The weekend alarm goes off, and instead of hitting snooze, you’re actually excited to get up. That’s what Nelson County does to people—turns tired city dwellers into eager adventurers, because missing a single moment of mountain time feels like a crime.
Friday Evening: Arrive and Unwind
Check into one of our lodging partners near Crabtree Falls—whether it’s a cozy cabin rental nestled in the woods, a charming bed-and-breakfast, or a vineyard accommodation with valley views. Drop your bags, step onto the deck or porch, and take that first deep breath of Blue Ridge air. The stress of the week starts melting away before you even unpack.
Grab dinner at a local farm-to-table spot where the ingredients were harvested this morning, then cap off your arrival with a relaxed evening at Blue Mountain Brewery. Their Full Nelson Virginia Pale Ale pairs perfectly with sunset views from the outdoor deck, and there’s something deeply satisfying about sipping beer made with local ingredients while cows graze in the adjacent pasture.
Saturday: Conquer the Highest Falls East of the Mississippi
Wake up to mountain views right outside your window and fuel up with coffee on your cabin deck or a farm-fresh breakfast at your B&B. By 8:30, you’re lacing up your hiking boots in the Crabtree Falls parking area, breathing in that crisp mountain air that seems to wash the week right out of your lungs.
Here’s something worth bragging about: you’re about to hike to the highest cascading waterfall this side of the Mississippi River. That’s right—Crabtree Falls doesn’t just look spectacular; it holds a record that stretches from Virginia to the Rockies.
The 3.4-mile trail isn’t a gentle stroll—it’s steady climbing that’ll remind your office-softened legs what they’re built for. But every switchback reveals something new: moss-covered boulders that look like ancient sculptures, rhododendron tunnels that frame the sky in green, and that growing thunder of water that means you’re getting close to something truly extraordinary.
Then you see it. Five cascading tiers dropping 1,200 feet down the mountainside, each level carving its own perfect swimming hole into the granite. The mist hits your face like nature’s air conditioning, and standing before the highest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi, you understand why this place captures hearts.
After soaking in the views (and maybe your feet in that bone-chilling mountain water), it’s time for the afternoon’s reward: craft beer with a story.
Twenty minutes down the mountain, Devils Backbone Brewing Company awaits with tasting room views that overlook the same peaks you just conquered. The Vienna Lager tastes different when you’ve earned it with elevation gain, and conversation flows easy between hikers still wearing their trail dust like badges of honor.
Saturday Evening: Stories and Stars
Back at your lodging, fire up the grill or settle in for another farm-to-table dinner. The beauty of staying overnight is the luxury of mountain time—no rushing back to reality, just evening conversations on the deck while stars emerge unmarred by city light pollution.
Sunday: Explore Beyond the Falls
Your second day opens possibilities you missed in Friday’s excitement. Maybe it’s a morning hike to a different waterfall, a visit to local farm stands and artisan shops, or a leisurely drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway with stops at scenic overlooks.
Before heading home, one final brewery stop lets you stock up on local bottles and swap contact information with the couple from Richmond you’ve been adventuring alongside. Your car loaded with local treasures, you understand why visitors keep coming back—not just for the highest cascading waterfall this side of the Mississippi, but for the way mountain time moves differently, reminding you what really matters.
This is Nelson County in a nutshell: where weekend adventures recharge your soul better than a week anywhere else, where every trail leads to a story, and where 48 hours can completely reset your perspective on what makes life worth living.
Ready to plan your perfect Nelson County weekend? Start with lodging near Crabtree Falls, tackle the highest cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi, then choose your own craft beverage adventure along the Nelson 151 trail. Because some adventures are too good to rush—and your Monday self will thank you for taking the time to do them right.
