Great Smoky Mountains

A Great Smoky Mountain National Park and Surrounding Areas Guide

Abrams Falls Trail

Abrams Falls Trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The hike is relatively easy with only a 200ft elevation gain and a wide trail between Cades Cove and Abrams Falls.

Hiking Data: Abrams Falls Trail

Description: Abrams Falls Trail

Abrams Falls Trail runs along Abrams Creek, the largest stream entirely inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Toward the end of the trail, the creek plunges over Abrams Falls into the largest natural pool within the park. The falls themselves have the largest volume of water of any falls within the park and Abrams Falls is considered by many to be the most beautiful.

Abrams Falls Trail has a fairly even grade and is wider than most park trails, leaving enough room for the heavy traffic this popular trail receives. Starting around 1,700ft this trail raises slightly to 1,800ft over the first half mile, keeps this elevation for ¾ mile, then drops 100ft over the next mile before it’s final 200ft elevation drop over the last quarter mile before reaching Abrams Falls. Beyond the falls, the trail rises 400ft before terminating at it’s junction with Hannah Mountain Trail.

Trailhead: 5.1 miles from the start of Cades Cove Loop Road lies a gravel road on the right that leads 0.5 miles to Abrams Falls trailhead. The gravel road to the trailhead is just past where Cades Cove Loop Road crosses Abrams Creek (the only stream you cross while driving south along Cades Cove Loop Road).