A 1.5-mile roundtrip hike takes you to the beautiful Crab Orchard Falls waterfall in Valle Crucis, just 9 miles from Sugar Mountain. While the trail is short, it has some steep sections. The trail is well-maintained, so it’s great for most fitness levels and kids. It’s on private property at the Valle Crucis Conference Center, but they welcome waterfall hunters and have a parking area at the trailhead.
From the parking area adjacent to Church of the Holy Cross, follow a gravel road past some of the historic buildings. The trail gradually climbs the ridge. Find some benches along the way if you need a rest. You’ll see a waterfall sign to turn right to descend to the base of the cascades. As you approach the falls, you’ll get a birds-eye view of the cascades below. A wooden boardwalk makes the last section by boulders much easier – but it can be slippery when wet. Dogs are allowed on a leash.
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