Chasing waterfalls: Area’s cascades staycation destinations

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Falling water generates its own breeze at the foot of Crabtree Falls in Nelson County, cool proof that May’s rains have recharged Central Virginia’s creeks after two dry years.

Streams feeding many of the region’s waterfalls were reduced to a trickle during 2007 and 2008. But with about six inches of rain in Lynchburg and Charlottesville since May 1, many of the region’s cascades are again spectacular.

Several waterfalls are within an hour’s drive of Lynchburg. And for people who are staying close to home for Memorial Day, an escape to a waterfall can make an ideal “staycation,” particularly if a hike and a picnic are included.

Crabtree Falls isn’t the only worthwhile destination in the region, but no waterfall in Virginia exceeds Crabtree for height, beauty and photographic opportunities — according to most guidebooks, anyway.

At more than 1,000 feet, Crabtree is easily the highest waterfall in Virginia and some people rate it as the tallest cascade east of the Mississippi.

It’s also one of the most accessible, with a paved path leading to its base.

At the same time, Crabtree offers a challenging hike to its top, following a steep but well-used trail that provides viewing platforms at each of the five tiers of its drop.

Crabtree also has had 23 people fall to their deaths, according to a sign that greets visitors.

Those who stay on the trail are safe. Those who venture onto rocks beside the falls trust their lives to the grip of their shoe soles.

Each of Crabtree’s tiers has its own characteristics.

One resembles a spiral staircase. Another is a straight, nearly vertical chute into a pool.

At another tier, waters part in several directions to descend a series of intermediate steps.

Rhododendron blossoms overhung the stream last week, offering a bright pink contrast to falling white water, especially on the higher tiers.

The most spectacular, and tallest, tier is at the top of the falls, where a broad cascade of white water plunges over a cliff with only the sky above it.