Crab Orchard Falls

Crab Orchard Falls is a great hike to a lovely waterfall with many side paths down at the falls to explore and find a secluded spot even when you arrive with a number of other hikers. There is an old trail (shorter but steeper) and a new trail (more gentle slope but significantly longer) so you can hike in and out the same way or make a loop out of it - which is what we did. We chose the steep trail on our way and then the more gentle for an easier descent on our knees. It was a lovely hike and I'd like to come back to the area with our kids to hike it again.

Crab Orchard Falls is a great short.5-.75 mile one way hike the entire family can do and you're rewarded with a beautiful waterfall I at the end. There are now 2 trails to the falls. The first dubbed the Old Trail which is to the left behind the Conference Center which is a slightly shorter one (.5 miles one way) which is all up hill on a gravel road most of the way with some benches to rest on along the way. The second one also behind the Conference Center is dubbed the New Trail and is off to the right and is slightly longer (.75 miles one way). This trail is still up hill but the switch backs make the incline less steep and it also offers more scenery through the forest. We've done both and l'd opt for the New Trail any day. They did a great job putting it in. If it's wet though l'd go with the Old Trail as the New Trail would be much muddier and more slippery. The 2 trails meet just before the trail down to the waterfall. About 100 yards after the trails meet, there is a trail heading down and off to the right which goes to the water falls. The trail continues another mile or so off to the left if you just want to hike more but the trail to the falls is to the right. It's a little steep and you have to watch the tree roots (again, it would be very slippery if wet) but they have built they have built stone steps at the very bottom. The falls are viewable from many spots at this point and there is a path to the top but as with any waterfalls, rocks can be slippery (even if dry) so be careful. The short hike is well worth the view however and this would be a great place for a family picnic.

Such a beautiful area. So much to see. The hike isn't not long but it is steep. Bring a walking stick or better yet, don't hike in flip flops 😂 (it was an impromptu hike). Absolutely beautiful though. The falls were full when we went and the pictures don't do this justice at all!

It was a good hike to the falls and it is quite steep. Recommend wearing hiking shoes. The waterfall is very nice and there are plenty of places to sit and enjoy them. Took us about 2 hours including the drive to and from our rental house. Well worth it.

This is a well maintained trail. Perfect for any level of hiker does have some steepness. This can be done in sneakers or hiking shoes, easy access to the water and dog friendly i hiked to the right which is less steep. But a little longer.

Very steep hike! Not suitable for very young children! Other than that, the scenery was beautiful and the waterfalls were spectacular!! Perfect rocks for lounging.

When standing at the beginning point, you can go left or you can go right. My group started our walk towards the right. Walking towards the right was a pretty lengthy & windy walk. The path itself was nice and mostly flat with very few branches. It was an uphill walk but a semi scenic walk. Once you get closer to the top, there are some benches to sit on and once you get basically at the falls, there are steps leading down. The falls themselves are beautiful and the sound of the water is rather peaceful. Walking from the falls back up is rather steep. On the walk back we decided to go the opposite way we initially took. That path was a shorter path but there were tons of rocks and it was just steep and not nearly as scenic as the other path.

We enjoyed it & it was a beautiful day. If you go to the right behind the porta potty you will run into fallen trees left over from the last storm. Take the left it will take less time but it is more of an incline. There will be a place as you go up the path that that you can go right. This may help make it a little easier. The path on the right is more scenic but longer. When you come back down definitely take the path to the right & not the left because it is shorter.

Relatively easy hike for beginners! Stunning scenery all the way through and gorgeous waterfall views, as well as huge rocks you can climb onto, you can get into the water. Lots of mossy rocks, which are slippery so be very careful, but this an easy hike and it's gorgeous!!! Definitely check it out!!!!! We were staying at the hermitages and hiked from there and it was well worth it!!!!

When standing at the beginning point, you can go left or you can go right. My group started our walk towards the right. Walking towards the right was a pretty lengthy & windy walk. The path itself was nice and mostly flat with very few branches. It was an uphill walk but a semi scenic walk. Once you get closer to the top, there are some benches to sit on and once you get basically at the falls, there are steps leading down. The falls themselves are beautiful and the sound of the water is rather peaceful. Walking from the falls back up is rather steep. On the walk back we decided to go the opposite way we initially took. That path was a shorter path but there were tons of rocks and it was just steep and not nearly as scenic as the other path.

Great hike. A bit steep at the start but well worth it once you get to the waterfall.

It was a warm day for our 1 mile hike to this beautiful 'smaller' waterfall. The trail wasn't clearly marked so we did make a wrong turn at one point but we enjoyed the day none-the- less. It was slightly slippery on the trail as it has rained a few days prior. No geocache was present at this location (at least WE didn't get the smiley)

Hard hard hard hard trail ... seem short but steep !! But all this worth the end and what u see .. beautiful ! Make sure u have water and food. If u are smoker dont even try to go there or u may not come back .. if u are diabetic make sure u have snack because your sugar will drop by the end. So collect energy for hike back!

Awesome 1.5 mike in and out trail hike to a wonderful waterfall. The trailhead is located behind a beautiful old church and their conference center. Just park your car and walk around the building. You'll see signs about making sure to park in a specific area. The incline is incredibly steep during one portion, your calves will be sore but it's worth it! Dogs are allowed and seem to love the cool water before heading back to the car. The trail is mostly dirt but a bit rocky at the decline into the falls. Beautiful views up the river and down the river. Lots of places to sit and enjoy the water. Not busy at all, had it to ourselves and passed hikers before and after us.

Very nice trail - you will feel it in your calf's but we saw plenty of parents with kids on it and fortunately the walk back is downhill near the end

The trailhead parking is shared with a church. It's a relatively easy hike once you get past the steep hill at the beginning. There is also a porter john at the beginning. About half a mile in, you can go right to the falls or left to continue. The falls are nice with large rocks to sit on.

Beautiful waterfall and well worth the hike but you must be able to hike up trail a good distance and back down trail as well.

Park behind the church. Pretty steep hike up, but groomed trail. The falls aren't huge, but pretty and a fun area to climb around

This is our favorite summer swimming hole. The waterfall is fun, and it's very easy to find. The All Trails app directions take you right to the parking area behind the church. We've come in the fall and in the summer and while you can't swim in the fall the leaves are gorgeous. It can get a little crowded on peak summer weekends. One part is a little steep with some loose rocks, but my 3 year old can handle it!

COULD NOT FIND IT despite driving several different ways to get there. McRae College is very close to it and there is no signage nor is the "quaint old church" in which you park behind it quaint-- it's a huge church. Wanted to walk a new trail and see a new waterfall-- very disappointed I could not find it. Better luck to the next person who tries to find this fall.