Hiking Crabtree Falls
Last Tuesday I went on a PE field trip with the 7th grade boys to Crabtree Falls in Montebello, VA. I was a bit worried about being with only boys for an entire day, but it ended up being the best day of my entire 20 year teaching career. Crabtree Falls is the highest vertical-drop cascading falls east of the Mississippi and is not an easy hike. I heard not one complaint from a single boy the entire day!
If you are ever in Central Virginia and like to hike, this hike is not to be missed.
Not long after the hike starts there’s a rewarding first few of the falls. The falls tumble down a tall mountain and are quite picturesque and also quite dangerous. 22 people have died as a result of leaving the trail and slipping on the rocks. You better believe that we watched they boys as they hiked like hawks!
Mountain Laurel and Rhododendron were in full bloom.
I am a mountain girl at heart and will never get tired of the beauty of Virginia. I am so lucky to have all of this practically in my back yard.
The boys loved looking at this dead Vulture on a rock. I am pretty fascinated with gross things, too, and was right there with the boys examining it. Wonder what killed it and how its body ended up draped over this rock?
Almost to the top!
This is the reward after a long hike! Ahhh!
We ate a picnic lunch on the rocks looking over the mountains.
Past the falls is a meadow with a creek perfect for playing. Quite a few boys ended up in the creek.
Here I am with my little buddy, Akeil.
All too soon it was time to start hiking back down the mountain to the bus. The view going down is just as pretty as the view going up.
What a fun day! Most every boy on my bus deemed this “The best field trip ever!” and I totally agreed!
I even made a movie to share!
Looks like a nice trip! I would have liked to go on that field trip. So pretty!
Such gorgeous pictures Paula. Glad you had a good time and what a great experience for those kids!
xoxo,
Kim
Wow, what a great field trip! I’m a mtn girl at heart too and love the breathtaking views.
Hi Paula, Wow! That looks beautiful! I love waterfalls.. We have some pretty places to hike here in Arkansas not to far from here. Devil’s Den State park is really pretty. I have explored the caves before, but most are closed now because they are dangerous. Thanks for your nice comments on the granite! We love it! Have a great day! Kristen
Paula, that looks like fun. You were a brave soul. We have a place in NC called Stone Mountain State Park that has a climb that sounds similar to yours. The view from the top is well worth it though! Carla
It’s worth every step to get to take in those views. I’m sure the boys will remember this for the rest of their lives.
What a cool field trip! I’m not sure, but I think I might have been there when I was in middle school on a trip with a church youth group. Your pictures were great!!
Paula, I can’t wait to show these pictures to Chris and Will, they finished their hike last summer in Montebello and we keep saying that need to go back
I’m glad you had such a great day!
This was beautiful your pictures were awesome..thanks for sharing!