Abrams Falls Out and Back

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This run is one of the most popular day outings in the Smokies. Abrams Falls is a destination that you won't want to miss.

The trailhead for the Abrams Falls Trail is located off the side of Cades Cove Loop Road, between exits 10 and 11, just northwest of the Cades Cover Visitor Center. A gravel road leads to a large parking area near the trailhead, and the turnoff is signed.

Start your run on the Abrams Falls Trail. A short way into the trail, runners will cross a footbridge over Abrams Creek. The run to the Abrams Falls is fairly level the entire time with a slight overall descent as it follows along the creek. Along the way, be sure to look for rhododendron in the woods surrounding the trail. The trail heads through a scenic pine-oak forest on the ridges and hemlock and rhododendron forest along the creek.

About 2.5 miles, you'll come to Abrams Falls which are a great place to sit down and relax for a picnic. While the waterfall is only 20 feet high, it pours a huge volume of water per second into a pool roughly 100 feet wide. The long, deep pool at the base of Abrams Falls is very picturesque. Use caution near the falls, however, and do not get too close. The rocks surrounding the falls are extremely slippery due to the mist from the falls.

From Abrams Falls, runners can choose to extend their run past the falls towards Hannah Mountain Trail and Little Bottoms Trail, allowing the option to run some excellent loops for those looking for a longer outing. For those who are happy with an outing to and from the falls, just retrace your steps back to the parking area to finish out this run.

The Smokies are home to more than 1,600 species of plants, most of which produce an abundance of flowers in the spring. These species include mountain laurel, rhododendron, azalea, and many others. Spring wildflowers peak from early April through late May.

As for local fauna, black bears are common in the area, along with white-tailed deer and 31 species of salamanders. Birdwatchers can also spot a variety of species along this trail.

The waterfall and creek are named for a Cherokee chief whose village once stood several miles downstream.