A Quiet Mountain Hike with a Reward at the End
Just outside of Banner Elk, tucked into the peaceful valley of Valle Crucis, Crab Orchard Falls is one of the High Country’s most rewarding short hikes. The waterfall’s peaceful setting, accessibility, and surrounding forest make it a favorite for both locals and visitors seeking a quiet nature escape. Getting there feels like stepping into a slower, quieter version of the mountains where you can relax and just let nature envelop you.
Crab Orchard Falls is a 40 foot cascading waterfall, flowing over a series of rock ledges into a shallow pool below. Rather than a single dramatic drop, the falls spread out across multiple tiers, creating a gentle, picturesque cascade surrounded by boulders and lush vegetation.
The moderate trail winds through classic Blue Ridge woods featuring tall hardwoods, mossy rocks, and thick tunnels of rhododendron that make parts of the trail feel almost hidden. In the warmer months, everything is green and alive. In the fall, the colors light up the entire hillside.
Where It All Begins
Crab Orchard Falls is located at the Valle Crucis Conference Center, right next to the Church of the Holy Cross. The falls are on private property, but the Conference Center generously allows public access to hikers.
There’s designated waterfall parking near a cluster of old buildings and open fields, with the sound of a creek somewhere nearby and the mountains rising softly in the background.
The trail begins at the end of the parking area. Pass Johnson Hall and you’ll see a sign for Crab Orchard Falls at the beginning of the trailhead with a smooth gravel path leading toward the woods.
The Walk In
At first, the trail is wide and easy, easing you into the hike. But it doesn’t take long before the forest closes in and the climb begins. The moderate trail is approximately 1.3 to 1.6 miles round trip depending on the route you take with an elevation gain of around 375 feet.
The interesting thing about this trail is it almost has a choose your own adventure element to it. Originally there was only one way to reach the waterfall
You’ve got two options here:
The “Old” Trail- A steeper, more direct path that gets your legs burning pretty quickly. This part of the trail rocky and dotted with the occasional rooty patch or large “pothole,” making it quite a bit more challenging.
The “New” Trail – A longer trail that winds its way up the mountain over packed soil with gentle switchbacks. The new trail officially opened in June 2024 as part of a trail improvement project to make the trail more accessible to all types of hikers and to handle the increased traffic after becoming more known.
Either way, you’re heading uphill. It really depends on what type of hike you are looking for. If you’re looking for a quicker hike, take the “Old” trail. If you’re like me and like to meander through the woods and soak in what nature has to offer, the “New” trail is perfect for you.
Both trails have benches along the way, although the ones on the “New” trail have backs, while the ones on the “Old” trail are backless and are numbered.
The New Trail
Shortly after passing Johnson Hall, you’ll see a wide trail that splits in two directions. Here’s where the adventure begins. You’ll see a sign with arrows pointing toward the Old Trail and the New Trail.
I set off toward the New Trail. The trail splits off here. I head toward the flat level way since this is listed as the easier way. I only walked a few steps before encountering a sign saying Waterfall with an arrow pointing back the way I came from.
I retraced my steps and entered the New Trail. The trail slowly begins to ascend. The trail winds through the woods on a well cleared dirt path gently rising, sometimes dipping down and then gently rising again. The trail mostly consists of switchbacks. Just when you think the trail might be blocked, there’s a curve you didn’t even see and you follow the trail around the curve and continue up the path.
There’s several benches along the way. I like to stop and just sit for a while listening to the birds chip and feel the gentle breeze. It’s nice to just stop an relax once in a while. There’s plenty of benches along the way on the New Trail so if someone’s sitting on one, you’ll reach one a few minutes later.
In just over a half a mile the Old Trail and the New Trail intersect. I actually saw the Old Trail just before they officially merge. There’s a short path there or you can stay on the trail a few more seconds until they intersect.
Along the way, you might hear water before you see it. A faint rush somewhere below. That’s your first hint you’re getting close.
The Final Stretch
Continue walking upward until you reach a bench. The bench will have a back and is the newer style. There is a plaque attached to the bench reading “A walk in nature walks the soul back home. Brenda and Jim 2024” Near the top, you’ll see a small side trail that breaks away from the main trail and heads down toward the waterfall.
Follow the rock stairs down toward the sound of the rushing water. You’ll want to watch your footing if it has rained recently or the stairs are damp.
Then suddenly, the trees open up.
The Waterfall
Crab Orchard Falls spills down about 40 feet over a series of rock ledges, not in one big dramatic drop, but spread out across multiple tiers, creating a gentle, picturesque cascade surrounded by boulders and lush vegetation.
It’s the kind of waterfall that invites you to linger. When I arrived there was not a person in sight. I sat down and just watched the mesmerizing flow of the water cascading down. The birds were chirping and a breeze blew making it almost feel like stepping into a fairy tale. Time seemed to stand still.
Large boulders are scattered around the base, perfect for climbing around or finding a place to sit. The pool at the bottom is shallow and clear. While I was there only four other people came by. They explored around the water’s edge and climbed up to the top of the waterfall. Each of us enjoying our experience in their own way.
Nothing about it feels rushed. No crowds pushing through. No noise except the water and the wind in the trees.
Just a quiet reward at the end of a short climb.
Heading Back
Alas, it was time to begin my trek back to the parking lot. Having taken the New Trail going to the waterfall, I elected to take the shorter path back to the parking lot to see what I missed.
When I returned to the main trail I headed down the Old Trail, continuing straight. The trail was a complete contrast of the New Trail. The trail was almost entirely straight downhill – tough on the ankles. There were lots of rocky places where I had to take my time to keep from slipping. There were also several rooty places and large, shallow, but wide holes in the trail. Gravity will try to assist you on the way down.
A Place with a Past
The land around Crab Orchard Falls has been part of the Valle Crucis community for generations. The name Valle Crucis means “Valley of the Cross,” a reference to the way three ridgelines intersect in the area, forming a natural cross shape. Tucked in the mountains of Watauga County, the community became one of the earliest Episcopal mission sites in western North Carolina and served as a center for education, faith, and community life.
The nearby Conference Center dates back to the 1800s and has long served as a place for rest, reflection, and gathering. Over the years, the Conference Center has quietly expanded its role, not just as a religious retreat, but as a steward of the land. Opening trails like the one to Crab Orchard Falls is part of that ongoing effort to share the landscape while preserving it.
For many years, the waterfall trail remained something of a local secret, known primarily to residents. Its popularity grew significantly during the pandemic, when more visitors began seeking outdoor destinations away from crowded tourist areas.
Even now, it still feels a little tucked away—like something you stumbled onto rather than something built for crowds.
When you hike toward Crab Orchard Falls, you’re not just walking through the woods – you’re moving through a landscape that’s been shaped by nearly two centuries of history.
Why It’s Worth the Trip
Crab Orchard Falls offers a perfect combination of accessibility and natural beauty. While the hike is short enough for families, it still provides enough elevation gain to feel like a rewarding mountain adventure. It’s about the experience of getting there – the steady climb, the quiet woods, the sound of water just as the waterfall comes into view.
It’s the kind of hike you take when you just want to be outside for a while.
And when you finally reach the falls, you’ll probably end up staying longer than you planned.
Other Nearby Waterfalls
Elk River Falls – Elk River Falls is located in Elk River, North Carolina in Avery County just past the Tennessee/North Carolina border. This waterfall an easy hike and great for all ages. The trail is a short in and out trail with a 0.4 mile round trip. Note: Elk River Falls is currently closed due to additional Hurricane Helene debris clean up. It is scheduled to reopen around June 1, 2026.
Waterfall Park/Bobby McLean Memorial Park – Waterfall Park is a three-tiered waterfall that is 50 feet tall. It has a roadside view, so it’s able to be enjoyed by all. There’s also a trail that runs alongside the waterfall so you can hike up an enjoy different views of the waterfall. There are a few points that are a little steep, but nothing too difficult. There are viewing areas near each tier so you can enjoy them separately as well as all together.
Linville Falls – Linville Falls has a total height of 150 feet with four drops. Linville Falls starts with a twin set of upper falls, moving into a small gorge, and ending in a high-volume, 45-foot drop. There are four different overlooks that you can hike to different views of Linville Falls. Note: Currently the only way to access Linville Falls is using the US Forest Service gravel parking lot on Old NC 105. The Upper Falls Trail and main Parkway entrance area are currently closed.
Green Mountain Creek Falls – Green Mountain Creek Falls is about 20 feet high with a shallow plunge pool. It is roadside and you can stand right in front of the plunge pool. The waterfall empties into a culvert where the stream continues on the other side of the road. It’s located about 8 miles from downtown Blowing Rock.
Silvervale Falls – Silvervale Falls is a 80 foot roadside waterfall located in Caldwell County, near Blowing Rock, NC. There is a parking space right next to the waterfall.
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