Hike To Abrams Falls
Published June 26th, 2006 in Hiking, Hiking Log, Smoky Mountains, Travel
This is a great hike for a family to take together for an afternoon in the Smokies. With the trailhead located at the back of the Cades Cove Scenic Loop, it is usually to plan a full day of exploring the Cove. The Abrams Falls Trail is a 5 mile round-trip hike over fairly easy terrain. There are some sections near the falls where the trail gets rocky and rooty. The leg that takes you down to the falls is especially steep.
I decided to carry our son on my back (using one of those carrier packs), and this trail was well suited for that since it is pretty easy from an elevation standpoint. For most of the hike, the trail follows Abrams Creek. If you are hiking after a good bit of rain, there can be several wet and muddy spots along the trail caused by the water coming down off the hillside.
If you are going to have kids with you, this is a great hike for them. I would say 90% of the trail is wide and flat, giving them plenty of room to run up ahead or just horse around. There are also plenty of spots to stop off and drop down by the creek.
The area around Abrams Falls and the pool they spill in to is very rocky, and can be quite slippery. We rested here for a moment, letting our 3 year old son throw rocks in the water and just check the place out.
All in all, the hike is about 2 - 3 hours for the round trip, depending on your speed, how crowded the trail is, and how long you spend at the falls.