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Abrams Falls Trail

Tallassee, Tennessee

4.8/5
based on 8 reviews

Details

Distance

4.96 miles

Elevation Gain

625 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Jon King

Abrams Falls is arguably the most scenic waterfall in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

One of the biggest perks of hiking Abrams Falls is the drive to get there. The trailhead is located approximately 5 miles into the scenic Cades Cove Loop. Cades Cove is an adventure in itself. Keep your eye out for black bears, deer and wild turkey. If you are taking the self guided auto tour, Abrams Falls Trail is located just after stop #10. Turn right on the gravel road and park in the large parking lot.

Just after the trailhead, keep left at the first junction towards Abrams Falls. The trail is well marked and maintained. You'll follow Abrams Creek for the majority of the hike. Although you gain 675 feet in elevation, the trail feels fairly level for most of the way. Once you reach the waterfall, pick a spot to picnic, relax and take in the scenery. Remember to leave no trace!

Abrams Falls is only 20 feet high but has the feel of a massive waterfall due to it's high volume of water. The pool at the base of the falls may look tempting to swim in. However, the National Park Services strongly discourages this. Visitors have drowned in this area due to the powerful current and undertow.

Abrams Falls is one of the most popular hikes in the park. It's always a bummer to reach your destination only to find a crowd of people. We hiked on a weekday in April and were lucky enough to have the waterfall all to ourselves for over 30 minutes. To avoid large crowds, start early in the morning. You may also want to consider hiking on a weekday or during the off season.

After the hike enjoy the rest of Cades Cove Loop and keep that camera ready!

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Features

Chillin
Photography
Hiking
Scenic
Waterfall
Wildlife

Abrams Falls Trail Reviews

This is my go-to hike for those who are new to hiking in the Smokies. I first hiked to Abram's Falls over 20 years ago on Father's Day with my Dad. My Dad is not a hiker, and it is the only time I have been able to get hike to hike with me, so the fact he joined me for this one is a big deal. We ate lunch on the prominent rock seen in all the pictures (including the one above, with the girl standing on it), and I stripped down and took a dip in the bottom of the falls. Even though it was late June, the briskness of the water took my breath away. I have returned a few times, with my wife, with my wife and kids, and with my in-laws. i have a photo of my daughter trekking up the trail when she was 5. Many great memories around this hike...

This is by far one of my favorite hikes in the smokies. Going in the fall is always my favorite, but beating the crowds can be challenging. The traffic on the Cades cove loop can be crazy this time of year. For the most adventurous, the road is closed to car traffic on Wednesday and Saturday mornings which can be fun to bike to the trailhead. Expect to hike between 3 and 4 hours round trip and bring a camera. The falls ate exceptionally beautiful.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Bike Cade's Cove Loop

Gregory Bald via Gregory Ridge Trail

Hike to Rocky Top

Backpack to Spence Field

Hike to Look Rock Tower

Gregory Bald via Twentymile