Located in Cades Cove within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Abrams Falls is a 20-foot waterfall with a large volume of water rushing over and a deep pool at the base. Hike 2.5 miles one-way to Abrams Falls and enjoy the picturesque scenery. It’s the perfect little day hike for everyone of all ages!
Table of Contents
Know Before You Go
Great Smoky Mountains – Parking Tag
Parking tags are required in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. There are three different tags you can purchase. Daily pass for $5, weekly pass for $15, or an annual pass for $40. Tags may be purchased online, or on-site. Parking tags will NOT be required for motorists who pass through the area or who park for less than 15 minutes, or while parked at their designated campsite. Entrance into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is FREE, but a parking tag is required.
History
Abrams Falls and its creek, Abrams Creek, are named after a Cherokee Indian chief, Oskuah. He later adopted the name Abram (or Abraham). His village stood several miles downstream from the waterfalls.
Cades Cove
Abrams Falls is located in Cades Cove. There is an 11-mile, one-way loop road that circles the cove. It is known for its wildlife and beautiful flora. Be on the lookout for black bears, deer, river otters, snakes, and sometimes elk!
Cades Cove is open year-round from sunrise to sunset but always check the NPS website for updates.
Black Bears
Black bears are sometimes active around Abrams Falls. Follow these guidelines to avoid any negative interaction with a black bear.
Safety
Abrams Falls has been rated one of the most dangerous hikes in America. But what’s so dangerous about a 20-foot waterfall? Apparently 29 lives have been lost since the 1970s at Abrams Falls. It’s all mostly due to drowning incidences. However, the National Park Service states there have been 10 deaths at Abrams Falls in the history of the Park.
Strong currents and an undertow make swimming near the base of the waterfall very dangerous. Furthermore, climbing the rocks around the waterfall is also dangerous. Several people have fallen to their deaths, and many have suffered serious injuries. The rocks are slippery due to mist and algae.
The National Park Service strongly warns against swimming and climbing rocks at Abrams Falls. Please, don’t be the next victim.
Leave No Trace
Before you go, please make sure you understand the Leave No Trace principles. These seven principles help reduce our environmental impact from outdoor recreational activities. Nature is meant to be enjoyed and respected. 🌱
- Plan ahead and prepare
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of others
About the Trail
Abrams Falls Trail in Cades Cove
Location: Abrams Falls is located in Cades Cove within Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee.
Length & Elevation Gain: It’s about 5 miles with an elevation gain of 650 feet.
Hiking Time: It takes an average of 2.5 to 4 hours to complete this hike.
Route Type: This is an out-and-back hike.
Difficulty Rating: Most people rate this hike as moderate (depending on fitness level).
Terrain: This trail has dirt, rocks, footbridges, and narrow log bridges.
Pet-friendly? No, pets are not allowed.
How to Get to the Trailhead
The Abrams Falls Trailhead is located past stop #10 on the Cades Cove Loop Road. There is a sign at the turnoff. The parking area is fairly big but due to the hike’s popularity, it does fill up quick. There are two bathrooms.
Put this address in Google maps: Abrams Falls Trail, Townsend, TN 37882
Cades Cove Loop Road is CLOSED to motor vehicle traffic all day on Wednesdays between early May and late September of each year, to allow cyclists and pedestrians to enjoy the cove.
Trail Directions
The trail is well-maintained and well-marked. It’s a straightforward trail to follow. The hike begins from the parking area where you will follow the Abrams Falls Trail.
There will be a few footbridges and narrow log bridges you will cross along the way.
The trail is up and down the entire way but overall, you will gain about 650 feet of elevation. The trail follows the Abrams Creek.
In 2.5 miles, you will reach the famous Abrams Falls. Explore the area, relax, hydrate yourself, and eat some snacks. Just be careful on the rocks!
To return back to the parking lot, simply retrace your steps. Congrats, you did it! 🥳
Avoid the Crowds
During the peak season, Abrams Falls attracts about 1,000 visitors per day. If you’re like me and my husband, you want to avoid crowded places at all cost! Here’s a few tips to (hopefully) help avoid all the people.
Get there early! You can start hiking to Abrams Falls early in the morning around sunrise time (which is when Cades Cove Loop Road opens). Most people start coming into the parking lot around 8-10 AM. Beat the crowd and get there before everyone else!
Go on a weekday! The most popular days people hike to Abrams Falls is on the weekends and most days during the summer. Kids are out of school and families are on vacation. The weekdays (especially in the off season) are the best days to go to avoid crowds.
Go in the offseason! This is the time of year when fewer people are traveling. Usually around late fall through the winter to early spring when the weather is not very ideal for outdoor activities.
Get a late start! Rather than hiking early in the morning, you can choose to hike later in the afternoon before sunset to avoid the crowds. Just be aware that the Cades Cove Loop Road does close around sunset.
READ THIS: 15 Ways to Avoid Crowds in the Great Outdoors
We Vlogged Our Experience!
More Hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains
There are a bunch of awesome hikes to do in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! Below is a list of some of our personal favorites.
Clingmans Dome – take a hike to the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It’s a short yet very steep 0.5 mile-hike to an observation tower that offers beautiful 360-degree views.
Andrews Bald – hike 1.8 miles one-way to the highest grassy bald in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Escape the heavily congested crowds of Clingmans Dome and find more solitude at Andrews Bald. Enjoy the amazing views of the southern Smokies and Fontana Lake.
Chimney Tops – get ready for a tough, short hike! In the 2 miles heading towards Chimney Tops, you will gain about 1,400 feet in elevation. Unfortunately, due to fire damage and safety issues, the last 0.25 miles (which was the best part) is closed off. But there is a viewing platform which offers nice views, and you can see Chimney Tops from there!
Grotto Falls – hike 1.4 miles one-way to this unique waterfall. The Trillium Gap Trail takes you through an old-growth hemlock forest and continues behind the 25-foot waterfall. This is the only waterfall in Great Smoky Mountains National Park that you can walk behind!
Charlie’s Bunion – hike 4 miles one-way to one of the most picturesque spots along the Appalachian Trail and capture the breathing taking views from the unique rocky outcrop known as Charlie’s Bunion.
Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte – this is a very popular hike yet strenuous hike clocking in at 11 miles roundtrip with almost 2,800 feet of elevation gain. It’s an awesome adventure, and you will see Arch Rock, Alum Cave Bluff, Mount LeConte Lodge, Cliff Top, and Myrtle Point along the way!
Rainbow Falls – take a hike to a beautiful 80-foot waterfall. This 5.5-mile roundtrip hike is the perfect family adventure as the trail is rated moderate to hard difficulty. You might even see a rainbow at the waterfall!
Enjoyed this post? Pin for later!
