Abram's Falls Hike

Abrams Falls is one of the most popular waterfall trails in the Great Smoky Mountains. The trailhead is located almost halfway through the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop, between signposts 10 and 11 on the Cades Cove driving tour. Turn right at the sign for Abrams Falls and drive about a half-mile on the dirt road until you reach the parking lot. This is a very popular trail, and parking is usually at a premium during the spring, summer, and fall.

The trail starts out by crossing a large footbridge over Abrams Creek. Immediately to the right is another half-mile trail that leads to the Elijah Oliver Place. Elijah was the son of John Oliver, who was the first white settler in Cades Cove in 1818. The Abrams Falls trail is off to the left.

When you first begin, this trail is rather wide and level. The trail follows Abrams Creek, and it is a refreshing sight to glance to the left and see the creek water gently rolling downstream. Soon you will start to climb, and the tree roots become more predominant with each step that you take, not to mention the rocks that are on the trail. There are several places along the trail that provide a good spot for stopping and taking photographs.

The trail switches back and forth, rising and descending to follow Abrams Creek. You will cross two more single footbridges before you reach Abrams Falls. As you near the end of the 2.5-mile hike, you will hear the falls before you see them. After going steeply down hill (while remembering that if you go down, you must come up on the return trip), cross another single footbridge, bear to the left, and cross another footbridge. The falls will soon be in view.

While Abrams Falls, at 20 feet, is certainly not the largest waterfall in the Smokies, it is one of the most thundering. The water gathers in a pool at the base that is over 100 feet in width, and according to information on the falls, it is a popular playground in the summer. The area surrounding the falls would be a great place to have a picnic, but don’t plan on having any private time. There will always be someone close by.

Also, allow yourself plenty of time. The sign at the trailhead said to allow 3 to 4 hours. We started around 3pm and walked (very quickly) down in about 55 minutes. It took us 65 minutes to walk out; however, we were not strolling, since it was the end of December and dusk was already setting in at 5pm. Allow yourself plenty of time, as the trail is well-used and maneuvering around the tree roots will definitely slow you down.

We’ll have to go back and hike this trail again, only we will get an earlier start so we can enjoy the trail, scenery, and waterfall, instead of rushing because it’s getting dark.