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There
are those who argue that Crabtree
Falls is technically not a waterfall but a series of five striking major
cascades and a series of smaller ones that, in total, tumble a staggering 1,200
feet. Just to give you a contrast, the height of Niagara Falls’ Horseshoe Falls
(the wider of the two) is 162 feet, while the American Falls is 167 feet.
The hiking trail that leads to the falls offers
numerous scenic delights. The trail crosses an arched wooden bridge spanning
the Tye River and meanders through the forest to the first overlook just 700
feet from the lower parking lot (off Route 56). It continues up the
mountainside to additional overlooks. If you make it to the top, you’ll have a
splendid panoramic view of the mountains surrounding you and the cascading falls
at your feet. The trail ends at Crabtree Meadows, but a half mile past the open
meadow there is a link-up with the Appalachian Trail.
The water is highest at the falls from winter
through spring, but fall is a colorful season to hike this trail. Good hiking
boots or comfortable walking shoes are recommended. The trail does get icy
during the winter months so exercise caution.
If you head south of Crabtree Falls, you can
visit Woodson’s Mill, which is on the National Register of Historic
Places. Historians consider this a significant example of a still-operational
19th-century mill. For the past two centuries---though not
continuously---wheat, corn and other grains have been ground by water power from
Piney River. Currently five tons a week are ground at Woodson’s Mill.
The mill, originally called “Big Piney Mill”
was constructed in 1794 by Guiliford Campbell. Only the foundation remains of
that first mill. The present structure was completed in 1845 and expanded soon
after the Civil War. It is a four-story post-and-beam double overshot
gristmill, one of the few of its kind in the country. In 1900 the mill was
purchased by Dr. Julian Woodson, who was a medical doctor, a dentist and a
miller. His mill became such a center of community life that it may have
contributed to his later election as state senator.
There were a number of decades when the mill
stood idle, but in 1983 it was purchased by J. Gill Bokenbrough, Jr. who is
president of the First Colony Coffee and Tea Company of Norfolk. The head
miller is Steve Roberts of Massies Mill. Today two water wheels run the mill: a
small Fitz-type wheel that provides the mill’s electricity and the large 12-1/2
foot steel Fitz wheel that drives the two runs of millstones. Woodson’s Mill is
open on Saturday from 8:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. There is an operational cider
press at the mill and picnic tables on the grounds.
If you head northeast from Crabtree Falls you
will reach Wintergreen Resort, an excellent spot from which to explore
Nelson County. This year-round vacation mecca has 36 holes of championship golf,
17 ski slopes and trails, 25 tennis courts, an indoor-outdoor spa, 30 miles of
marked hiking trails plus riding trails, six swimming pools and a 20-acre lake.
Day guests may use many of the recreational facilities; for information call
(804) 325-2200. The resort hosts a wide range of special events.
Directions: From I-64 take Exit 99 (Afton Mountain) and follow the signs to the
Blue Ridge Parkway south. Stay on the parkway to Route 56 east. Turn left on
Route 56 and follow the signs to Crabtree Falls. From I-81 take the Raphine
exit. Turn east onto Route 56 toward Steeles Tavern. Cross the Blue Ridge
Parkway and continue on Route 56 to Crabtree Falls. For Woodson’s Mill continue
west on Route 56 to the intersection with Route 151, then head south on Route
151/56. Turn right on Route 778 and head west for two miles to Lowesville. The
mill is on the left just across the river. For Wintergreen, at the intersection
of Routes 56 and 151, head north on Route 51, then bear left on Route 664.
Wintergreen is between Blue Ridge Parkway mileposts 13 and 14 (see Blue Ridge
Parkway selection). For more information call the Nelson County Division of
Tourism at (800) 282-8223.
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