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Abrams Falls

View this trail on the brand new LocalHikes.com

Highlights:

Great trail and peaceful surroundings makes this one of GSMNP's popular hikes...
Near:Townsend, TN
Scenery:
Distance:5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:2186 ft
Hike Time:3.5 hours
Difficulty:Easy
Trail Condition:Well maintained trail
HikeType:Out and Back



Summary: You will have to drive the Cades Cove Loop to get to the trailhead. Stop at the information area and pick up an auto tour map and explore what else the cove has to offer before and after the hike.
During the first 4/10 of a mile you will follow the trail along Abrams Creek there are several photo opportunities along the creek before ascending Arbutus Ridge. You will have to cross 3 single log footbridges so extra precaution is required with children.
We rated this trail easy but it is a steady uphill trek on the way back. The trails are in great condition and providing road conditions in the park this makes a great winter hike with snow on the ground. This is will probably will become one of your favorites as well.
Depending on the season check with park phone number provided for road closings and possible bear activity.

Trailhead: Preferred route: I-40 (Knoxville) to 140 East to 129 South follow signs to 411N/321N then continue on 321N to 73 East and you will enter the GSMNP. 7 miles to the Cades Cove Loop.
I-40 East (Sevierville) exit #407 Hwy 66 to 441 South through Gatlinburg into the GSMNP entrance then West (Sugarlands Visitor Center) on Little River Road then follow signs to Cades Cove.
You will need to drive halfway through the 11-mile loop to stop #12 Abrams Falls on the auto tour.
Cades Cove Loop is not open to autos on Wednesdays and Sundays until 10:00 a.m.
****GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK**** (Lat:35.59141 Lon:-83.85282)

Trail Guides for Abrams Falls:
Day Hikes in GSMNP
by Johnny Molloy ()

Best Seasons: Year-Round
User Groups: Hikers,
Ranger Contact: Cades Cove Ranger 865-436-1200
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Bobby Trotter, who has posted  74 other hikes on this site
Trail Reviews  Page 1 of 3   Submit your own review
Reviewed by Melinda N on 2/7/2012
First trail of a 100 mile goal this year in the Smoky's. Glad I started with this trail. The water from the fall was really pouring off the ledge, more so than normal. This is a fairly easy hike, some rocks along trail and a few steep climbs but overall it was easy. The creek than runs the whole length of the trail is beautiful and it plunges into the falls at the end of the trail. This was named after a Cherokee Indian Chief Oskuah who later changed his name to Abram.

Reviewed by Derek on 9/26/2011
This is a great trail! I have been on it a couple of times. Going to the falls is no problem. The way back is a bit more difficult but not too hard. The best part for me was jumping off the waterfall. That was something I had'nt planned on but there were some other people trying it so I took the plunge! It was an absolute blast!

Reviewed by JC on 6/3/2011
My first hike in the GSMNP...it was a challenging hike, yet easy enough to not be overwhelming. I am 39 in decent shape, and including hanging out at the falls for 20 minutes, and rolling my ankle pretty good (wear boots with ankle supports!! Lots of jutting rocks, pay attention to where you put your feet...) I made it in about 2.75 hours.

Reviewed by Melinda on 11/4/2009
I would love to go on this hike with you all...I have been to Abrams Falls quite a few times, and am going back this weekend...You all will love this hike...I wish I would love to go with you all and would if I didnt have to work overtime that Saturday...Last weekend I climb to the top of Abrams Falls and it is so pretty up there too...I wish you all would of been going this weekend cause I would of been right there with ya...Just enjoy....Melinda

Reviewed by W on 10/7/2009
My 80 year old Dad and I did this hike,it was his first one and he did very well.I would not say it is easy.The trailhead sign says moderately difficult.We got to the falls in 45 min.and it took us an hour and a half to come back.The falls were really rushing from all the rain we have had.

Reviewed by GCB on 6/30/2009
As of 6/21/2009, the trail was closed all week and did not get a chance to do the hike. The trail was closed due to the increased number of bears. I heard one of the rangers say this was very unusual and very dangerous and that somebody had to be feeding them or there wouldn't be that many in that area. It was still closed when we left that week. If you are going to the park and plan on making this hike, best to call ahead to sugarlands visitor center and inquire on the trail status. We saw 3 bears within the Cades Cove loop and later another bear near the Grotto Falls trail on the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. I've been in and around the park over the years quite a few times and have never seen a bear until this year.

Reviewed by David on 8/3/2008
Easy for most hikers. Certainly not a stroll, though. Must take water. I was impressed with the number of families with young kids making the hike. Many with flip-flops, also. Lots of trash, unfortunately. Buggy at the end. Saw a copperhead on a log at the base of the falls. Few deer along the trail as well.

Reviewed by KB on 6/25/2008
This hike is mostly easy, but at times can be hard. Some parts have hills with jagged rocks and branches sticking out, so be sure to be careful. It is a great hike though for the whole family and if it is hot out you can swim in the pool. The falls are nice, the only thing that disappoints me is that some people leave their trash at the scene and ruin it. Please, if you're going to go there respect nature.


Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Keys: Tennessee Hiking, Tennessee Trails, Tennessee Hikes, Blount County Hiking, Blount County Trails, Blount County Hikes


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