Crab Orchard Branch
Crab Orchard Falls
| Difficulty | IV(V) |
| Length | 0.3 mi |
| Avg Gradient | n/a |
| Gauge | Powell River at Big Stone Gap, Va |
| Flow Rate as of 44 minutes | 111 cfsbelow recommended |
| Reach Info Last Updated | October 20, 2023 |
River Description
This micro creek is a trib of the Guest River Gorge near Coeburn VA. Use the same parking access as you would for the Guest to get to Crab Orchard Branch via the Guest River Gorge trail. From the parking area, it is about 1 mile to the trailhead for Crab Orchard Branch. Look for a small footpath cutting away from the main trail to the left, if you cross a small bridge turn around because you just missed the trail by a few steps.
Crab Orchard is a good high-water alternative when all of the other creeks are SCARY high. Its short length makes it a great spot to run laps on its main drop. After scouting your way, get ready for a FUN ride. This falls drops about 25'.
It wouldn't be a bad idea to have someone at the bottom right of the falls with a rope so any potential situations can be averted here. It wouldn't be a pretty sight chasing boats/bodies out to the Guest at high water.
This drop can be hucked all day long when the creek has the water, so enjoy it if you catch it running!
Lat/longitude coordinates are approximate, from TopoQuest.
River Features
Put In
Take Out
Crab Orchard Falls
20-25' falls. Run this drop center or right center. Do not go left. The drop is backed up by a large slab of rock not too far out from the lip of the falls.