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 Reporter |
Summary: Begin and end at the parking lot to Abrams Falls. I suggest heading toward the falls and ending on Wet Bottom Trail. The hike toward the falls is 4.2 miles and should be easily be done in 2.5 hours. Turn right at the Hatcher Mountain trail,for 2.8 miles, relatively easy. This trail is scenic and nice under foot, a great place for a lunch when the sun is out. Cooper Road Trail has many up and down sections; it is also gutted out in many places. This will be the hardest section of the hike and water will be needed in all seasons. After 5.6 miles look for the trail marker for Wet Bottoms toward Elijah Oliver's homestead on the right. This trail is only 1 mile. If you run into Cades Cove Loop Road you have gone too far. Not far down this trail I saw a bobcat. It is noted on the map with a star. He was at the edge of the forest near the Cove so keep your eyes pealed. The Wet B. trail is not good to hike in wet weather but Homestead is worth all the effort. Trailhead: Preferred route: I-40 (Knoxville) to 140 East to 129 South toward Maryville, follow signs to 411N/321N toward Townsend, 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 Saturday's until 10:00 a.m. Also call for possible road closing information for Cades Cove and other in-routes during winter months. (Lat:35.59 Lon:-83.84) Trail Guides for AbramsFalls-HatcherMnt-CooperRd-WetBotLoop: Hiking Trails of the Smokies by GSM National History Association () Hiking Trails of the Smokies by GSM National History Association () Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Cades Cove Ranger Station 865-436-1200 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Lucinda Turbeville, who has posted 3 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by GabbyK on 11/11/2008 This is a challenging but rewarding climb to novices and mature hikers,a walking stick helps. We were caught in a storm so take waterproofs, and make sure you arrive back before sunset as you need to see where your feet are treading. Some of the trail has sheer drops at the edge. The falls are worth a swim in hot weather to cool off from the hike. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||