Abrams Falls
Cades Cove · 5-mile round trip
A twenty-foot waterfall at the end of a five-mile round trip from Cades Cove Loop Road, pushing far more water than its height suggests. Start early, and stay out of the pool at the base — the undertow there is strong enough to be dangerous.
Abrams Falls is one of the most-loved waterfall hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains. It isn't the tallest falls in the park, but the volume of water pouring over the ledge into a wide pool makes it one of the most powerful.
The Abrams Falls Trail starts in Cades Cove and follows Abrams Creek through quiet forest for about two and a half miles to the falls. It makes a perfect half-day adventure when paired with a drive around the Cades Cove Loop.
Abrams Falls Trail at a glance
Time: plan on three to four hours
Difficulty: moderate, with rocky and rooty sections
Trailhead: end of Abrams Falls Road, about halfway around the Cades Cove Loop
Pets: not allowed on this trail
Finding the Abrams Falls trailhead
The trailhead is inside Cades Cove, on the one-way Cades Cove Loop Road. About halfway around the loop, between sign posts ten and eleven, turn onto Abrams Falls Road and follow it to the parking area at the end. There's a restroom at the trailhead.
The loop is one-way and traffic moves slowly, especially when wildlife is spotted. Driving the full loop alone can take a few hours on a busy day, so give yourself plenty of time to reach the trailhead.
Bring a parking tag — Great Smoky Mountains National Park requires a parking tag for any vehicle parked longer than fifteen minutes, including at the trailhead. You can buy one online or at park visitor centers before you go.
What the hike is like
The trail follows Abrams Creek almost the whole way, so you'll hear the water for most of the hike. The path winds through hemlock, pine, and hardwood forest, and spring brings wildflowers like trillium and violets along the edges.
The trail is moderate, but it isn't a stroll. Expect roots, rocks, some ups and downs, and footlog bridges over the creek. Wear sturdy hiking shoes rather than sandals, and carry plenty of water. If you start late in the day, bring a light, because the return trip can take longer than you expect.
Reaching the falls
After about two and a half miles the trail opens up at the falls. Abrams Creek pours over a rock ledge into a wide, deep pool, and the amount of water makes it one of the most impressive waterfalls in the park, especially after a good rain. Find a spot on the bank, catch your breath, and enjoy the view before heading back the way you came.
Wildlife along the way
Cades Cove is one of the best places in the Smokies to see wildlife. White-tailed deer and wild turkeys are common, and black bears are sometimes active near the trail. Give every animal plenty of space, never feed wildlife, and keep food packed away.
Best time to hike Abrams Falls
Spring — wildflowers line the trail and the falls run strong from seasonal rain.
Summer — the shady creekside forest keeps things a bit cooler, but this is the busiest season, so start early.
Fall — the leaves along Abrams Creek turn brilliant colors, making this one of the prettiest times to go. See our fall cabin rentals to plan a leaf-season trip.
Weekends are the busiest time year-round. For the best parking and a quieter trail, arrive early in the morning, and check the national park's website for any temporary trail closures before you head out.
More waterfall hikes in the Smokies
Once you've seen Abrams Falls, add a few more waterfalls to your trip. Laurel Falls is a paved, family-friendly favorite near Sugarlands, and Grotto Falls lets you walk behind the waterfall. For a bigger challenge, Alum Cave Trail is one of the park's most famous hikes. Browse all of our Smoky Mountain hiking trails for more ideas.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Abrams Falls hike?
About five miles round trip. Most hikers take three to four hours, including time at the falls.
Where does the Abrams Falls Trail start?
The trailhead is at the end of Abrams Falls Road, about halfway around the one-way Cades Cove Loop Road.
Is Abrams Falls hard?
It's rated moderate. The trail has rocks, roots, and some ups and downs, so sturdy shoes and water are a must.
Can you swim at Abrams Falls?
Swimming is strongly discouraged. The pool has a dangerous undertow, and the rocks around the falls are very slippery.
Can I bring my dog?
No. Pets aren't allowed on the Abrams Falls Trail. In the national park, dogs are allowed only on the Gatlinburg Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail.
Do I need a parking tag?
Yes. A park parking tag is required for any vehicle parked longer than fifteen minutes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Make Abrams Falls part of a bigger Smoky Mountain vacation. Our cabins near Cades Cove and Wears Valley cabins put you close to the park's quieter side. After a long day on the trail, rest your legs in one of our hot tub cabins. Bringing the dog? Our pet-friendly cabins welcome them along for the trip.