This waterfall was originally called by local residents, The Murphy Falls. The National Park Service would rename the community Crabtree Falls.

CRABTREE FALLS VS MURPHY FALLS VS CRABTREE FALLS
Crabtree Falls, located at Milepost 339.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway, cascades 70 feet over the Blue Ridge escarpment on its journey to the Toe River. A part of the original land grant to the Penland family by the King, the falls are located where a thriving community once existed, with a grist mill owned by Billy Bradshaw and the Last Chance Baptist Church serving as anchors. However, locals knew this waterfall as Murphy Falls, with Crabtree Falls being located on the Crabtree Creek Road that connects Little Switzerland with US 19-E in the Estatoe community. When the Blue Ridge Parkway came through the area in the 1940’s, the National Park Service renamed the Murphy Falls, Crabtree Falls. The entire park was called Crabtree Meadows. Now, as if that is not confusing enough, the park service has renamed the area Crabtree Falls – Campground, Picnic Area, and Waterfall. Crabtree Creek forms the county line between Mitchell and Yancey County. 

The original Crabtree Falls which is located on Crabtree Road.

The original Crabtree Falls which is located on Crabtree Road.

A frozen Crabtree Falls on Crabtree Road in the early 1900’s.

 

 

 

This 1970's photo shows signage directing hikers to Crabtree Falls on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

This 1970’s photo shows signage directing hikers to Crabtree Falls on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

 

The original Crabtree Meadows Gift Shop and Lunch Counter on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The original Crabtree Meadows Gift Shop and Lunch Counter on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Parkway visitors enjoy picnicking and camping at the Crabtree Meadows Campground and Picnic area on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Parkway visitors enjoy picnicking and camping at the Crabtree Meadows Campground and Picnic area on the Blue Ridge Parkway.