Crabtree Meadows

Crabtree Meadows is a scenic 5.1-mile point-to-point offroad trail in Virginia's George Washington National Forest that is ideal for stock high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicles, SxSs, and dual-sport motorcycles looking for a mix of gravel and rocky terrain. Starting from State Route 56, the route winds through dense forest, climbing from 2,574 feet to a peak elevation of 3,336 feet. The first half of the route features a relatively well-maintained gravel surface leading to the upper trailhead parking lot for Crabtree Falls, which requires careful navigation through a couple of shallow water crossings with loose rock. Beyond the parking area, the trail transitions to an unmaintained, rocky natural surface that demands more attention to tire placement as it descends toward the closed gate at the private property boundary. Multiple spacious dispersed camping sites are scattered along the road, making it an excellent destination for weekend overlanding trips. The Appalachian Trail intersects the route, providing exceptional hiking opportunities right from your campsite. Offroaders should plan ahead, as there is absolutely no cellular service in this remote mountain drainage, and the trail ends at a locked gate that once connected to the southern portion of Shoe Creek Trail. Pack out all trash and check local forestry conditions before departing, especially during wet winter months when rocks can become slick and water crossings may swell.