Abrams Falls Trail hiking trail and waterfall, Cades Cove, Smoky Mountains, TN

Abrams Falls Trail in the Smoky Mountains
Abrams Falls view

Rated moderate, this 5 mile round trip hike features a spectacular 20 foot waterfall with a large 100 foot pool at the base, a favorite for swimming during the summer months.

Follow U.S. 321 to the "Y". Turn onto Laurel Creek Road and continue straight until you reach Cades Cove Loop Rd. Travel 4.9 miles on Cades Cove Loop Rd., cross Abrams Creek and turn right onto a gravel road. Travel another 1/2 mile to the parking area. This is stop #10 on the Cades Cove loop tour.

Abrams Falls view At the junction of Mill Creek and Abrams Creek cross the first of 3 foot bridges. To the right, after crossing the foot bridge, the trail leads to the Elijah Oliver Place, the house of Elijah Oliver, the son of John Oliver who was the first white settler in Cades Cove in 1818.

The trail climbs to the top of Arbutus Ridge before switching back to the right and descending down towards Wilson Creek.

After crossing the foot bridge over Wilson Creek, you'll see another foot bridge on the left. Take the short side trail on the left up to the top of Abrams Falls.

The rocks at the falls can be very dangerous due to the moss and water. Proceed carefully!

Abrams Falls view Abrams Falls Trail parallels Abrams Creek most of the hike, however you will hike along 3 ridges with an elevation gain of 1750 feet to the falls.

During May and June, mountain laurel, rhododendron, hemlocks, wildflowers and pine trees line the trail and waterfall.

Abrams Falls Trail continues another strenuous 1.8 miles to the trail's ends at Abrams Creek Ford. From there it connects with the Hannah Mountain Trail on the left, the Hatcher Mountain Trail on the right and the Little Bottoms Trail.

If you choose to return to Cades Cove, retrace your steps on the Abrams Falls Trail, completing the 5 mile hike.

Abrams Falls view The Hannah Mountain trail winds 1.9 miles to Rabbit Creek Trail. The Hatcher Mountain Trail is 2.8 miles to Cooper Road Trail and Beard Cane Creek Trail. The Little Bottoms Trail continues 2.3 miles to the Abrams Creek Campground.

For this moderate day hike, it is recommended to carry a knapsack, bottled water and a light snack.

Never drink water from the streams without boiling it first or adding Iodine pills to purify the water. Even the clearest stream can contain harmful bacteria.

Smoky Mountain Mall would like to thank Rich Stevenson for the use of his beautiful photography.