Trail Run Project Logo

A great run to Abrams Falls that the whole family will enjoy!


Your Rating: Rating Rating Rating Rating Rating      Clear Rating
Your Difficulty:
Your Favorites: Add To-Do · Your List
Zoom in to see details
Map Key

5.1

Miles

8.2

KM

93%

Runnable

1,735' 529 m

High

1,470' 448 m

Low

550' 168 m

Up

550' 168 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

21%

Max Grade (12°)

Dogs No Dogs

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

Overview

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.

Description

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.

Flora & Fauna

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.

History & Background

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

Contacts

Shared By:

Kristen Arendt

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 101 votes

#1

in Cades Cove

#76

Overall
  4.5 from 101 votes
5 Star
56%
4 Star
41%
3 Star
3%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Cades Cove

#76

Overall
55 Views Last Month
6,447 Since Aug 4, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate

1%
2%
78%
8%
11%
0%

Photos

Abrams Falls.
Feb 3, 2016 near Wildwood, TN
Abrams Falls in the summer.
Jan 23, 2016 near Wildwood, TN
Cades Cove. with permission from Justin P
Aug 4, 2016 near Wildwood, TN
Rhododendron blooms as you hike the trail in June.
Jan 23, 2016 near Wildwood, TN
Abrams Falls. with permission from RAllen
Aug 4, 2016 near Wildwood, TN
Abrams Falls.
Apr 15, 2016 near Wildwood, TN

0 Comments

Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 43 days ago
Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

Apr 14, 2017
Courtney N
Welcome

Join the Community! It's FREE

Already have an account? Login to close this notice.