to complete. The trail was well marked with multiple spots that were steep and a couple areas where there are steps and stairs both stone and wooden. Beautiful viewing spots of the river and falls along the way. The last viewing spot of the fall is at the 1.4 mile marker. This by far is the best spot to see it cascading from the top. The view from the top was vast and of the valley below. Defiantly worth the effort and is our new favorite hike.