Abrams Falls Trail Features
This is an easy, nearly flat 5 mile round trip that takes you to the 20-foot high Abrams Falls which spills into a scenic pool. The trail begins at the Abrams Falls parking lot on Cades Cove Loop Road. Elevation gain is 340 feet.
Be sure to read the sign before entering the trail. Image by Jeaneane Payne
The waterfall and creek are named for a Cherokee chief whose village was once situated several miles downstream.
When hiking Abrams Falls Trail, you will enjoy the sounds of a mountain river as it rushes by along with the chirps of birds of the forest. You will cross three narrow log bridges before reaching the waterfall. The trail to the falls traverses pine-oak forest on the ridges and hemlock and rhododendron forest along the creek.
Along the trail, you will cross a really neat bridge. Sometimes you might even spot a trout fish swimming by. Image by Jeaneane Payne
You will want to take with you some bottled water. Pets are not allowed on the trail. The only two trails in the national park that allow pets are the Gatlinburg Trail near the Sugarlands Visitor Center and the Oconaluftee River Trail near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. Bicycles are not permitted. Parts of the trail are rocky, so sturdy hiking shoes are recommended. Do not attempt to hike the trail in sandals or flip flops.
It’s wonderful to listen to the sound of the river as you hike the trail. Image by Jeaneane Payne
Words of Caution
• It is not unusual to have a bear encounter along your journey. Be sure to keep your distance and do not approach bears or feed them.
• Due to strong currents and an undertow, swimming in the pool at the base of the falls is extremely dangerous. Swimmers have drowned here! Don’t be the next victim!
• Do not climb on rocks around a waterfall. Several people have fallen to their deaths. In addition, many others have suffered serious injuries from climbing on rocks near waterfalls or along the riverbanks. Mist and algae cause the rocks to become slippery.
• Closely supervise children at all times.
